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Safety First: Keeping Students Safe Online

Posted Date: 03/04/26 (05:00 PM)
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The logo for the Safety First newsletter features the logo for Chehalis School District Security & Safety office and the words Safety First, Creating Relationships for Safer Schools
 

Online Safety Matters

Digital media can be a powerful tool that helps prepare our students for the journey ahead. It is also important to be aware that it can also present dangers to young people. We know that when students are mentally, physically and emotionally safe, they are better equipped to learn, explore and connect with their community. That's why our district's student achievement goals revolve around supporting the whole student.

In this edition of Safety First, we’re focusing on digital safety—sharing the steps we are taking to protect our students and offering practical ways families can partner with us. Together, we can ensure that digital media remains a positive, empowering tool that supports learning for every student.

Online Stranger Danger

Did you know your child doesn't have to be on social media platforms such as Facebook, Snapchat or Instagram to interact with strangers online? Online entertainment platforms frequented by young people such as Minecraft, Roblox, Fortnite and TikTok are some of the fastest growing areas where people with harmful intent are reaching kids.

Parents can be the first line of defense in their children's online safety by taking steps such as:
  • Delaying online use for younger children or limiting and monitoring for older students
  • Setting and enforcing clear family rules and standards for internet use
  • Knowing what platforms your student is using and understanding their privacy settings, safety features and parental controls
  • Talking to your child about not sharing private photos or personal information online
  • Warning your student to never meet someone in person and alone if they have only met them online
  • Encouraging your student to ask a parent or trusted adult for help if an online interaction becomes harassing, threatening or inappropriate

School Tech As Tools, Not Toys

Did you know that when your student us using Chehalis School District technology, we have systems to help keep them safe?

The Chehalis School District is working to strike a balance between digital literacy and digital overload by:
  • Setting and enforcing policies that keep cell phones and other telecommunication devices out of our classrooms
  • Providing students opportunities to unplug and socialize, even during times when they can use their cell phones
  • Setting district-owned Chromebooks to disconnect from the internet between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. for grades K-8 and 1-5 a.m. for grades 9-12. Data showed us typical use during these hours was non-academic and often inappropriate
  • Offering an anonymous reporting form where students can report bullying, including online bullying
  • Using the Linewize system, which monitors our students' district-owned technology use for indications of harmful thoughts or behavior to allow for early intervention

Safety Resources for Families


Click on the image to download a copy of a coloring book about online safety from Cyber Safety Cop

More Resources For Secondary Families

Warning: these resources are most appropriate for families of students in grades 6-12 and you may find some of this information upsetting. We share these resources because they address real dangers that have been experienced by young people in our own community. As a district, we believe informed families are best equipped to partner with our district to keep students safe: