students on appropriate use of school assets (hardware, software and internet access) and then ask students and parents to sign an acknowledgement form stating that they understand and will abide by the policies. This sets expectations about online behavior and signals that the institution takes cyberbullying seriously.
have smartphones — in fact, a Harris Poll conducted last year found that 8 in 10 high schoolers own a smartphone. And when students use their personal data plans to access the internet via devices they carry or when they take school hardware home and access the internet from a gateway the school doesn’t control, restricting activities via technology becomes impossible. That’s why a strong internet safety policy backed by student education is critical. Schools should be able to demonstrate that they are teaching students about appropriate behavior online, including cyberbullying prevention. Not only can this be an effective strategy for combatting cyberbullying, it’s a necessary component of CIPA compliance, which mandates policies that protect minors from inappropriate content, promote safety and security while using electronic platforms (email, chat rooms, etc.), curtail unauthorized access through hacking and prevent disclosure of personal information. To address cyberbullying and reduce school liability, schools should educate
3. Partner with parents The final piece of the puzzle for schools looking to protect students from cyberbullying is to partner with students’ parents. Cyberbullying of school peers often takes place away from school and on devices that school IT administrators cannot control or monitor. That’s why parental involvement is so important. While schools can and should educate students about staying safe online, parents must take the lead in protecting kids online and offline. Important lessons parents should deliver include never sharing passwords with anyone but a parent and never giving out personal information or images to strangers online. Parents should
also take steps to monitor their children’s online activities, and they should let kids know that if they are cyberbullied or see someone else being harassed online, they should report it right away. Cyberbullying is a serious and growing problem. It’s also a multifaceted issue that defies a simple, one-size-fits all solution. School administrators can use technology to address many of the issues raised by cyberbullying, but the fact is that most student internet and social media activity takes place beyond the control of the school. That’s why it’s so important to adopt a multipronged strategy. By using next-generation web filtering and reporting tools, educating students on appropriate online behavior and partnering with parents, schools can keep kids safer online. When he’s not summiting El Capitan or off-roading in Baja, Dirk Morris spends his time as the founder and engineering visionary behind the Untangle NG Firewall platform.
What is a SAFEDEFEND Safe? BE PREPARED TO SAVE LIVES
School intruders have become a reality for too many teachers, students and parents. Having effective, comprehensive protection is vital to the outcome of a dangerous situation. SafeDefend provides an easy, effective way to prepare, notify, and protect… empowering your employees with the simple swipe of their fingertip. The SafeDefend System will prepare your staff, notify law enforcement and your staff, and protect those most precious to you, your students.
SafeDefend enhances your current school safety plan and any system or process currently in place. With the swipe of a finger, SafeDefend: • Prepares and trains staff using certified law enforcement trainers. • Notifies law enforcement, all school employees and district administrators immediately. • Reduces law enforcement response time. • Gives staff real time information allowing them to make informed decisions.
Protects students and staff with all of the following system components: • 15 unique fingerprints can be programmed in each safe. • Controlled access prevents false alarms. • Secures all items against unauthorized use.
To Learn how Safedefend can help secure your district or school, visit www.safedefend.com and call (913) 856-2800 76
Fall 2016
SouthEast Education Network