Digital Safety Course

Importance of Digital Citizenship in the 21st Century

Digital Safety promotes responsible use of digital devices. Parents and guardians are encouraged to model positive behavior, routinely monitor students' use, and hold students accountable for behaviors at home.

For students to receive a Chromebook, parents or guardians must complete the Digital Safety Course, confirm completion on the Google form linked below and return the required paperwork to their campus.

Internet Safety

Houston Independent School District has adopted an Acceptable Policy that maintains compliance with Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA)

Privacy

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) ensures that the privacy of student records is protected through the use of usernames and passwords

WHY Digital Safety?

Digital Safety promotes responsible use of digital devices. We strongly encourage Parents/guardians to:

Model positive behavior
Routinely monitor students' use
Hold students accountable for behaviors at home

Dangers of Sharenting

Respecting your child's privacy is a now more important than ever.

Dangers of Beauty Trends

With the influences of social media it is easy for children to want to mirror what they see which can be dangerous. With parent support we can prevent toxic trends.

Improper Actions

Students are not allowed to use district-managed devices in a manner that causes harm to others, damages the device, violates copyright laws, or sends potentially harmful data/information to others.

Accountability

The HISD Code of Conduct outlines the possible consequences for violating these rules. Consequences may range from campus disciplinary actions to legal action as determined by the level of misconduct.

WHAT are responsible use?

Acceptable Activity for Home and School students are expected to follow network etiquette at all times. This includes:

Being courteous to others
Eliminating the use of profanity
Maintaining login information private
Alerting an adult of suspicious or inappropriate activity

Collaborating at Home

Building positive online habits at home can support building positive habits at school.

Digital Footprints

How does using social media affect our digital footprints?

As tweens and teens start sharing content and engaging with others online, it's important for them to understand the tracks they're leaving behind and what those tracks might reveal. Digital footprints can be positive or negative, depending on how someone uses the internet. Parents can help guide kids toward creating the kind of footprint they can be proud of. Talk with your child about what would and would not be appropriate to share online. Remember:

Only post things they would feel comfortable sharing with anyone, including parents and potential employers.
Digital footprints can't be erased. They exist online FOREVER. All of a person's online posts, comments, cookies, social media photos, and more provide a perspective on a user's life.
Remember that you no longer have control of things you post online. Have your child set strict privacy limits on all their accounts.

Click here for more family tips!

Social Media

With smartphone and other internet-enabled devices becoming more popular among young kids and adolescents, it often opens the door for minor to have access to social media.

Social media can be a positive tool..when used appropriately. It connects people to others all over the world and allows everyone to stay in touch with friends and family members.

However, parents must adapt to this digital age of parenting to help children navigate it safely.

Some Helpful Tips for Parents

Warn children about the importance of privacy and the dangers of sharing personal information.
Make your own family media use plan and actively monitor search/site history.
Set limits on screen time and balance social media with face-to-face interactions with friends and family.

Click here form information on popular apps with the HISD Social Media 101 Page

Cyberbullying

As early as 12, your teenager might have already been a victim of online harassment. Thirty-seven percent(37%) of kids between 12 and 17 years have already faced online bullying.

Cyberbullying includes sharing, sending, or posting negative or harmful content about another person. This includes spreading rumors, threatening others, or sharing private information about someone else that could embarrass someone. Cyberbullying can happen anywhere electronic communication is involved, such as text messages, online games, social media sites, email, or instant messaging. Notify the school immediately if you find evidence of it.

The harm of cyberbullying can only change when EVERYONE speaks up. If you see something...Say Something! Use C-B-R to help stop cyberbullying.

What Can You Do?

C-Copy (or screenshot) the offending text or comment.
B- Block the bully on social media platforms and all mobile devices.
R-Report any and all incidents to school leaders or proper authorities.

Digital Safety Completion

Please complete the form below using the codeword: PowerUp23

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