Students are growing up in an increasingly digital world, and it is essential that they understand the importance of being safe and respectful online. Cyber bullying, online threats of harm, plagiarism, spreading misinformation, and identity theft are all areas of concern that young people should be aware of at an early age. Just as they are expected to contribute positively to our community in the real world, we want them to demonstrate the same behavior digitally.
Additionally, students should be careful when dealing with AI, which is evolving at a rapid pace. This new tool can be very useful to us all, but it comes with concerns about privacy, deception, deep fakes, over-reliance, and more.
Here are a few key principles we encourage students to follow when they are online:
- Privacy and Security: Keep personal information private. Encourage students to use strong passwords, avoid sharing personal details such as home addresses or phone numbers, and be cautious when interacting with people they do not know.
- Digital Footprint: Online actions can have long-lasting effects. Encourage them to be mindful of the content they create and engage with, as it can shape their digital reputation. These interactions can help or hinder future job opportunities and relationships.
- Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying can have a significant impact on young people’s mental health. Have open conversations with students about standing up against online bullying, whether they are the target, a bystander, or even the one exhibiting poor behavior.
- Digital Ethics: Act ethically and responsibly online. Avoid plagiarism, respect intellectual property rights, and avoid inappropriate or offensive behavior.
- Respect Others: The same as in face-to-face interactions, show kindness, respect, and empathy. Treat others online as you would treat them if they were in the same room.
- Responsible Sharing: Whether it’s a news article, a social media post, or a meme, students should learn to verify the accuracy of what they share and avoid spreading misinformation.
Acting inappropriately online can have severe consequences, even if the actions are in jest. This can lead to disciplinary actions through a school district’s code of conduct, or even through the involvement of law enforcement.
We encourage parents/guardians to have ongoing conversations with your children about their online activity and the importance of being good digital citizens.
Thank you for your continued support in helping our students thrive both on and offline.
