Keeping children safe at school is a priority for all parents. But with increased access to digital devices, cyberbullying and other hazards may loom larger than ever before. To ensure your child has an enjoyable and safe experience at school, you’ll want to keep these tips in mind. Read on to discover more about safeguarding children in schools.
Establish communication with your child’s school
The best way to understand your child’s daily experience is to communicate with their teachers and school administrators. These conversations can also help to identify potential barriers to your child’s academic and social progress. To deepen your connection, consider arranging a meeting with the principal. You may also want to attend school open houses and events. In addition, you can set up a parent-teacher conference to clarify your child’s progress and set goals for the future.
Talk to your child about digital etiquette
As your child enters middle school, you may want to discuss the concept of digital etiquette with them. This approach can help your child to become more considerate of others’ feelings and identities while online. You may also want to discuss the source of information on the internet. While many sources are valid, you’ll want to teach your child to recognize fake news and identify responsible sources of information.
Limiting screen time at home and school
Schools are increasingly regulating the time children spend with their digital devices. And in many cases, parents may want to follow suit. If so, you may want to consider the following tips: – Limiting the time spent on devices. While the specific amount of screen time varies among children, you’ll want to avoid constant engagement with digital devices. – Limiting the number of devices in a single location. With multiple devices, you may also want to consider setting a time limit. – Limiting the number of apps installed. You may also want to avoid introducing new apps as your child grows.
Ensure you know where your child is at all times
Given the rise in cell phone-enabled safety apps, it’s easier than ever to track the locations of members of your family. That said, you may want to consider a few safety tips: – Explore a range of tracking options. From basic tracking apps to GPS-enabled watches, you have a variety of tracking options at your disposal. – Establish a clear communication protocol with your child. You’ll want to set clear expectations for when your child is expected to share their location with you. – Explore other tracking options. Beyond basic tracking, you may also want to consider monitoring apps to help you stay informed on your child’s experience.
Keeping headphones in-hand for active listening and safety
Kids are often plugged into their headphones while they’re in school. While listening to music is a common practice, it can also be helpful to teach kids to listen actively to their surroundings. – While plugged in, your child can learn to actively listen for important sounds such as the school bell. – To help kids focus on the sounds around them, you can also suggest they listen to something like nature sounds or ambient music.
Conclusion
As a parent, one of your main goals should be to keep your child safe. While this can be challenging at times, you can help prevent cyberbullying, online predators, and other hazards by following the tips above. The most important thing to remember is that open communication with your child and their teachers will help you to stay informed of potential dangers and avoid them whenever possible.