As a parent, you want to ensure that your child is safely using the internet and their devices. Most parents are aware of risks and dangers, but simply don't know what to look for. Please use the information and resources on this site as a starting point to communicate with your child regarding the responsible use of technology.
Communication is the key. Ask your child what they do when they are online or using apps. Monitor internet activity, texts, and the use of social media apps. Establish guidelines, boundaries, and consequences.
Ask your child to show you the apps on his or her computer, phone, tablet, iPod/iPad and/or other electronic device, and have them tell you what they use the apps for. If you don't recognize an app, look it up using an online search engine.
Resources
App guide for parents and teachers: Descriptions of popular apps and recommendations for student use from Smart Social
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Parent Guides from Screen Sanity: Includes TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, sexting, and more. Registration with name and email address are required for access.
Apps to track screen time
SPACE (Android)
QualityTime (Android)
SPACE (iOS)
Cyberbullying resources from CyberWise
Family Link for Chromebooks: Parents can create accounts for children less than 13, customize a list of allowed websites, approve or decline apps and monitor screen time
Take It Down - Free service from the National Center for Missing Exploited Children to help remove online explicit photos and videos of minors.
Tips for Parents
Postpone access to smartphones and social media until 13 or older (13 is the minimum age for most apps and online accounts)
Talk with your child about safe and responsible use of technology before giving them a device or access
Set guidelines and boundaries, establish and enforce consequences
Keep devices out of bedrooms at night - have a charging location in the living room or kitchen
Know the passwords to your child’s accounts
Monitor online activity
Research unknown apps and programs
Review texts, messages, email
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