In the world we live in, knowing how to keep kids safe online is absolutely essential. Technology, electronic devices, and social media are part of every young person’s daily life. Children’s mental, emotional, and sometimes their physical health are profoundly affected by what they see, hear, and are exposed to in the world of technology.
It is beyond important that our young people are protected from online and social media content they are not prepared to absorb or understand. Most adults are unaware of everything that children and teens have access to as well as what is delivered directly to them through technology. This is not to say that parents, caregivers, and other concerned adults are being negligent or uncaring. However, the sheer amount of inappropriate and dangerous material that children and teens are bombarded by constantly is enormous.
As our kids navigate their world, they are also building self esteem, emotional boundaries, and learning how to understand, adapt, and cope with the environment around them. To help them grow into healthy adults as well as keep them safe from child predators, we need every ounce of assistance we can get.
Be on the lookout for an email that will be going out to every parent and guardian in our school district the week of February 7, 2022 with an Online Safety Toolkit created in 2022 by the Attorney General of Florida. This toolkit includes valuable and practical information to help you keep your child safe in the online world.
As parents, guardians, caregivers, educators, and all adults who love and advocate for children, we are partners. Together, we can shield and protect our most precious resource from potential mental, emotional, and physical harm in the online and social media world.
As always, remember … we are in this together! If you suspect inappropriate communication between children and adults through any kind of technology, contact the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873. You can also contact the School Resource Officer at your child’s school for assistance.
Deborah Godbold
Mental Health Counselor
Suwannee County School District
386-647-4619