Safety Update - Internet & Social Media Awareness

The internet is a growing part of our lives, and students are being exposed to a wide range of content as they work and play online. Valwood School will continue to educate students about the risks posed by irresponsible use of the internet. We encourage parents to be a part of proactive efforts to help our youth use their social media accounts in a safe and responsible way. Students also play an important role in alerting their parents and school administrators to any suspicious online behavior that they witness. Here are a few tips for parents and students to keep in mind as they spend time online.

Parents
  • Be familiar with your child’s online activity, including all social media accounts.
  • Talk to your kids regularly about their use of the internet and social media, and create a safe environment for your children to report internet activity or online posts/messages that make them uncomfortable.
  • Be aware of the consequences (legal and school-based) of inappropriate use of the internet, including forwarding or re-posting of inappropriate or threatening content, to your child and your family.
  • Report inappropriate or threatening online content immediately to law enforcement or school staff.
  • Make sure your children know that even though they think snapchat posts or Instagram posts go away, people can and will screenshot these posts. They will fall into the wrong hands or they can show up years later. 
  • Stress to your children the permanence of the online world. Make sure your children understand the definition of a digital footprint and the impact inappropriate messages or images can have if a future college administrator or employer were to find them. Remind them that what goes on line, stays on line!  Click here to learn more about digital footprint.

Students
  • Do not make irresponsible, frightening or threatening posts on your online accounts as they could result in serious legal and/or school disciplinary action.
  • NEVER forward or re-post an inappropriate or threatening post or message that you see or receive online. Instead, report that post and/or message to an adult and/or school staff member immediately.
  • Encourage your friends to be responsible internet and social media users and remember what goes online, stays online!
  • Do not post or share anything on social media that you would not want your teachers, college admissions officers, future bosses — and yes, your grandmother — to see.

Thank you,
Mr. Les