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 Western Hills Elementary 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 Western Hills Elementary has partnered with Common Sense Education 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

Every student at Western Hills Elementary School will become a responsible digital citizen who knows how to harness the learning potential of digital media in a 24/7 connected world and do it safely, effectively, ethically, and respectfully. Teachers will implement technology rich lessons that encourage active and project based learning opportunities for our students to equip them to take ownership of their own learning and prepare them to thrive in the 21^st Century.