As policymakers work to prevent child exploitation, how can schools play a role in identifying and helping vulnerable students in need of support? There are no perfect answers, according to experts, but there are myriad strategies, tips and tools educators can use — many of […]
Category: Safety
Survey results show how students are using social media and devices
Social media use among young people has been linked to everything from mental health struggles to increased ability to find supportive communities, so it’s important that families and educators have an understanding of how students are interacting with social media. The Social Institute — which […]
Federal experts highlight dangers of young people accessing illicit substances online
Growing concerns about the effects of social media on youth mental health have expanded to stemming use of social media among young people to purchase illicit substances. Local educational agencies play a vital role in partnerships addressing this issue. A March 20 webinar hosted by […]
Edtech management suggestions for LEAs
Internet Safety Labs’ (ISL) 2022 K-12 EdTech Benchmark Findings Report analyzes app and website safety and school technology practices in American K-12 schools through the lenses of grade level, school location, school income level, school size and racial makeup. Released in February, the nonprofit technology […]
Lawmakers increasingly target cybersecurity threats in schools, report shows
The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) unveiled its 2023 report on K-12 cybersecurity policy developments on Jan. 18, detailing the boom in state and federal education cybersecurity bills and laws that emerged last year. The comprehensive resource highlights notable policy ideas and trends, and offers […]
National snapshot of school violence and crime shows mixed findings
The good news: Schools are reporting less violent crime and drug use across most grade levels. The bad news: Availability of vital student supports has declined as well — a troubling finding given the continued need among young people still recovering mentally and emotionally from […]
Report calls for national overhaul of social media ed, standards and more to support youth
A recent report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine calls on social media companies, Congress, the U.S. Department of Education and others to minimize the harm of social media use on adolescents’ health while maximizing its benefits. “Many of our children have grown […]
Building community and inclusion through dialogue
Conflict is inevitable but managing it effectively can promote inclusivity and help build a positive school climate where all students feel a sense of belonging and can participate fully. Experts provided tips for schools to help students and staff in addressing conflict in ways that […]
Communicating before, during and after a crisis: Expert tips for LEAs
A Jan. 23 CSBA webinar featured expert tips from local educational agency leaders on best practices for crisis communications before, during and after a safety incident. Whether handling a social media, email or other anonymous threat or the presence of a trespasser or suspicious object […]
Webinar covers how to foster restorative practices in schools
The benefits of restorative practices and the conditions needed to successfully implement restorative approaches in educational systems were discussed during a recent webinar hosted by the Learning Policy Institute. As K-12 communities grapple with the psychological trauma students have experienced and continue to encounter, research […]