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Internet Safety Expert Returns to Collegiate to Educate Parents, Students

9/28/2017

As part of Collegiate School’s continued commitment to ensuring the health and well-being of its students, Katie Greer, nationally known internet safety expert, will visit campus in October and March 2018 to speak with parents and students from JK-12th Grade. We caught up with her to chat about what parents and students can expect from her 2017-18 presentations.

What new topics will you discuss with Collegiate students and parents during your visits in October 2017 and March 2018?

First, I can't wait to come back again. Collegiate continues to be a trip I look forward to every year, I'm so glad to be back! This school year I'm really interested in focusing on all-around behaviors. While I think it's important that parents are dialed into the latest and greatest (which I'll still cover), I think it's so important to look at behaviors because they seem to be more consistent regardless of what new app or device has surfaced. There continue to be great, new studies surfacing that focus on what our connectivity means for us as students, parents and families, and I plan to focus a lot on appropriate and healthy balancing of an online and offline life.

What new trends are you seeing in social media and what should parents and students be on the lookout for?

Livestreaming apps continue to evolve and become the way kids are connecting — even over hanging out in person! More than ever (and the science backs this up), kids are choosing to connect via their devices, which has implications (some good, some bad) that are super important to discuss so we can all make better, more informed choices about how much time we spend on our devices.

What advice do you have for parents as they navigate the ever-changing world of social media?

Don't bury your head in the sand and hope it all goes well. Parents are THE best line of defense when it comes to keeping kids safe, and helping them have a positive experience. The hands-off approach is when kids can really get into trouble — with a lot of conversation, parents are integral in making sure their kids have a safe, positive online experience.

What advice do you have for JK-4th Grade students about the internet and technology?

You’re about to see and experience some really cool new things with technology. It’s powerful, and we can learn and do so much if we’re smart and safe while using it. Always talk to your parents about what it is you’re doing and the things you see and experience, so you can enjoy this safely together.

What advice do you have for Middle School students about the internet, technology and social media?

Your responsibilities at this point are changing significantly, and your visibility is greater than ever — with that, it’s important you really think about how you’re using technology and are intentional as you use it. Your words/actions online are very much a part of your reputation, so make sure you represent yourself well.

What advice do you have for Upper School students about the internet, technology and social media?

It’s game time for you. Your actions online can set you apart from the rest, and there are VIP’s looking at your every like, comment, post, and picture. It’s important to also take time to take a break, put it down, look around (without your phone) and enjoy. This is a great time, it goes so fast, take time to enjoy it in the present time.

Why is it so important for students to be educated on these subjects?

Technology is all around us and growing daily. Used the right way, it is remarkably powerful, so it’s important we all take some time out to think about our behaviors and actions when using all these technologies, so we can use it intentionally.

How can Collegiate teachers and coaches help students understand the importance of internet safety?

The more I’m at Collegiate, the more and more impressed I am with the dedication of the staff to create the best environment for students to learn — including their experiences with technology. Given the amount of time kids are online, I think it really takes a village. Showing students how wonderfully powerful technology can be in the classroom — without it overpowering — can help build a solid foundation for a successful relationship with tech.

Click here to read about Mrs. Greer’s visit to Collegiate in spring 2017. Here is her schedule for 2017-18:

Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2017

7-8:30 p.m.

Centennial Hall (JK-4th Grade parents, but all parents welcome)

Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017

8:15-9:15 a.m.

Reeves Center (7th and 8th Grade parents)

7-8:30 p.m.

Estes Student Center (All Upper School parents)

Thursday, March 22, 2018

8:15-9:15 a.m.

Centennial Hall (3rd, 4th and 5th Grade parents)