Online Safety Refresher for the School Year

A new school year means new routines — and often, more screen time. From school‑issued devices and online assignments to group chats and social media, kids are spending more time online than ever before.

Back‑to‑school is the perfect time to reset your family’s digital safety plan. Here’s a comprehensive refresher for parents in Lubbock and beyond.

📱 1. Set Clear Device Rules for School Nights

Consistency helps kids know what’s expected.

• Screen‑time limits: Decide how much time is allowed for schoolwork, entertainment, and social media.

• Device‑free zones: Keep phones and tablets out of bedrooms at night. Shared spaces like the living room or kitchen help parents keep an eye on use.

• Bedtime cut‑off: Aim for all devices to be off at least one hour before sleep to improve rest and focus.

💡 Related: How Much Sleep Do Kids Really Need?

🧑‍💻 2. Double‑Check Privacy Settings

Children often don’t realize how much personal info they’re sharing.

• Review privacy settings on apps, browsers, and games.

• Make sure accounts are set to private and that only trusted friends are connected.

• Disable location sharing unless absolutely necessary.

• Remind kids not to share personal details like:

  • School name

  • Grade level

  • Daily schedules

  • Home address

💡 Related: Texas Cell Phone Ban: What Lubbock Parents Need to Know

🚸 3. Talk About Online Behavior and Boundaries

Your child may know how to use devices — but not always how to use them safely.

• Cyberbullying: Teach your child how to spot it, how to respond, and when to tell an adult.

• Respect matters: Remind kids that kindness online is just as important as kindness in person.

• Digital footprint: Explain that once something is shared, it can’t truly be erased.

💡 Related: Teaching Kindness: Setting the Tone for a Great School Year

🗣 4. Keep Communication Open

Kids are more likely to share concerns if you’ve built trust first.

• Ask about the apps and games they’re using without judgment.

• Encourage them to come to you if they see something confusing or upsetting.

• Share your own online experiences (good or bad) so it feels like a two‑way conversation.

💡 Related: Staying Connected: How to Talk with Your Child About Their School Day

🔒 5. Use Tools to Support Safety

Technology can help you protect your child online.

• Parental controls: Use built‑in tools on devices or apps like Bark, Qustodio, or Family Link.

• Filtered Wi‑Fi: Set filters on your home network to block harmful content.

• App check‑ins: Regularly review what apps are installed and being used.

📚 6. Connect Digital Safety to Schoolwork

Many districts, including Lubbock ISD, Frenship, and Lubbock‑Cooper, use 1:1 technology programs with Chromebooks or iPads.

• Review your district’s acceptable use policy (AUP).

• Make sure your child understands the difference between “school use” and “personal use.”

• Ask teachers how devices are monitored at school — and what you should reinforce at home.

💡 Related: Partnering with Teachers for a Smooth Year

🧭 7. Remind Them of Safe Adults

Just like in the real world, kids need to know who to turn to online.

• Teachers, counselors, or librarians can help with concerns about online learning platforms.

• At home, let your child know they can always come to you — no matter what they’ve seen or done.

💡 Related: Back‑to‑School Safety: What Every Parent Should Know

🌙 8. Model Healthy Digital Habits

Children copy what they see.

• Put your phone down during family time.

• Don’t text and drive.

• Show how you balance screen time with offline hobbies.

🌟 FGO's Back to School HQ:

The online world isn’t going away — and for today’s kids, it’s a huge part of both learning and social life. With clear rules, open conversations, and supportive tools, you can help your child stay safe, confident, and connected.

👉 For more back‑to‑school safety tips, parenting resources, and local supply lists, visit our FGO Back‑to‑School HQ: https://www.lubbockfamily.org/blog/categories/back-to-school