Internet Safety and Digital Citizenship

WHAT WE BELIEVE:

Digital Citizenship is an important element of student learning and character development in today's world, and that strong habits of online safety, digital citizenship and media balance need to be taught directly as well as in the context of digital tasks starting at a young age.

WHAT WE DO:

Elementary students in the Mercer Island School District build their skills and understanding about digital citizenship and online safety within the context of their lessons, practice, and projects using digital tools including iPads and computer labs.  In addition, students in grades 2-5 receive direct instruction from their teachers with the support of Instructional Technology coaches.

Informal and direct instruction are guided by ISTE's Digital Citizen Standard

"Students recognize the rights, responsibilities and opportunities of living, learning and working in an interconnected digital world, and they act and model in ways that are safe, legal and ethical."

Direct instruction often includes age appropriate videos in Brainpop and Brainpop Jr.  These can be accessed at home via Classlink. 

(Click here for instructions on how to log in to Classlink.)

Featured videos include: Ask your child or your child's teacher for log in information

Internet Safety (Brainpop jr)

Online Safety (Brainpop) 

Cyberbullying (Brainpop)

Digital Etiquette (Brainpop)

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

We encourage families to make digital citizenship and online safety part of your conversations and expectations at home.  Creating clear guidelines and habits for young children around technology at home can help you support them as access and responsibility with digital media increase in the teen years.

Here are a few useful links for parents about technology at home.

Common Sense Media  For Parents (Click the Parents Need to Know tab.) This site has many family resources from movie and app reviews to parent guides.  

Common Sense Media's Online Safety and Privacy for Families This site is broken down to K-2, 3-5 6-8 and 9-12 with age appropriate guidance for families about keeping children safe online.

Common Sense Media's Family Media Agreement Form This is a PDF you can use as is to help guide family conversations and expectations, or adapt to your needs.

Common Sense Media's Device Contract Form If you are considering giving your child access to a phone or device at home, this form helps guide families through setting up expectations for technology at home. It's a powerful family exercise especially prior to 6th grade when school issued student devices are allowed to be taken home. 

Common Sense Media's Parent Video Tips This is a collection of short (1-2 minute) videos on a powerful variety of technology topics for parents to use to build awareness of technology tools and concerns as well as advice for how to best navigate technology at home with children.

Federal Trade Commission Protecting Kids Online Page -- This page has articles about how to talk to your kids about online safety, phone use, and parental controls.

NetSmart Kids Parent Resources NetSmart Kids is an online safety curriculum with games and activities for students as well as PowerPoints, parent guides and tip sheets. 

WHAT WE BELIEVE:

Digital Citizenship is an important element of student learning and character development in today's world. Strong habits of online safety and digital citizenship and media balance need to be taught directly as well as in the context of digital tasks throughout adolescence. 

WHAT WE DO:

Secondary students in the Mercer Island School District build their skills and understanding about digital citizenship and online safety within the context of their lessons, practice, and projects using digital tools including iPads and computer labs.  In addition, students in grade 6-12 receive direct instruction from their teachers with the support of Instructional Technology Coaches. Supplemental lessons are provided in advisory classes (Gator Time/Islander Hour).

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

We encourage families to make digital citizenship and online safety part of your conversations and expectations at home. Creating clear guidelines and habits for young adults around technology at home can help support them as access and responsibility with digital media increase in the teen years.

Here are a few useful links for parents about technology at home:

Common Sense Media Toolbox for Parents This site has many family resources from movie and app reviews to parent guides.  

Common Sense Media's Online Safety and Privacy for Families This site is broken down to K-2, 3-5 6-8 and 9-12 with age appropriate guidance for families about keeping children safe online.

Common Sense Media's Family Media Agreement Form This is a PDF you can use as is to help guide family conversations and expectations, or adapt to your needs.

Common Sense Media's Device Contract Form If you are considering giving your child access to a phone or device at home, this form helps guide families through setting up expectations for technology at home. It's a powerful family exercise especially prior to 6th grade when student issued devices are allowed to be taken home. 

Common Sense Media's Parent Video Tips This is a collection of short (1-2 minute videos) on a powerful variety of technology topics for parents to use to build awareness of technology tools and concerns as well as advice for how to best navigate technology at home with children.

Federal Trade Commission Protecting Kids Online Page -- This page has articles about how to talk to your kids about online safety, phone use, and parental controls.

NetSmart Kids Parent Resources NetSmart Kids is an online safety curriculum with games and activities for students as well as PowerPoints, parent guides and tip sheets.