This site is to offer East Heights parents and caregivers information to help create understanding of online content and provide resources and tips for helping keep kids safer online.
Safer Internet Day aims to not only create a safer internet but also a better internet, where everyone is empowered to use technology responsibly, respectfully, critically and creatively.
AT EHS kindergarten through second grade students have been learning about various online safety topics in guidance. As these lessons continue this week for third through fifth grade students this would be an excellent time to have conversations at home about internet safety and wellness.
Most of the time kids' online friends are typically friends from school, sports, or other groups they're involved in. Kids often strengthen their real-world friendships by connecting online. The internet can also be a place for kids to meet new people and make new digital friends. Kids turn to the internet, just as adults do, for learning, finding out what's happening in the media, to search on certain topics, listen to music, play games, follow others on their social media platforms, and so much more.
Since COVID 19 social media sites and chat rooms have seen a rise in usage. Is this a good thing or bad thing? The answer, both. The question to ask is, "Is this a good thing or bad thing for my child?". When kids are randomly paired in an online game, in an open chat room, or posting to their social media site that isn't set to private, there is the possibility the front door is being opened to a stranger you would never let walk in your house. Parent education on the sites kids frequently visit, their social media accounts, and who they are interacting with, is vital in creating a safe online experience for kids.