Promoting Safe Online Communication for Schools

Welcome to another edition of “School Talk,” where we dive into the heart of school communication—what works, what doesn’t, and what might just make your day a little brighter. Today’s topic? Promoting safe online communication practices. Because let’s face it, the internet is a wild place, and our job is to help students navigate it without running into too many virtual brick walls.

We all know that the digital world is where our students live. They’re there more than they’re in the classroom, and it’s our job to make sure they’re safe while they’re exploring that space. But how do we do that without coming off as digital dinosaurs who don’t know the difference between a tweet and a TikTok? Well, we’re about to find out. And we’ll have some fun along the way.

First things first: let’s talk about the importance of clear guidelines. If your students don’t know the rules, they’re bound to break them—mostly because they have no idea what they are. So, let’s keep the communication simple, clear, and, above all, relevant to them. Forget about legal jargon. We need rules that they can relate to, like “Don’t share your password, not even with your best friend!” It’s all about making the guidelines as accessible as possible.

Template 1: School Online Safety Guidelines

Title: Online Safety Rules for [School Name]

Purpose: To ensure that all students understand and follow safe online practices.

Rules:

1. Protect Personal Information: Never share your personal information (like your full name, address, phone number, or passwords) with anyone online.
2. Think Before You Post: If you wouldn’t say it in person, don’t post it online. Always be respectful and kind.
3. Keep Accounts Private: Make sure your social media accounts are set to private so only your friends can see what you post.
4. Don’t Share Passwords: Even with your best friend. Your password is private and should be kept that way.
5. Report Unsafe Behavior: If you see something online that makes you uncomfortable or if someone is being mean, tell a trusted adult immediately.

Now, here’s where it gets tricky. Enforcing these rules without making students feel like you’re constantly hovering over them. It’s a fine line between being protective and being overbearing. The key is to build trust. Students need to know that you’re there to help, not just to catch them in the act of breaking the rules. And that starts with having open, honest conversations about why these rules exist in the first place.

One thing that often gets overlooked is the importance of teaching students about their digital footprint. The internet never forgets, and this is a lesson they need to learn sooner rather than later. Encourage students to think before they post, tweet, or snap. It’s not about scaring them into silence; it’s about helping them understand the long-term impact of their online actions. Maybe something like, “Would you want your future boss to see this?” will do the trick. Humor goes a long way here—students respond better when they feel like you’re on their side, not just another authority figure trying to spoil their fun.

Template 2: Digital Footprint Awareness Activity

Title: What’s Your Digital Footprint?

Objective: To help students understand the long-term impact of their online actions.

Instructions:

1. Research Your Footprint: Google yourself. What shows up? Would you be proud to show your future boss?
2. Class Discussion: Talk about what you found. Discuss how these online actions could impact your future.
3. Footprint Clean-Up: Go through your social media accounts and remove any posts that don’t represent the best version of yourself.
4. Reflection: Write a short reflection on what you learned about your digital footprint and how you plan to manage it moving forward.

Speaking of fun, let’s talk about social media. It’s a big, loud world out there, and everyone wants to be heard. But not all attention is good attention, especially online. We need to guide students on how to use social media responsibly. This isn’t just about protecting them from cyberbullying (though that’s a big part of it); it’s also about helping them build a positive online presence. Teach them that what they put out into the world says a lot about who they are. A good rule of thumb? “If you wouldn’t say it in person, don’t say it online.” Simple, but effective.

Cyberbullying is the dark side of the digital world, and we need to address it head-on. Encourage students to speak up if they’re being bullied or if they see someone else being targeted. The “bystander effect” is real, and we need to empower students to be upstanders instead. But here’s the catch: students are more likely to speak up if they know they’ll be supported. So, let’s create a school culture where reporting bullying isn’t just accepted; it’s expected.

Template 3: Anti-Cyberbullying Pledge

Title: [School Name] Anti-Cyberbullying Pledge

Purpose: To create a safe online environment for all students.

Pledge:

• I will not engage in any form of cyberbullying.
• I will treat my peers with respect both online and offline.
• I will speak up if I see someone being bullied online.
• I will report any cyberbullying incidents to a teacher or school counselor.
• I will be an upstander, not a bystander, and will support my peers in creating a positive online community.

Signature:

• [Student’s Name]
• Date: [Insert Date]

Another important aspect of safe online communication is understanding privacy settings. Students need to know how to lock down their accounts, choose who can see their posts, and keep unwanted visitors out of their digital space. It’s like teaching them how to lock the doors and windows at home—but for their online lives. Walk them through the settings on their favorite platforms. And make it fun! A “Privacy Settings Scavenger Hunt” could be just the thing to keep them engaged while they learn.

Template 4: Privacy Settings Checklist

Title: Social Media Privacy Settings Checklist

Objective: To help students secure their social media accounts.

Checklist:

• Account Visibility: Is your account set to private?Yes / No
• Friend Requests: Do you only accept friend requests from people you know in real life?Yes / No
• Location Sharing: Have you turned off location sharing on your posts?Yes / No
• Post Visibility: Are your posts visible only to your friends?Yes / No
• Tagged Photos: Have you set your tagged photos to require approval before they appear on your profile?Yes / No
• Password Strength: Is your password strong and unique?Yes / No

Note: Review your settings every few months to ensure your account remains secure.

Let’s not forget about the role of parents in promoting safe online communication. After all, they’re the ones who see what their kids are up to outside of school hours. But many parents feel lost in the digital world, especially if their children are more tech-savvy than they are. We need to equip parents with the knowledge and tools they need to support their kids. Hosting a “Digital Parenting 101” workshop can bridge this gap. Keep it light, keep it fun, and make sure they leave with practical tips they can use at home.

Template 5: Parent Workshop Agenda on Digital Safety

Title: Digital Parenting 101: Keeping Kids Safe Online

Objective: To equip parents with the knowledge and tools they need to support their children’s online safety.

Agenda:

1. Welcome and Introduction: (10 minutes)Overview of the workshop and its goals.
2. Understanding the Digital Landscape: (20 minutes)Discussion on popular social media platforms and their potential risks.
3. Setting Up Parental Controls: (15 minutes)Step-by-step guide on setting up parental controls on devices and apps.
4. Communication Tips: (15 minutes)How to talk to your children about online safety without making them feel like you’re spying on them.
5. Q&A Session: (20 minutes)Open floor for questions and answers.
6. Closing Remarks: (10 minutes)Summary of key points and take-home materials.

We’ve covered the basics, but what about the teachers, administrators, and school leaders reading this? You’re not off the hook! It’s crucial to model good online behavior yourselves. Students are watching—always. So, let’s set the bar high. Whether it’s how we communicate with students online or how we interact with colleagues, let’s make sure we’re practicing what we preach. That means maintaining professional boundaries, respecting privacy, and keeping our online interactions positive and constructive.

And speaking of professional boundaries, let’s talk about the infamous “teacher-student friend request.” It’s a tricky one. On one hand, connecting with students on social media can build rapport. On the other hand, it can blur the lines between teacher and friend. The best approach? Keep your professional accounts separate from your personal ones. It’s not about hiding your personal life; it’s about maintaining a space where you can be fully “teacher-you” without the distractions of your personal world.

Template 6: Teacher Social Media Guidelines

Title: Professional Social Media Use for Teachers

Purpose: To provide teachers with clear guidelines on maintaining professional boundaries online.

Guidelines:

1. Separate Accounts: Maintain separate social media accounts for personal and professional use.
2. Privacy Settings: Ensure your personal accounts are set to private.
3. Professional Communication: Use school-approved platforms for communicating with students and parents.
4. Respect Boundaries: Avoid "friending" or following students on your personal social media accounts.
5. Content Sharing: Only share content that reflects positively on you as an educator.
6. Conflict of Interest: Do not engage in online discussions that could compromise your professional integrity.

Now, let’s pivot to a slightly different but equally important topic: how we, as educators, communicate about online safety. We need to make it a part of our everyday conversations, not just something we bring up when there’s an incident. When we make safe online practices a regular part of classroom discussions, we normalize it. And when it’s normal, students are more likely to take it seriously.

But how do we make these conversations engaging? Use real-life examples that resonate with students. Case studies, news stories, even (appropriately) funny memes can get the point across in a way that sticks. It’s all about making the abstract concept of “online safety” something tangible and relatable.

Template 7: Online Safety Discussion Starters

Title: Online Safety Discussion Starters for the Classroom

Objective: To initiate meaningful conversations about online safety with students.

Discussion Starters:

1. Scenario: "Imagine someone you don’t know starts messaging you online. What would you do?"
2. Question: "Why do you think it’s important to keep your social media accounts private?"
3. Scenario: "You see a post that makes you uncomfortable. How do you handle it?"
4. Question: "What are some things you can do to protect your personal information online?"
5. Scenario: "A friend asks for your password. How do you respond?"
6. Question: "How can you be a positive influence on social media?"

It’s also worth noting that online safety isn’t just about what students do online; it’s also about what they don’t do. Encourage students to take digital breaks. The constant barrage of information can be overwhelming, and it’s easy for students to get lost in the endless scroll. Let’s help them find balance by promoting screen-free time. “Tech-Free Tuesdays,” anyone? It’s a simple way to remind students that there’s a world outside their screens, and it’s worth exploring.

Template 8: Digital Detox Activity

Title: Tech-Free Tuesdays

Objective: To encourage students to take regular breaks from their screens.

Activity:

1. Commit to It: Every Tuesday, commit to spending two hours without any screens (including phones, tablets, computers, and TVs).
2. Alternative Activities: Create a list of fun, screen-free activities, like reading a book, going for a walk, drawing, or playing a board game.
3. Class Check-In: On Wednesday, discuss what students did during their tech-free time and how it made them feel.
4. Reflection: Write a short paragraph about the experience and whether you noticed any changes in your mood, focus, or energy levels.

And let’s not forget about the importance of ongoing education. The digital world is always evolving, and so should our approach to online safety. Regular workshops, updated guidelines, and new tools are all part of keeping our practices relevant. It’s not just about keeping up with the latest apps or trends; it’s about staying ahead of them. So, let’s commit to continuous learning—for ourselves and our students.

Finally, remember that promoting safe online communication practices is a team effort. Teachers, administrators, students, and parents all have a role to play. Let’s work together to create an online environment that’s not just safe, but also supportive and empowering. And while we’re at it, let’s make sure we’re having fun. After all, learning doesn’t have to be a chore—it can be an adventure.

Before we wrap up, a quick shout-out to COSCU Changemakers for supporting this newsletter. If your school hasn’t registered as a learning partner program yet, what are you waiting for? Join the movement, contribute to achieving SDG4 (Quality Education for All), and make your mark in the world of education. We’re all in this together, and every little bit helps.

So, what’s the takeaway? Safe online communication isn’t just about avoiding the bad stuff; it’s about making the most of the good stuff. It’s about empowering our students to be thoughtful, responsible, and respectful digital citizens. And it’s about doing it all with a smile—because when we enjoy what we do, our students do too.

That’s it for this edition of “School Talk.” Thanks for reading, and remember, you’re doing amazing work out there. Keep it up, stay safe, and as always, keep the conversation going.

Until next time,

Joan Bakker Media, Communication, and Outreach Manager COSCU