At Centre Avenue School, students recently participated in an important assembly on internet safety hosted by officers from the POP unit of the 4th Precinct. The assembly featured two sessions: one for students in grades K-3 and another for those in grades 4-6, all focused on teaching young learners how to navigate the online world responsibly.
The officers emphasized the importance of being kind to others not only in person but also when interacting on computers and apps like Roblox, where many children chat with users they don't know. They stressed that while social media can be a great way to connect with people, it's essential to stay aware of the dangers and the lasting effects of our digital actions.
A key point covered was the idea of a digital footprint. Every time we post, comment, or interact online, we leave a digital mark that stays with us. The officers encouraged students to think carefully before sharing anything and to always protect their personal information. Just like we talk about stranger danger in person, the same caution should be applied to interactions online—never give out details like birthdays, pets’ names, or other personal information that could be used to guess passwords.
Students were also reminded to safeguard their passwords, as hackers could access accounts and even steal credit card information. The importance of reporting and blocking cyberbullies was another major topic, with officers teaching the difference between joking and bullying. They encouraged students to tell a trusted adult if they experience or witness cyberbullying and to always treat others with kindness, both online and in person.
The assembly left students with three main takeaways:
- Keep personal information private.
- Make sure your family knows what you’re doing online.
- Treat people kindly—both in the real world and online.
This assembly was a valuable opportunity for students to learn how to use technology safely while being respectful and responsible digital citizens.
Click here to view the Centre Avenue Students Learn Key Lessons in Internet Safety from 4th Precinct Officers slideshow.
Date Added: 9/17/2024