My Tip of the Week: How Your PTO or PTA Can Help With Internet Safety

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st of all, happy teacher appreciation day. Wednesday was officially National Teacher Day, and if you need any last-minute ideas, check out these simple ways to say thanks to teachers and staff.

I'm writing this on the way back from a really neat night put on by Common Sense Media regarding digital literacy and keeping our kids safe online.

It's such a key topic (and often an intimidating one) for all parents, and we're seeing more and more PTOs and PTAs playing a role in getting good information out to parents. I thought I'd highlight a few resources for you here:

1. Have you looked at hosting an Internet Safety Night for your parents? With the help of our friends at Trend Micro, we have a free kit that makes putting on a night like this easier than ever. Definitely worth considering.


2. You might also think about using your PTO or PTA website or email list to share the following very cool winning videos from Trend Micro's recent "What's your Story?" contest, which asked folks to create their own videos about Internet Safety. You have to check these out (and hopefully share them). They're really great:
   
   
   
   • The grand-prize winning video is "Where Are You?"
   
   
   • And check out this cute runner-up video from some 3rd graders: "Be Respectful...Keep Your Comments to Yourself"
   
   
   
   

I hope these help. Look for more from us around these topics (and cyberbullying) in the months to come.