Information regarding the safety of youth related to device usage:
For parents with children in elementary and middle school, it's challenging to ignore the effects that cell phone use can have on our youth. Cyberbullying, unfortunately, is a stark reality of the digital age, often perpetrated by individuals known to the victim. Parents be proactive, foster open communication with your children about online safety and appropriate responses to uncomfortable situations.
With social media platforms now offering safety guides for parents and tools to block or report cyberbullies, it's critical for parents and guardians to educate themselves and their children on these resources.
Below are just some of the applications available to help monitor your child’s phone usage and location:
Life360: Simple application that allows for tracking of location.
Apple Screen Time: Screentime is a built-in control in iPhones. If your child’s phone is connected to your account, you can block specific applications and websites, and limit the time that a child can use a particular app. The Downtime controls in Screen Time also allow you to block all activity outside calls and texting during particular hours.
Additionally, guardians need to have upfront conversations addressing sexting, establishing guidelines for safe online interactions, and recognizing warning signs of unhealthy phone habits. By staying informed and actively engaging with their children, parents can create a safer online environment and mitigate the risks associated with social media use.
On behalf of District Attorney Paul Battisti and all the School Resource Officers, we wish you a healthy and safe summer!
