Address
8951 SW 44th Street Miami, FL 33165
Get in touch
Phone: 305-221-2008
Email: kdelafe@kcsmiami.com
Internet Safety Tips for Teens and Parents
Aubrey De Jesus • July 16, 2024
Technology is
everywhere, and with it comes multiple threats, from cyberbullying to predators. As parents, we need our teens to be careful online since they spend so much of their time on social media. How do we keep them safe?
First, you need to have an honest conversation about what dangers social media can bring to them.
Second, come up with a plan of action.
While the only way to be completely safe online is to NOT be online, it’s not quite realistic. Here are some things to talk about with your teen in order for them to maintain as much internet safety as possible:
- Never post personal information online, such as cell number, home address, what school you attend, or your specific location
- Never meet anyone in person that you first met online; if someone is asking to meet you in person, tell your parents right away
- Be careful what kind of pictures you post online; you should never be posting inappropriate pictures of yourself or anyone else
- Don’t respond to rude or mean messages, emails, or texts; block people who continue to send these kind of messages, even if they are from your “friends”
- Be careful who you chat with while on social media - many people aren’t who they say they are, so avoid talking to anyone you don’t know
- If anything makes you feel uncomfortable online, tell your parents right away; your safety is their top priority
Now, for the
plan of action. As a parent, there is even more you can do to help your teen stay safe online:
- Install family-friendly internet networks and set up parental controls
- Place computers and devices in central locations in the home, such as the living or dining room
- Connect with them on social media
- Keep track of how much time they are spending on their devices, and limit it according to your family’s preferences
- Keep the conversation open as you chat about their online habits
- Be on the lookout for any strange or “off” behavior from your teen, and follow up with them; you know your child best, so follow your instincts
- Always be a safe space for them to come to you; take any concerns they may have seriously and be their advocate
Remember that you and your teen are a
team;
you are working together to keep them safe while they enjoy social media for its intended purposes: to connect with friends, laugh, and learn. You’re not only teaching them safety tips now, but setting them up for success as they continue to use technology into adulthood.
At King’s Christian School, our students utilize technology in the classroom from the elementary school to our high school. Our teachers are continually stressing the importance of internet safety, and our school’s wifi has rigorous safety measures in place that block inappropriate sites, ads, and content to give our students the safest experience online that we can. We can all work together to keep our kids safe online.
This is a subtitle for your new postFebruary is known for two major events: Valentine’s Day and Black History Month. This is a great opportunity to check out some picture books detailing the accomplishments of Black Americans both past and present. I’ve rounded up 5 picture books you can read with your kids or students this month to give them a better understanding of why it is important to celebrate these accomplishments. These books should be a stepping point to further conversations about inclusion, acceptance, and empathy. We were all made in the Lord’s image and deserve respect and acceptance by all. I’ve also made sure to include books that reach beyond just slavery and civil rights movements since Black History Month extends beyond that.
There’s something so exciting and invigorating about starting a new year. It is full of promise and the opportunity to grow. During this time, many adults make new year’s resolutions and goals to help set their year on the right path, so why can’t our kids set goals, too?
I’ve been seeing a new term popping up on social media lately: overconsumption core . But what does it mean? “Overconsumption core" is a term used to describe the social media phenomenon of excessive consumption of goods and services; it is driven by the idea that owning more makes one happier or more successful.
It’s officially November, and what better way to celebrate this month of thankfulness than to count our many blessings from this year and make sure our hearts are directed towards gratitude. One of the best ways to cultivate a heart of gratitude is to memorize Scriptures that remind you of what you’re thankful for, and most importantly, to whom you’re thankful.
As a teacher and school librarian for many years, from preschool to middle school, I have found one thing to be true across the board: Children of all ages love to be read to. It doesn’t matter the age, kids love listening to a good story and become easily entranced by a good read aloud.
According to the 2014 Census, 57% of children between the ages of 6 and 17 participate in after school activities. Most of this percentage refers to sports (35%), but also includes clubs or lessons (like music, dance, or languages). Like everything, after school activities have both pros and cons, and while some children may thrive on these extracurricular activities, others may get worn down and it ends up being more of a drawback. Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of a child participating in after school activities.
A new school year is on our doorstep, and for most kids (mine included), the new school year can be both exciting and intimidating. There’s a new teacher, new classmates, harder coursework, more homework. Plus, we are mourning the end of summer and all the fun we had.
Even for kids who love to read, there’s just something about books that are required that have less appeal. However, almost all schools require summer reading (including here at KCS starting in 2nd grade). Usually these books will be centered around a project or assignment once your child returns to school. Aside from preparing your child for one of their first projects or tests of the year, the goal for summer reading is to keep your kids from backsliding too much and losing their reading growth. It also helps them keep those reading fluency and comprehension skills honed. Here are a few ways to help tackle that summer reading to make it as painless and fun as possible!
Middle Grade books are books designed for children ages 8-12 years old, or in 3rd through 6th grades. These books are designed for children who have outgrown chapter books, but are not yet ready for the heavier materials in Young Adult books (ages 12-18). Middle grade fiction tends to focus on pre-teens who are experiencing things that most children their age experience - making friends, moving to a new house/school, and sibling interactions. Summer is quickly approaching, and if you’re looking for some books to keep your middle grade child engaged in reading till school starts back up, here are some recommendations to get you started.
Thinking back to your own school days, one thing undoubtedly stands out (and not necessarily in a good way) is homework . We know that homework is not fun, especially after a long day at school, but it is very important for solidifying and reinforcing what our children are learning during their school day. Here are three strategies for tackling homework to make it more manageable (and get it done quicker!).
Kings Christian School
King’s Christian School strives to provide a well-rounded, Christ-centered education in a small, loving environment. The school is an accredited*, inter-denominational christian school for boys and girls, preschool through 9th grade.
About Us
Academics