HOME NETWORK AND SECURITY TIPS:
School Safety
The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis and the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships believe that the threat of targeted violence in schools will remain as more children return to school full-time. Recently, the Surgeon General warned of an increasing youth mental health crisis , as educators, teachers, students, and schools work to mitigate the impacts of prolonged social isolation, loss of social connection, financial hardships, and other potential risk factors that may make an individual more susceptible to radicalization to violence.
Individuals who engage in targeted violence can be affected by a range of online elements and in some cases, online activity can lead to physical violence. Current harms in the digital space, including risks to privacy, security, cyberbullying, and hate speech, cannot be overlooked.
Schools, educators, and parents can help build resilience against online hate and violence, as well as foster digital ecosystems that are safe and secure for students. Through promoting online safety practices, improving digital literacy and critical thinking skills, and enhancing cybersecurity and technology systems, the kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12) community can help reduce certain risk factors among youth.
Common Resources:
SchoolSafety.gov offers a variety of resources, programs, and tools that school communities can use to bolster and enhance student online safety, including:
- Cyber Safety Video Series: This series of videos and accompanying fact sheets highlights common potential threats students and K-12 schools are likely to face online, as well as proactive steps individuals and institutions can take to stay safe.
- Electronic Media and Youth Violence: A CDC Issue Brief for Educators and Caregivers: This report educates the general public on the phenomena of electronic aggression, which is defined as any kind of aggression perpetrated through technology, and its role in public health, including among the school community.
- Preventing Violent Extremism in Schools: This guide serves to educate school personnel about at-risk behaviors and activities that assist students with reducing social and psychological commitment to violence as a method of resolving a grievance.
- StopBullying.gov: This website contains resources for youth, parents, schools, and others to better understand bullying and cyberbullying, including the warning signs, those particularly at risk, and prevention tips.
Information obtained from: Schoolsafety.gov
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