For students

Digital citizenship is a key part of learning how to use technology. VPS filters internet content; actively manages district-issued devices; and teaches digital citizenship, which is about appropriate, responsible behavior when using technology that applies not just to the school environment, but to the world around us.

Keep yourself safe

When online, do not give out personal information such as age, last name, address or phone number. Do not put yourself at risk by posting personal pictures or videos online. Tell an adult if anything happens online that makes you feel uncomfortable, upset or sad.

Think first

Know that everything you write about yourself or your friends will likely be online forever. Do not post anything online that you wouldn’t want your parents, teachers or future bosses to see. Know that not everything you read online is true; consider the source and whether or not it’s credible.

Be a good citizen

Use technology responsibly. Do not bully online, spread gossip or say cruel things about people. Do not use technology to cheat on schoolwork.

For parents

Students’ curiosity and access to personal technology make it important for parents to monitor their child’s use of technology and reinforce digital citizenship practices. No filtering solution can prevent students from exposure to all inappropriate content, especially if they are intentionally trying to access it.

Set expectations

Share your expectations with your child about accessing appropriate sites and content, as well as being a good person when online. Students need to know how to stay safe on district-issued devices, as well as other devices. Your child’s use of non-district, personal devices may give them the ability to connect to unfiltered public wireless networks outside of school.

Screen time limits

Kids should surf the internet in a central place at home, such as the kitchen or family room, rather than away from adult supervision or behind a closed door. Know what your child is doing with technology and how his or her time is being spent.

Screen time tips

Put devices to bed

Experts suggest parking all technology devices, from cellphones to iPads, in a common spot overnight to discourage late-night, unmonitored use and sleep disruption. Don’t allow your child to sleep with his or her iPad, laptop or cellphone.

Digital wellness

Digital devices are everywhere; find a balance between the digital and analog world.

Take a tour of your child’s device; have them share what they are doing online.

Set reasonable limits for online time.

Model healthy digital behavior.

Promoting academic use

In VPS, we focus on student creation in the classroom. We view iPads as tools for learning and creation. See some of our success stories for specific examples of how students and teaching are using iPads constructively.

Technology management

VPS devices allow students to download only pre-approved apps from our managed App Catalog.

Teachers can request new apps for the catalog.

Apps are reviewed monthly for educational value.

Learn more about how VPS manages technology.

More resources

Find ideas, tips, reviews, guides and more by checking out Common Sense Media, the leading independent nonprofit organization dedicated to helping kids, parents and teachers. Common Sense Media provides unbiased information, trusted advice and innovative tools.

Visit Common Sense Media website