SC Blog

Keeping Your Child Safe Online

Rob Mazzuca, Director of Security
With society constantly connected to technology, parents can use the following online safety tips to establish rules and expectations at home.

In a world where technology is essential to modern life, many parents find it hard to maneuver through the murky waters of online safety. The following tips will help you kick-start your way to creating a safe environment for your child on the Internet:
 
  1. Sign a Family Contract
    Consider having your kids sign a family internet and device contract. These contracts can be a useful tool in helping children understand the responsibilities they have while using their device. Click the links below for some example contracts:

  2. Understand the Science Behind Addictive Apps/Games
    It is important to understand that the popular application companies employ psychologists to increase return traffic from visitors by implementing “addictive-like” features. Always know which applications your kids are downloading and monitor how they choose to use them.

  3. Set Guidelines regarding Appropriate Online Behavior
    Take the time to counsel your kids on the do’s and don’ts regarding personal information. There is never a reason to provide personal information to anyone online.

  4. Check Your Child’s Phone
    Tell your child in advance that you are going to check their phone, and then actually do it. Always have the passwords to your younger child’s device(s) and applications. For older children, provide open communications about the balance between their right to privacy and your need to protect them.

  5. Prepare to be Unpopular
    Most importantly, don’t try to be your child’s friend when discussing and enforcing internet safety. Tell them ahead of time that they won’t always agree with you, and that access to these devices is a privilege and not a right.
Sierra Canyon School and Safer Schools Together hosted an informative evening focusing on school-aged children and technology. To view this presentation in its entirety, please visit the Sierra Canyon School YouTube channel.
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Middle and Upper School: 20801 Rinaldi Street
Chatsworth, CA 91311  | 818.882.8121
Sierra Canyon School is a private, independent, non-sectarian, co-educational, college preparatory school for students in grades Pre-Kindergarten through 12 located in Chatsworth, California. The highly cosmopolitan campus community is reflective of the Greater Los Angeles area and the world at large. Students are empowered to realize their greatest creative, ethical, intellectual and physical promise through small class sizes, a diverse student-teacher culture and a family-like environment.