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Social & Safe - Digital Citizenship

 

What is digital citizenship?

Digital Citizenship is knowing how to navigate digital environments safely, responsibly, and respectfully. It is also the understanding that balancing time online and off has value.

If there is anything online that is threatening in nature, Report it, Don't Repost it.

Make a Safety Report

 

Safety

Talk with your child about what is safe to share online vs. what should be kept private and who is safe to interact with. Explain what to do if they feel unsafe. Be careful not to judge them – they’re more likely to be honest with you this way.

  • Show them how to block and report unsafe people on their social media and video games.
  • Help them with privacy settings.
  • Keep/charge tech in common spaces (ex. living room).
  • Know what apps they use.

Respect

Just like you teach them to use kind words and to be friendly to people they meet in person, tell them the same rules apply online. Always be kind.

  • Model what this looks like using real examples from your social media – how do you respectfully disagree with someone?
  • How can you help someone who is being disrespected online?
  • Explain which people you are comfortable with them talking to online and why.
  • Teach respectful phrases to use in different situations.

Accuracy

Help your child learn to tell the difference between fact and fiction (or embellished stories) online.

  • Read the article before you share it, don’t share based on the headline alone.
  • Check the author to determine if they are a credible source.
  • Learn about deep fakes and how to identify them and avoid sharing them.
  • Explain possible consequences that can come from sharing inaccurate information both with regard to social inaccuracies (gossip) and news.

Parent and Caregiver Responsibilities

Make sure your child understands policies and expectations. Share values with your children by having open discussions with them about what is, and is not, acceptable online behavior.

Read our Tangischools Acceptable Use Policy

 

Being a Good Digital Citizen

In this rapidly evolving digital world, our children are navigating an increasingly complex online landscape. As responsible guardians, it is our duty to guide them towards becoming responsible and respectful digital citizens. Just as we teach them life skills, we must also impart the principles of good digital citizenship. Here's why it matters:

1. Safety First: Teach your children to protect their personal information and privacy online. Encourage them to use strong, unique passwords and to be cautious about sharing personal details.

2. Respect and Kindness: Promote respectful communication online. Teach your children about the impact of their words and actions on others, and the importance of being kind, empathetic, and inclusive in their online interactions.

3. Critical Thinking: Help your children develop critical thinking skills to assess the credibility and accuracy of online information. Encourage them to question, fact-check, and seek diverse perspectives.

4. Digital Footprint: Explain the concept of a digital footprint. Remind them that what they post online can have long-lasting consequences, affecting college admissions, job opportunities, and personal relationships.

5. Cyberbullying Awareness: Discuss cyberbullying and its consequences. Encourage your children to report any online harassment they witness or experience and to stand up against it.

6. Balance and Screen Time: Set reasonable limits on screen time and encourage a healthy balance between online and offline activities. Promote face-to-face interactions and physical activities.

7. Lead by Example: Children learn by observing. Model responsible digital behavior by practicing what you preach. Show them how to engage positively and respectfully online.

8. Open Communication: Create an environment where your children feel comfortable discussing their online experiences and concerns with you. Be nonjudgmental and supportive.

9. Keep Learning Together: Stay informed about the latest digital trends, apps, and platforms. Explore the digital world together, and learn alongside your children.

10. Encourage Creativity and Positive Use: Encourage your children to use technology for creative and educational purposes. Help them find positive online communities and outlets for their interests.

In our connected world, digital citizenship is an essential life skill. By instilling these values and practices in our children, we empower them to navigate the digital landscape responsibly, ethically, and confidently.

Print Resource

 

First page of the PDF file: RaisingDigitallyResponsibleYouth2024

What do we need to know as parents/caregivers to protect our children and teach them responsible and appropriate uses of technology?

The parameters of rules and expectations that we put in place at home will undoubtedly guide our children’s sense of digital responsibility.

Raising Digitally Responsible Youth: A Guide for Parents & Caregivers

 

Safer Schools Together
Additonal Resources for Families

 

Digital Citizenship Resources by Topic

 

Social Media Etiquette

Think Before You Post

T:  Is it true?  If you are unsure if the information you are about to share is true, do not post it.

H: Is it helpful?  If the information or message you are sharing is not helpful to others, or if it could generate feedback that is not helpful to you, do not post it. 

I: Is it inspiring? It is best not to overly use social media as a way to complain or vent your frustrations. Social media can be a helpful place to get answers and encouragment, but it is not wise to use social platforms to express anger and leave hurtful comments.

N: Is it necessary?  Is the news or information you are sharing something that is important for others to know? Is it your news to share? If you are sharing someone else's personal information, or rumors you may have heard, do not share it.

K:  Is it kind? You should always read over your messages before posting. Your post could be interpretted as having a harsh tone if you are not careful with your wording. Double check over your choice of words, emojis, or use of sarcasim. Your message may not be clear to others and could come across as being hurtful or ugly. 

Remember to T.H.I.N.K. before you post. Make sure the digital footrprint you leave behind is one that you would want others to follow. Your future career application, job, or friendships may count on it!

 

Threats on Social Media

Hoax Threats are Not a Joke

Parental warnings against hoax threats are essential to ensure the safety and well-being of children and to teach them responsible online behavior. Hoax threats can cause panic, disrupt communities, and have legal consequences. By fostering open communication and providing education, parents can help their children make safe and responsible choices online.

Read More

P3 - TAP THE APP

Anonymously report anything that concerns or threatens you, your friends, your family, or your community. If you see something, say something!

SUBMIT A TIP

download the P3 Tips App for iPhone or android devices.

Report, Don't Repost

If you see a threat which has been posted online, report it before the post begins to spread. 

Students, school staff, family members, and other members of the community are critical partners in the process of addressing threats against schools. Whether a threat is reported directly to a teacher, other school staff member, law enforcement office, or via our tip line, bringing a threat to someone's attention is the first step towards addressing it quickly and effectively.

Stopping the spread of a threat both aids investigation and limits the potential impact of the threat.

SUBMIT A TIP

A NOTE REGARDING THREATS CIRCULATING ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Every threat our TPSS Schools receive is taken seriously and immediately turned over to law enforcement for investigation. These investigations are critical in determining whether the threat is legitimate. However, they require an enormous amount of time and effort from both school administrators and law enforcement. While it is often difficult to trace the origin of these threats, law enforcement is becoming more adept at identifying those responsible.

It is essential that families and students do not share social media threats further, as doing so only spreads unnecessary fear among our employees, families, and students. Rest assured that our school administrators and teachers follow strict protocols to ensure student safety. These protocols include securing entrances, implementing lockdown operations at the school, monitoring campus activity closely, and collaborating with law enforcement.

While it is important to remain vigilant and aware of potential threats, we cannot allow these situations to repeatedly disrupt our students' education. Each interruption in learning could impact their future success both in high school and beyond.

Please remember that making or spreading threats that incite fear and disrupt the normal operation of our schools carries serious consequences. I encourage everyone to use the P3 app, which allows anyone to report potential school safety issues anonymously. It is our shared responsibility to report anything that might pose a danger to our students or staff.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we continue to prioritize the safety and education of our students.

Sincerely,
Melissa Stilley
Superintendent of Tangipahoa Parish School System

 

 

Harmful Effects of Spreading Rumors on Social Media


1. Spreading Panic and Fear
School threats, whether credible or hoaxes, can cause widespread fear among students, parents, teachers, and the broader community. Even if the threat turns out to be false, the initial shock and anxiety can lead to real emotional distress.

2. Disrupting School Operations
Schools may be forced to close or go into lockdown, causing disruptions to education. Resources are diverted to handle the threat, and class time is lost, negatively impacting students’ learning.

3. Overburdening Law Enforcement
Police and emergency services have to respond to every threat, even if it's just a rumor, diverting critical resources from other emergencies or investigations. This can cause delays in dealing with
real issues that require immediate attention.

4. Legal Consequences for the Person Sharing the Threat
Circulating false or exaggerated threats can lead to legal consequences. Individuals who post threats, even as a joke or in panic, may face criminal charges, including charges for inciting panic, terroristic threats, or cyberbullying.

5. Desensitization to Real Threats
Repeated exposure to hoaxes or non-credible threats may desensitize people, making them less likely to take real threats seriously. This could lead to slower responses or increased danger if a legitimate threat arises.

6. Psychological Harm
Continuous exposure to school threats on social media can contribute to long-term anxiety and trauma for students, staff, and parents, even when there is no actual danger. The sense of uncertainty and fear can deeply affect mental health.

7. Encouraging Copycat Behavior
Publicizing threats can inspire others to mimic or escalate these threats, especially if they see the attention or disruption caused by the original post. This creates a vicious cycle of more threats and more panic.

8. Stigmatizing Schools and Communities
Schools or communities associated with frequent threats can develop a negative reputation, potentially affecting local economies, real estate, and overall community well-being. Families may feel unsafe or consider relocating.

Proper Procedures for Reporting Threats on Social Media


Follow the proper procedures for reporting threats that are seen on social media or spreading throughout the community.

1. Do Not Share Threats Publicly: If you come across a potential school threat on social media, do not share it further. Sharing only amplifies the harm and spreads unnecessary fear.

2. Report the Threat to Authorities: Contact your school administration immediately, or call local law enforcement. Provide them with all relevant details, including screenshots, links, or other evidence. Crimestoppers of Tangipahoa has a tip line so the community is able to report threats
of violence or other suspicious activity.

3. Follow School Protocols: Most schools have protocols for handling threats, including lockdown procedures and communication systems to notify parents and students. Familiarize yourself with these procedures and follow them closely. See our School Safety page for more information.

4. Inform the Social Media Platform: Report the threatening post to the platform where it was shared. Most social media platforms have mechanisms to flag content that incites violence or poses a threat.

Have Meaningful Conversations with Children and Young Adults

Families should be diligent and aware of what is happening in the community and with children and their friends. Do not dismiss all threats but think before contributing to the fear and anxiety of the community.

Always find opportunities to have meaningful conversations with those closest to you and discuss the severe consequences that could come with threats of violence. When speaking to children about social media threats, use clear and age-appropriate language:

1. Explain the Impact: Help them understand that even sharing or joking about threats can cause harm. It can create fear, disrupt learning, and lead to real consequences.

2. Encourage Responsible Online Behavior: Teach children to think critically about what they post or share online. They should know the difference between reporting concerns to an adult and spreading harmful information.

3. Foster Open Communication: Create a safe space where children feel comfortable reporting things that make them feel uneasy or scared. Let them know they won’t get in trouble for reporting a concern, even if it turns out to be false.

4. Reassure Their Safety: Emphasize that school officials and law enforcement take threats seriously and have procedures in place to keep students safe. This can help reduce any anxiety they may feel after learning about a threat.

By promoting responsible reporting of threats and fostering healthy communication, we can minimize the negative effects and ensure that children feel safe and supported.

Every threat received by a school is initially deemed credible. Our schools work with our law enforcement partners to decide on immediate needs to keep our students and staff safe.

Online Safety and Digital Citizenship Resources

  • BeAppSavvy – this document has an alphabetized list of over 50 apps and websites that kids often use. Each entry explains what the app or site is for and points out anything parents should know before allowing their child to use it.
  • CommonSense.org - Digital Citizenship Resources for Family Engagement includes tips and activities which cover a variety of topics. This is a great site to learn more about movies, shows, video games, and YouTube channels and their content without having to watch yourself. The site gives parent, child, and professional ratings for the content and explanations of the ratings. Yes, even for YouTube channels!
  • Digital Citizenship Guide for Parents - The Digital Citizenship Guide for Parents is designed to prepare parents and guardians for the conversations they should have with their children when they first start using digital devices.
  • Google Family Safety Center - A collection of resources gathered by experts and educators to help set boundaries and to use technology in a way that's right for your family.
  • Hidden/Ghost Apps – this document lists out several apps that people use to hide content such as photos in apps that appear to be a different common app such as the calculator
  • Internet Matters Online Safety Advice for Teens – free access to expert advice on different issues teens often face online, how to deal with them as a parent (ex. How to report online grooming.), and how to help your child deal with them.
  • Keeping Children Safe Online: This webpage offers tips, videos, and resources to help parents, guardians, caregivers, and teachers help protect children from becoming victims of online child predators. U.S. Department of Justice
  • Lego Build & Talk Activities: Our story-style Build & Talk activities, created for children ages 6 to 9, support families with a playful way to engage in otherwise difficult conversations about digital safety topics whilst playing with LEGO® bricks. Covering six different topics, the activities are designed to help your child navigate the online world safely. You’ll also find handy discussion starters to get the conversation going as you Build & Talk together.
  • Lego Raising Digitally Smart Famlies: As a brand that’s all about play, we’re committed to ensuring play is safe for everyone. That’s why we’ve created tools and resources to empower children and families to learn good digital habits and thrive online. Find helpful content and playful learning experiences to help your family become digitally smart.
  • NetSmartz: NetSmartz is NCMEC's online safety education program. It provides age-appropriate videos and activities to help teach children be safer online with the goal of helping children to become more aware of potential online risks and empowering them to help prevent victimization by making safer choices on- and offline. 
  • Parent and Family Digital Learning Guide – great place to find answers to questions about specific scenarios happening with your student.
  • Parenting, Media, and Everything in Between - collection of resources for families gathered by CommonSenseMedia.
  • Parental Control Solutions – this document explains different tools for monitoring and/or controlling your child’s access to online content
  • ParentGuidance.org - A library of courses, developed by leading mental health experts, offer hope, answers, and compassionate help.
  • Project iGuardian - this site provides children, teens, parents, guardians, and teachers information regarding the potential dangers of online environments and how to stay safe online can help prevent many instances of child exploitation. Department of Homeland Security
  • YouTube for Families - Understand your choices as a guardian, discover ways to set up safe guards, and explore Family Link as an option to help control the content your child views on YouTube.

 

LDOE Digital Learning Resources

Digital Citizenship Guides

Personally Identifiable Information

In the digital age, the protection of student information has become paramount. As caregivers, it's crucial to be familiar with the various privacy laws and regulations that apply to K-12 institutions. The Louisiana Department of Education has provided guidance outlining key aspects of FERPA, COPPA, CIPA, and other notable privacy laws.

LA Student Privacy Laws

What is PII?  Personally Identifiable Information is information about an individual that can be used on its own or with other information to identify, contact, or locate a single individual such as:

  • Full name
  • Social Security Number
  • Date and Place of Birth
  • Mother’s Maiden Name
  • Biometric Records (fingerprints, signature etc.)

 

 

Digital Citizenship in Tangischools

Students are taught digital citizenship skills, internet safety, and ways to interact online by applying the core characteristics taught in our SEL curriculum.

Digital citizenship instructional topics include:

  • communicating with respect
  • protecting personal information
  • respecting other’s privacy
  • following copyright laws and practicing safe and ethical behavior
  • determining the validity of websites and other online sources

As students are exposed to more and more online content and have access to information from a variety of sources, it is also important that they be able to understand multiple perspectives, add helpful information/context to online discussions, and support others by offering useful and encouraging feedback.

Tangischools uses the Common Sense Education Digital Citizenship Curriculum to teach digital citizenship skills in all grades, in conjuntion with our Social Emotional Learning Curriculum, Character Strong.