Digital Citizenship & Google
Acting the right way in person is easier sometimes than how to act on the Internet. That is why CBS has a comprehensive program for students on digital citizenship and how to use the Google Suite of Apps.
Digital Citizenship
It means different things to different people, but we believe digital citizenship means to have a Christian attitude towards others online and to be responsible in how you act when online.
Please avail yourself of the resources we have here.
Considered the leader in digital citizenship, Common Sense Media has more information for parents and educators than just how to act online:
reviews of apps, movies, music, YouTube channels, and more from a parent's point of view;
parental concerns that include violence in the media, mental health, cell phone parenting and many, many more;
a virtual plethora of research and information to help arm parents.
Their website is easily navigable and simple to understand.
What Apps Should You Allow on Your Child's Device?
The debate is one that has raged for years: which apps should you allow your child to download to their devices?
Good question. The answer? That's a little harder. Here are some pointers:
Make sure the app your child downloads is age appropriate.
Do not let your child download apps without your expressed consent.
Monitor your child's online activity.
Do not hesitate to take away your child's device when inappropriate activity has been found by you or someone you trust.
The Sarasota Florida Sheriff's Office has focused on ensuring children are save by creating Operation Intercept, a program designed to target stalkers of children who use social apps. That particular office has found particular apps are more susceptible to harboring stalkers than others and released that list to the public. You can read more about their accomplishments here.
We know of two or three great monitoring apps you can use with the iPad your child is using:
Here is a recent article that I found listing what it considers the ten best parental monitoring apps for iPhone and iPad. I have not checked these out personally, but it's another source for you to consider.
The last two apps mentioned in the article are more for keeping track of where your kids are going on the internet. Both start off free, then cost money down the road for more control.
Keeping Track of the iPad Your Child Uses
Teen Digital Lingo
So many times, it seems like kids are speaking a different language. And now, with the digital age upon us, it seems even more complicated.
There's an interesting page on "teen digital lingo." Here is the link to help you out:
Google Suite
As part of a students CBS email account, the Google Suite of Apps is included. That includes everything from email, to documents, to slide shows and storage.
Gmail
When a student enrolls in CBS, they receive their own email account. Since we are a Google for Education school, that email address and everything that is Google goes along with it. Students receive the email address when they are in middle school. It is very limited in access in that no one outside the CBS domain can email your child, including parents and grandparents!
Students learn how to access their CBS Google account when they begin middle school.
Google Drive and More
When a student is given their CBS email account, it comes with unlimited storage in Google Drive. Students can store school assignments, pictures, videos, projects, and more there. Then, every bit of it can be accessed on any computer or the iPad they use.
Students will learn how to use and organize Google Drive, including creation of Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides. They will also learn how to share their work with others.
If you have any questions, please email djoubert@cbs-no.org