Google’s Internet Safety Roadshow visited Blythewood Middle School to educate students on digital safety, covering strong passwords, avoiding online scams, and protecting personal data, according to Richland Two district leaders. The interactive sessions focus on helping teens understand online risks that can impact their future academic and professional opportunities.
Protecting Digital Footprints for Future Opportunities
District officials emphasize that what students post online today can directly affect their college and career prospects tomorrow. According to Dr. Kim Moore, Richland Two superintendent, people will google them and find that information during the application process.
“Ten years from now, when they’re applying for scholarships to college or submitting applications for jobs, people will google them and find that information, and it could impact them in a negative way,” Dr. Moore said, as reported by WRDW/WAGT. The roadshow aims to help students make safer choices while navigating the internet.
Recognizing Online Scams and Cyberbullying
The roadshow curriculum features interactive lessons designed to help students identify phishing scams, recognize cyberbullying, and understand how strangers can disguise themselves in group chats and online games. Seventh-grade student Spencer Lorick noted that the assembly offered crucial warnings regarding online interactions.
“In one of the tips that it said, it said to always know who you’re, like, playing with or, like, talking to. Because you never know. They could be using, like, something to make them seem younger. But they could always be, like, way older than you think they are,” Lorick told WRDW/WAGT.
Evaluating Online Sources and Digital Literacy
As digital tools become more sophisticated, students must learn to separate credible information from unreliable content. Seventh-grader Lorelai Cody highlighted the importance of media literacy during the Blythewood assembly.
“Technology has advanced. So it’s good to know what is a good source and what is a bad source because there are bad people out there that do take advantage of personal info,” Cody said.
Did You Know?
Google’s Internet Safety Roadshow travels to various school districts to provide students with practical frameworks for cybersecurity, safe gaming, and responsible social media usage.
Extending Digital Citizenship Beyond the Classroom
While school districts block restricted apps on campus, educators and parents stress that digital safety education must continue at home. Niki Porter, Richland Two school board chair and a parent, noted the shared responsibility between schools and families.
“Those apps are blocked in the school setting, but then when they come home and they want to socialize with their friends online, making sure that we’re adhering to the age limit, but also teaching those same digital citizenship principles at home,” Porter said.
District leaders plan to integrate these internet safety lessons into classroom curricula throughout the school year. Families are encouraged to establish open dialogues regarding privacy settings and time limits on popular social media platforms.
Upcoming Tour Stops
Following the stop at Blythewood Middle School, the Google Internet Safety Roadshow continues its Midlands tour. According to district announcements, the next assembly is scheduled for Monday at Liberty STEAM Charter School in Sumter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What topics does Google’s Internet Safety Roadshow cover?
The roadshow covers strong password creation, avoiding phishing scams, identifying reliable online sources, recognizing cyberbullying, and understanding the risks associated with interacting with strangers in online games and chats.
Why is digital footprint management important for middle school students?
According to Richland Two Superintendent Dr. Kim Moore, future college scholarship committees and job recruiters often search applicant names online, meaning poor digital choices made in youth can negatively impact future opportunities.
How can parents support digital safety at home?
Parents can reinforce digital citizenship by monitoring adherence to app age limits, discussing privacy settings, setting screen time limits, and maintaining regular conversations about online behavior, according to Richland Two school board chair Niki Porter.
Where is the roadshow heading next?
Following its stop at Blythewood Middle School, the roadshow visits Liberty STEAM Charter School in Sumter.
What are your thoughts? How do you manage screen time and digital safety in your household? Leave a comment below or share this article with other parents and educators to keep the conversation going.