Parents

Printable Guides and Tip Sheets for Parents

Parents Ultimate Guides (Common Sense Media): Information about common technologies used by children and teens. Easy to understand descriptions of platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Minecraft, and Fortnite keep parents up to date on current technology.

Parent's Guides (ConnectSafely.org): Printable guides cover topics, like privacy and cyberbullying as well as specific apps, like SnapChat, Instagram, and more. 

Parent and Family Digital Learning Guide (U.S. Department of Education): Printable guide covers digital learning benefits, access, and success. 

Videos to Watch with Your Children

When is the Right Age to Start Social Media? (Common Sense Media): Myles Bess from Above the Noise hosts this video which examines the positive and negative effects of social media. Excellent for parents and kids!

6 Ways Your Kids Can Protect Their Online Identities (Common Sense Media) This video shows easy practices children can follow to protect their privacy.  It is very kid-friendly and would be great to watch with your children. 

Screen Time: How Much is Too Much (Common Sense Media): Myles Bess, in his entertaining and engaging style, discusses screen time in this video. This would be a meaningful watch for both parents and youth.

Smart Password (ConnectSafely): Video and tips from connectsafely.org explain the importance of strong passwords and gives tips on how to create one. 

Elementary School

Heads Up: Stop Think Connect (FTC): Internet etiquette and safety education geared to 8-12 year olds.

Private and Personal Information (Common Sense Media): Children learn what should and shouldn’t be shared online via this dynamic video.

Middle School   

5 Tips for Dealing with Haters and Trolls (Common Sense Media): Learn ways to limit negative online encounters. This video is appropriate for middle and high schoolers.

5 Ways to Deal with Hate Speech Online (Common Sense Media): Hate speech impacts everyone. This video gives practical ways to deal with it. It is appropriate for middle and high schoolers.

Protecting Kids Online (security.org): This guide explores the various perils kids face online. It dives into social issues such as cyberbullying and security issues such as weak passwords.

High School

Teen Voices:  Who Are You on Social Media? (Common Sense Media): Teens talk about their experiences on social media, and what they think about posting. 

Teen Voices:  Hate Speech Online (Common Sense Media): Teens express their views and feelings about hate speech in this video.  This would be a great springboard for discussions about this topic.  

Civil Discourse Online (Common Sense Media): In this video, Cameron Kasky, Parkland shooting survivor, discusses his experiences with discourse and the importance of disagreeing respectfully.

Teen Voices:  Oversharing and Your Digital Footprint (Common Sense Media): Teens discuss sharing on social media.