Guidance News…………
Digital Citizenship/\Technology Safety I wanted to take a moment to share some information regarding "new" applications, or apps, that have been catching on recently with children in the Dublin City Schools. Apps are downloadable programs on smartphones (iPhone, Droid, etc.) that serve many purposes. These apps are great, but some require daily parental monitoring. The first app to be aware of is called KiK Messenger. This app allows children to chat with other KiK users by creating an anonymous username. KiK removes all accountability from the user. This is a huge red flag for children and the potential for cyber bullying. This app is rated 17 years old and up, but a simple click of the "OK" button will start the download. If your child is allowed to download apps on a phone, please talk to him/her about this app and why it is rated 17 years and up. Other apps to be cautious about are Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Vine, Facebook, and even Mindcraft the game. Schools in Dublin and across the country have flagged all of these apps because they enable children to cyber bully anonymously, and even share inappropriate material with each other (or strangers) without much thought. Please talk to your children about these apps/games and ask what exactly they used it for and why they need it. Open dialogue is key! Here is what you can do to ensure safe, online behavior…………….. 1. Pay attention. We have to know where our kids are going online-­‐-­‐-­‐and what they’re doing there. Check your child’s digital tools daily, what songs and sites are they downloading!!! 2. Impart our values. Cheating, lying, being cruel online-­‐-­‐-­‐it’s just not OK! 3. Establish limits. Place a parental block on their iPod, phone, and computer. Show them that users need to be 13 years of age to establish accounts (Facebook, twitter, instagram, etc…) 4. Encourage balance. Get your kids involved in activities that involve no technology. 5. Makes kids accountable. Using digital media is a privilege. Make sure your kids earn it. 6. Explain what’s at stake. Remind your kids that what they do today can be found or abused by someone tomorrow or five years from now! We strongly encourage our parents to open up conversation with your children about technology, and how it can be used safely. The Dublin Schools Tech Department has some great resources to assist you in these conversations. You can visit them by clicking on the link below. http://www.dublinschools.net/Technology.aspx -­‐Rhonda Hanks Olde Sawmill Guidance Counselor