{"id":327,"date":"2019-03-01T11:36:05","date_gmt":"2019-03-01T16:36:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iblog.dearbornschools.org\/cgallagher1\/?p=327"},"modified":"2019-03-01T12:57:15","modified_gmt":"2019-03-01T17:57:15","slug":"internet-safety-reminder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/iblog.dearbornschools.org\/cgallagher1\/2019\/03\/01\/internet-safety-reminder\/","title":{"rendered":"Internet Safety Reminder"},"content":{"rendered":"

February 28, 2019<\/span><\/p>\n

Dear Parents,<\/span><\/p>\n

Technology, the internet, and social media have become a big part of all of our lives. From the moment we wake in the morning to the time we go to sleep, we can be overwhelmed with technology. \u00a0That\u2019s why I wanted to take a moment to share with you information about a social media trend that regrettably seems to be reaching elementary age children. <\/span><\/p>\n

Over the past several years, a common trend on social media or through text messaging is to pose a \u201cchallenge\u201d to the viewer of the video or reader of the text message. \u00a0Perhaps you may recall the \u201cice bucket\u201d challenge that was popular a few years back and helped to raise funds for ALS or more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Most of the time, these \u201cchallenges\u201d are done with the best intentions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Unfortunately, there are those who choose to create and post \u201cchallenges\u201d that can be dangerous and physically harmful. \u00a0There have been news stories about the dangerous \u201cchallenges\u201d that ask the viewer to consume certain products such as large amounts of cinnamon or even as outrageous as washing machine detergent. I have recently been told there is another one of these \u201cchallenge\u201d videos going around that ask the viewer to perform acts of violence to others or to themselves. This is very distressing, especially to know that children as young as elementary age are being exposed to this type of disturbing behavior.<\/span><\/p>\n

I\u2019m sharing this information with you today not to alarm, panic, or spread of any rumors. \u00a0Rather, I share this with you to communicate information that may be helpful to you as parents. I would also like to pass along a few simple tips that all parents can use when helping children safely navigate the internet and social media.<\/span><\/p>\n

Basic guidelines for parental supervision:<\/span><\/p>\n