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Introduction
Introduction
Chromebooks are an essential student tool. Chromebooks provide students with access to online resources and allow teachers to develop engaging activities for 21st century learners. Chromebooks have proven to be powerful, secure, and durable devices. However, there are risks involved with any internet connected device such as inappropriate content, anonymity, and violent games. Brookline Schools staff work to help students become informed, competent digital citizens. The staff also works to provide a secure digital environment.
PSB Chromebook Safety
PSB Chromebook Safety
The PSB IT and ET departments have set a number of policies to make sure that Chromebooks are safe:
All Chromebooks have Google SafeSearch enabled. SafeSearch is an automated filter of offensive material.
Students cannot delete their browsing history on PSB Chromebooks.
All K-8 students are blocked from accessing an extensive list of Social Media apps such as Tik-Tok, Snap Chat, and Facebook.
PSB Chromebooks use Cisco Umbrella, an extension that applies our school cloud based web content filters to the Chromebooks.
Brookline is a member of the Massachusetts Student Data Privacy Alliance. Brookline has over 115 legal contracts that specify how EdTech tool providers must safeguard student personal data.
Additional Parental Control Options
Additional Parental Control Options
There are some additional controls that parents can apply to the PSB Chromebooks.
Parents can view and download their child's browsing history. Students cannot erase the history. To view, the Chromebook must be logged into the student's name. Instructions can be found Here.
Some parents have found that the Chrome Browser extension, LeechBlock offers them some control over what younger students can access on their Chromebooks. More information can be found here.
Your home network router may offer sophisticated parental controls. Some routers allow parents to set restrictions on selected devices such as the student Chromebook, rather than the entire home network. A good review of router options can be found here: The 9 Best Parental Control Routers of 2021. Please note that the Brookline IT Department cannot provide assistance with home networks or the installation of router based parental controls.
Additional Resources
Additional Resources
Web Links
Web Links
Commonsense.org: The leading provider of education and advocacy for safe media and technology for children.
Family Digital Wellness Guide: Science based resources and guidance on Media and children from Boston Children’s Hospital’s Digital Wellness Lab.
Wait Until 8th: The Wait Until 8th pledge empowers parents to rally together to delay giving children a smartphone until at least 8th grade.
Center for Humane Technology: A non-profit dedicated to radically reimagining our digital infrastructure.
How to Make a Family Media Use Plan: from the American Academy of Pediatrics
Google Digital Wellbeing Family Guide: A conversation guide to help you tackle the tough tech questions and navigate the digital world as a family
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