Social Media Safety

This message was also shared by email through School Messenger:

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We are reaching out today to share an important reminder about the role social media plays in the lives of our children and the importance of staying vigilant when it comes to online safety.

Many popular apps—such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and others—have age requirements that are often overlooked. These platforms can expose children to content and interactions that are not age-appropriate, including being added to groups with strangers or encountering harmful messages and trends.

As a school, we believe it is important to work closely with families to navigate these challenges and support students in learning how to be responsible digital citizens. Concerns regarding online safety are always taken seriously, as they can directly impact the culture and climate here at Billy Green Elementary School. It’s important for students to understand that even online exchanges that occur after school hours can result in progressive discipline if they affect the well-being of others or disrupt the school environment. Social media has a far-reaching impact, and we all play a role in ensuring it is used respectfully and safely.

We encourage all families to:

• Talk regularly with your child about their online experiences. Ask open-ended questions about what they’re seeing, who they’re interacting with, and how they feel about it.
• Review your child’s devices together. This isn’t about invading privacy—it’s about building trust and ensuring a shared understanding of what is being accessed.
• Set clear boundaries and expectations around screen time and app usage.
• Use parental controls and privacy settings to help manage what your child can access.
• Teach your child to speak up if they see something that feels mean, inappropriate, or confusing. Let them know they can always come to you or a trusted adult.
• Encourage your child to report concerns anonymously using HWDSB Helps by sending a text message to 905-963-0066. This service is confidential and available to support student safety.

The internet can be a powerful tool for learning and connection, but it also requires guidance and supervision. Together, we can help our children navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.

If you have any questions or would like resources on internet safety, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the school.

Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping our students safe.

Sincerely,

Ms. S. Beatrice, Principal