AUSTIN
HIGH SCHOOL

Keeping Students Safe in a Digital World

We may think of our kids’ online, mobile, and technological activities as “digital life,” but to them it’s just life. In their world, being able to connect and communicate 24/7 from just about any location is normal.Phones aren’t simply for phone calls anymore but for listening to music,sending texts, filming videos, snapping and sharing photos, and accessing the Internet. Our kids are using computers and tablets to socialize, stream video, and create movies and songs. And they can connect and communicate 24/7 from just about any location.

Why does digital citizenship matter?

At Austin High School, we want our students to make good decisions so they can take advantage of the powerful technology that fills their lives both at school and at home. But in order to make good choices, kids must know how the digital world works. The stakes are high because our kids’ technological abilities can be greater than their maturity and judgment.Having unrestricted access to information and people can result in gaining a wealth of information and experiences. But it can also mean accessing inappropriate content and exposure to risks such as:

• Cyber bullying
• Inappropriate texting
• Digital relationships
• Compromising their privacy
• Establishing a damaging Digital Footprint

That’s why Austin has partnered with Common Sense Media to provide resources, tips, videos, and other materials to help parents and teachers keep our students safe in the digital world. Click on the Family Tips link in the navigation panel to view and download helpful information on how to encourage your children to become responsible digital citizens.

 Digital Citizenship Vision Statement
All members of the Austin High community will become good digital citizens by being safe, responsible, and respectful in their use of technology. Our school will use the Common Sense Digital Citizenship curriculum to effectively and ethically harness the learning potential of a digitally connected world.