Parent Tech Tips

Parent Toolkit

Discover more insights and expert tips on social media and tech by checking out the Parent Toolkit

As part of the school's partnership with The Social Institute, you receive exclusive access to the Parent Toolkit, which includes a full library of content specifically for families. All co-created with students and experts around the country.

Platform Playbooks feature expert breakdowns of the most popular apps and platforms and offer tips on how students can use them positively. TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, ChatGPT, Fortnite... the list goes on and on!

Family Huddles help you reinforce the important modern-day life skills that your child is learning at school. These topics align with #WinAtSocial Lessons to extend the discussion beyond the classroom and encourage students to huddle with their families.

Use your Parent Toolkit School Code and activate your free account today.

Contact Leanne Knight at [email protected] for your activation code that has been purchased for our St. Rita School community.

Personal Cell Phones:

Social Media Apps are designed to be used by those who are 13 and older.
If an app has an "anonymous" aspect, then it is more likely to be an easy way for people to cyberbully and use inappropriate language.
App Guide for Parents by Josh Ochs: https://smartsocial.com/app-guide-parents-teachers/
- The guide is categorized in zones: Green, Gray, Red, and Dangerous Social Media Challenges
How can a parent understand their child's screen time and app usage?
- On Apple devices, consider Apple Family Sharing
- On Android devices, consider Google Family Sharing

Common Sense Media https://www.commonsensemedia.org/

Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century.

reviews of apps, books, movies, etc.
Parent guides

Parental Controls

Set parental controls for personally owned iPad and iPhone (otherwise known as restrictions)

Set parental controls for personally-owned Kindle Fire

Also see Common Sense Media for setting parental controls on gaming and other devices.

"Figuring out what kind of parental control is best is entirely based on your own family's needs. Some families can get by with simple, free browser settings to filter inappropriate content. Some families need help clamping down on screen time. Some folks are cool with spot-checks on their kids' devices. Wherever you are in your search, this guide can help you make sense of the wide array of options for managing your family's devices. Find the answers to parents' most frequently asked questions about parental controls." https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/parents-ultimate-guide-to-parental-controls

Searching the Web

When students are at home, search engines will not filter as well as when they are at school. Consider using Kiddle.co as your child's search engine. It is still a Google Search but it is designed as a safe search for students. (Here are other search engines you could use as a student.)
The St. Rita library has many wonderful online databases to use for research.
As an older student, you may want to ensure you are using a Safe Search. Utilizing Google's "advanced search" you can make your search extremely specific. When using "advanced search" make sure Safe Search is on to filter results.