In alignment with our Village Values, we recommend the following guidelines for home computer use:
- Keep computers in a common area. Computers with internet access do not belong in your child's bedroom.
- Establish rules for computer use. Be proactive rather than reactive. Clearly communicate your expectations. Include a signed, publicly posted, computer use agreement.
- Children should know their computer activity can and will be monitored. Periodically take a moment to check. Trust is earned and consequences are non-negotiable.
- Parents should know, or have access to, all passwords. For children, parents should know all passwords. For teenagers, passwords can be kept in a sealed envelope posted in public place, only to be opened if parents have reason to be concerned.
Village School Believes:
- Students SHOULD NOT have accounts on services that are restricted for ages 13 and under (including most social media sites). Parents are expected to check the Terms of Service for websites and apps prior to creating accounts for their child(ren).
- Elementary students do not need cell phones. If a parent feels their child needs a phone to be able to communicate with home, it should be a basic phone without internet access.
- Parents should have regular conversations with their child(ren) about what they have learned in their Digital Citizenship and Responsibility lessons, which address various grade-appropriate topics throughout the year. These skills should be practiced when using technology at home.
Conversation Starters - Rules and Guidlines for Technology Use
Contracts for Parents and Children
Common Sense Media Resources |