The use of a Chromebooks, iPads and other personal computing devices are exciting additions to the tools available for teachers to create transformative learning experiences for students. There are significant benefits to using Chromebooks in education to support learning and to prepare students for their lives beyond the Elkhart Schools, it is important to understand and discuss topics such as distraction and internet safety. The following section has resources and articles for parents about student use of technology, and may provide information that will be helpful to you in making informed decisions about how your student uses technology outside of school.

General Resources for Parents

• Common Sense Media resources for parents: This link has a variety of resources to help parents tackle some of the toughest questions about technology use at home.
• Parents, Teens, And Technology: Starting The Conversation: Forbes article on how to start a conversation with your child about appropriate technology use.

UNDERSTANDING SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLS

• Instagram, Tips for Parents
• ConnectSafely: Parent Guides for Social Media
• Teens Find the Right Tools for Their Social-Media Jobs - An NPR writer examines which social media sites teens use and how they use them.
• Disruptions: Indiscreet Photos, Glimpsed Then Gone - The article discusses the potential usage of Snapchat as a way of sending inappropriate photos discreetly.
• Find Hidden Apps Your Teen Doesn't Want You Seeing
• Teenology by TeenSafe

TEENS AND ELECTRONICS

• Reduce Teen Screen Time Without Stress - Tips for helping manage screen and electronic time for teens.
• Three Tips for Monitoring Screen Time - Three reasonable steps to reduce and understand electronic and device usage for teens.

PROTECTING YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION AND SAFETY

• Internet Safety Training from Indiana Attorney General - The Attorney General's office compiled a list of resources and learning materials for teachers and parents looking to teach students about privacy and cyber-bullying.
• A Parent's Guide to Internet Safety from FBI - This guide provides parents information and offers recommendations for monitoring your children's safety on the internet and protecting them from potential sexual predators.
• 12 Things Students Should Never Do On Social Media - This article discusses several potential pitfalls of social media sites that could negatively impact students' educational and career opportunities.
• Facebook Privacy: 10 Settings Every User Needs to Know - Outlines a few Facebook features that display and share your data on the Internet and provides advice on how to modify those settings to maintain your privacy.