Keep. Them. Safe.
Safety doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when we are aware and equipped with resources to make Informed decisions.
I was recently approached to pull together a team of experts in my district on a presentation for some of our students. We are teaching them about the realities and dangers of sexting among pre-teens and teenagers. Talking about SEXTING with teens can make ALL of us feel uncomfortable. As #K12Leaders, we must find ways to support staff, parents and caregivers so they can facilitate the conversation with us. So, as part of our planning, we brainstormed ideas and pulled together resources.
What came out of it (besides the ongoing presentations we are doing) was a website created for adults as the intended audience. While there are plenty of resources here to be viewed alongside children, pre-tees, and teenagers – I recommend parents/caregivers spending time learning, exploring and choosing beforehand .
I am sharing my site with teachers as well. Some teachers have children who did not grow up during times like these, and some have little ones too young to use devices. However, we all know someone with children who are right in the thick of things – or will be soon enough . The Internet is a vast and ever-changing environment. The better informed adults are, the better we can support our students.
Check it out, provide feedback and share additional resources!
This website has become a labor of love…
For you. 💙
Let’s lead K12 Education together!
Click. The. Link.
https://sites.google.com/mpspk12.org/mpsfamilyresources/home
Hi Suzy, I appreciate you shared in your Mashpee presentations the PEW research data of student experiences. It is a conundrum that parents have in providing the experience of mobile independence while knowing that opens too many unsafe entry points. The security measures parents and schools put in place are only one part of the challenge. We need more instruction and yes, repetition, like you are providing your students and meaningful reminders like you noted by Jeff Cooper. “Safety is something that happens between your ears, not something you hold in your hands.” Thank you as always for your important work and contribution. AJ