This week, we have had reports that students are actively searching for sites and videos that contain content that could be dangerous or threatening. The district blocks most social media sites and we are always actively trying to reduce internet access to content that maybe harmful to students, physically as well as mentally. Additionally, we encourage parents to monitor and know what their children are doing on-line. As well as preemptively discussing these issues while not dwelling on any specific rumor, and to encourage their child/children to be responsible and let adults know when they run across anything frightening or threatening while online– whether that is a five-year-old or a teenager. Even if actual threats from the most recent Momo or other online challenges aren’t real, the rumors alone can be frightening for kids and can encourage teens to participate in risky dares.
Should a parent find a site or link that may be harmful to students, please e-mail Brandon Farmer at brandon.farmer@vscsd.org.