Social Media Safety
This section of the website will provide opportunities for parents, staff and students to become more fully engaged in educating themselves and others about social media.
One of the goals of the Safety Awareness Committee is to inform parents and students on the dangers of cyberbullying, maintaining proper social media etiquette and dissemination of community information.
The Safety Awareness Committee reviews the District's safety programs and procedures, develops recommendations that will enhance the District's school safety program, and recommends communication plans with parents and the community regarding such issues.
If you would like to serve on this committee, please contact Lillian M. Pizzolo, District Clerk, 21 Everett Drive, Yaphank, NY 11980
Helpful Websites
Cyberbullying Research Center
https://cyberbullying.org/This site provides resources for multiple audiences (parents, teachers, victims, etc.) on topics of including: safety, prevention, response for victims. Of particular note, the site provides a listing of common acronyms used in the digital world. Use this site to help your students learn about laws related to bullying and cyberbullying. Use this Cyberbullying Research Site to help your students better understand the nature and extent of cyberbullying behaviors. Included: A Fact Sheet which provides a summary of important court cases and pending legislation that can help school districts evaluate and improve their current cyberbullying policies.
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
http://www.netsmartz.org/ParentsThis easy to navigate and engaging website provides resources to multiple audiences (parents, teachers, law enforcement, kids, tweens, etc.) using videos and presentations on topics including: cell phones, files sharing, Internet safety, social networking, etc.) Of particular note, each topic includes tips and discussion starters some of which are available in Spanish. NetSmartz Workshop is an interactive, educational program of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children® (NCMEC) that provides age-appropriate resources to help teach children how to be safer on- and offline. The program is designed for children ages 5-17, parents and guardians, educators, and law enforcement. With resources such as videos, games, activity cards, and presentations, NetSmartz entertains while it educates.
*Educate children on how to recognize potential Internet risks
*Engage children and adults in a two-way conversation about on- and offline risks
*Empower children to help prevent themselves from being exploited and to report victimization to a trusted adult
Mcafee Safe Family
http://www.familymcafee.comSafe Family experts provide the latest security tips and online trends to save you time, and help keep your family safe. See what your kids are up to at a glance. View your kid’s device activity from application and website access to current location and checked-in places. Set rules and time limits for apps and websites. Locate your kids on a live map and receive automated notifications the moment they enter or leave familiar places like a school or library.
Federal Bureau of Investigations
https://www.fbi.gov/stats-services/publications/parent-guideThis particular subpage of the larger FBI website provide “A Parent’s Guide to Internet Safety” which is a detailed understanding of the dangers of using the Internet. While on-line computer exploration opens a world of possibilities for children, expanding their horizons and exposing them to different cultures and ways of life, they can be exposed to dangers as they hit the road exploring the information highway. This guide was prepared from actual investigations involving child victims, as well as investigations where law enforcement officers posed as children. Further information on protecting your child on-line may be found in the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s Child Safety on the Information Highway and Teen Safety on the Information Highway pamphlets.
Cyberwise
http://www.cyberwise.org/This site is dedicated to providing state of the art resources for busy grownups who want to understand how to help youth use digital media confidently and safely. Of particular note, this site provides free videos, e-books, curated news, and research on digital media. Cyberwise, no grownup is left behind! We help parents and educators understand digital citizenship, online safety and privacy, reputation management, and more so they can help kids embrace technology safely and wisely. “Cyberwise was just what I was looking for! As a parent of two young children who are on the brink of discovering the world of social media, I needed to educate myself! The Cyberwise website is easy to navigate, well organized, and full of great research and information for parents who want to educate and protect their children online. Cyberwise helped me to feel confident navigating the otherwise scary world of kids and social media.”
Department of Labor
http://www.autocommunities.gov/odep/topics/youth/softskills/SocialNetworking.pdfThis site provides resources for job seekers on the use of social networking to find a job. Additionally, there is a section on cyber resources for the general user. CyberSmart! is a free curriculum and part of Common Sense Media’s education programs. Common Sense will be updating the CyberSmart! Lesson plans and adding video, interactive components, and a rich complement of parent resources to create an integrated K-12 Digital Literacy and Citizenship curriculum.
Common Sense Education
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/educatorsThis site provides teachers, administrators, parents, and students with a very comprehensive offering of resources for all audiences. Many of the resources are available in Spanish. Find research-based tools to teach students how to embrace the power of technology in school and in life.
Discovery Education
http://www.discoveryeducation.com/teachers/free-lesson-plans/cruel-schools.cfmThis site provides educators with lesson plans on teaching about preventing bullying (violence). Discovery Education transforms classrooms, empowers teachers and captivates students by leading the way in providing high quality, dynamic, digital content to school districts large and small, rural and suburban and everything in between. Discovery Education offers a portfolio of opportunities for districts to meet students where they want to learn in the digital age. Discovery is leading the way in transforming classrooms and inspiring learning.
Connect Safely: Smart Socializing Starts Here
http://www.connectsafely.org/This site provides both parents and educators with safety tips and advice regarding social media applications as well as presentations and slideshows about online safety. Founded in 2005, ConnectSafey.org is a leading online safety organization, dedicated to educating users of connected technology about safety, privacy and security. Whether it’s social media, mobile technology or the “Internet of Things,” connected technologies bring us enormous advantages, along with some challenges. ConnectSafely’s job is to help users get the most from their technology while managing the risks and help decision makers craft sensible policies that encourage both innovation and responsible use. ConnectSafely has been a leading voice for rational, research-informed policies — not “moral panics” — when it comes to dealing with challenges brought about by emerging technologies.
Mashable
http://mashable.com/2012/09/04/students-social-media-warnings/#7ZIQOEdICkquThe last thing young people want is another set of rules. But these days, social media comes with great responsibility, whether you're just starting high school or finishing up college. The fact is, irresponsible social media conduct could potentially ruin your education and negatively impact your career, not to mention hurt others in the process. (And we're not just talking kids, either.) But most of those consequences are preventable, often with just a little foresight. We've pinpointed 12 social media mistakes that students should avoid at all costs, because after all, it's never as simple as "be responsible."
STOP CYBERBULLYING
http://www.stopcyberbullying.orgDon't Stand by-Stand Up. A wealth of information about cyberbullying and how it can be prevented. StopCyberbullying was the first cyberbullying prevention program in North America. Its specially-trained young volunteers design and deliver community programs to help their peers address cyberbullying. StopCyberbullying's founder, Parry Aftab, calls them her "cyberarmy" empowered to tackle this important issue. These teens and tweens staff their own text messaging support line for other young people, build apps to promote kindness, and provide student peer support in their schools.
EYES ON BULLYING
http://www.eyesonbullying.org
Preventing bullying in children's lives! What can you do. Successful bullying prevention includes education, preparation, and teamwork. The Eyes on Bullying Toolkit provides specific insights, strategies, activities, and resources to address bullying. It is designed especially for caregivers and parents of preschool and school-age children and youth to use in child care programs, after school and youth programs, and camps.
I-Safe Internet Safety Website
https://isafeventures.com/Simply put, the i-LEARN Online program and the i-Mentor Network bring the education to you. On your computer are a set of online videos on Internet safe The i-LEARN Online program and the i-Mentor Network will change the way you learn forever. i-SAFE knows you are busy and need a system of learning where you can stop, pause, and rewind at your convenience. i-LEARN Online and the i-Mentor Network are created as an "On Demand" system for you to learn safe and responsible use of the Internet at your own pace. They consist of the subjects everyone needs to know to be safe and responsible on the internet
Netiquette Guidelines
https://www.edutopia.org/whats-next-2008-netiquette-guidelines?page=1Netiquette refers to the rules of etiquette that apply to online communication.
SCHOOLS AND ONLINE SOCIALNETWORKING
https://www.educationworld.com/a_issues/issues/issues423.shtmlMost educators working with middle and high school students are aware of the explosive involvement of youth on social networking sites. Few are prepared to deal with it. Internet safety expert Nancy Willard discusses the risks and benefits of such sites and offers schools a comprehensive approach to addressing student Internet access. Included: Advice for parents and teachers; online guidelines for students.