Dear Savvy: Is virtual school safe for kids?

Can you believe it? We’re back to school and STILL stuck in this crazy pandemic. And like it or not, many kids are doing virtual school, at least part time. Some are 100% virtual. Are you panicking? Are you wondering … Is virtual school a safe environment for my kids?

This episode is part of our #DearSavvy series. Sometimes you just want a quick answer to a burning question. These shorter episodes are designed to give you just that. Tune in to the podcast to hear the whole scoop, and check out the show notes for helpful tools and information. If you’d like to submit a question, click here to Contact Us. 

Dear Savvy: One of my children had a classroom Zoom meeting with his teacher and his classmates earlier today and their meeting was hacked. He came to us right after it happened and said that a hacker came on their Zoom classroom and said cuss words and showed inappropriate pictures (pornography).  I feel sick to my stomach and upset that he had to see that and that this happened. Do you think virtual school is safe for kids? 

Dear Listener,

First of all, our heart goes out to you, Mama. Having a hacker enter the virtual classroom and show porn is so scary! This is not something that is happening “out there.” This is a huge wake-up call. It’s getting real. Virtual school is opening up yet another doorway into our homes. And we need to be ready. HOWEVER, if your child’s first reaction is to come to you when something scary happens online, give yourself a huge pat on the back. You are definitely doing something right.

Here is what Melody and Marilyn discussed on the podcast today:

While our kids are learning at home, we might be tempted to plop them on a computer and walk away. But virtual school cannot be a “set it and forget it” experience. We need to stay engaged with our kids and be sure we are involved and available to them while they are learning online, just like when they are doing anything else on devices.

Also, just because our children are online “with an adult” doesn’t mean they are automatically safe. Don’t fall into a false sense of security that teachers are somehow supervising your kids while they are in virtual school. Teachers have limited control because they are on the other side of the screen. In reality, our children are on computers on our turf, in our homes. That means WE are responsible for their digital safety, and we need to prepare accordingly.

Actually, when it comes to digital safety, our kids aren’t in more or less danger in virtual school than they are in regular school. Since our kids are involved with digital learning in both places, it’s possible for them to encounter dangerous content no matter where they are. That means we should be having the same talks and preparing them for potential exposure to inappropriate material, no matter where they are—at home or in the classroom.

So, how are we going to face our fears about virtual school? Make a plan! Just like always, we need to have family boundaries when it comes to screen time and devices, and that is going to be especially important when it comes to virtual school. If you are concerned, then take time for a special Family Power Meeting about digital safety. Do some role-playing with your child, and talk about specific scenarios that might come up in virtual school. This will help your kids to be confident, prepared, and safe.

“With more and more kids getting exposed on school computers, an internal filter is crucial. What’s an Internal Filter? It’s the understanding of what pornography is, how it affects the brain, and an action plan to use when kids are innocently exposed to it.”
—Kristen Jensen, author of Good Pictures Bad Pictures
“3 Steps to Give Kids an Internal Filter”

For more information…

Want help making a plan for virtual school? Get the Quick Guide to Safer Screen Habits (fill out the form below for your FREE copy). The guide includes detailed information about:

• How to have a Family Power Meeting
• Ideas for role-playing with your kids 
• Instructions on how to create a family plan 
• How to deal with inappropriate material if (or WHEN) it comes up

Episode challenge

We are NOT done talking about virtual school! We have more shows coming up—a deep dive with Melody and Marilyn titled “3 Tips for Success & Safety With Virtual School.” Plus other experts coming on to talk about internet safety and education. But most of all, we want to hear from you! What are YOU concerned about when it comes to virtual school? Send us your worries, concerns, questions, and we’ll talk about them on the air.

Do you have a question for Melody & Marilyn? You can click here to Contact Us, email us at admin@parentsaware.info, or submit your question through any of our social media platforms. We’d love to hear from you!

Links/Resources

Our screen-time rules don’t work in this new world. And maybe that’s okay. – (article) Washington Post

Ep. #2-11, HELP! What Do I Do with Kids at Home? Parenting & COVID-19 with Greta Eskridge, home educator @maandpamodern

FREE Quick Guide to Safer Screen Habits

FREE Kids-at-Home Survival Guide & Screen Safety Plan

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Media Savvy Moms Podcast

Who knew honest conversations about parenting and pornography could be so approachable? Join Marilyn for a series of contemplations, chats, and interviews as she helps fellow parents tackle this challenging topic with their kids.

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