Hoover City Schools is a Common Sense Media Certified District. A Common Sense Media certified district is a school district that has been recognized for its work to promote digital citizenship and create safe and innovative spaces for students to learn. Common Sense Media's mission is to improve the lives of kids and families by providing independent reviews, age ratings, and other information about all types of media.

In this newsletter, you will find Digital Citizenship Tips & Tricks for families.

From phones and tablets to streaming movies and YouTube, tech and media are everywhere. Kids love easy access to TV shows, games, and information. Parents and caregivers love that kids can stay in contact while they explore their independence. But it's easy to overdo it when the phone never stops pinging and the next episode plays automatically. Families can keep media and tech use in check by following a few simple practices. Check out these 5 tips (click HERE for detailed tips):

When kids go online, whether they're playing multiplayer games, using social media apps, or posting their latest creative expressions, it's important that they understand how to keep their private information safe. With tips on how to avoid scams and protect their personal data, tweens and teens can travel all over the digital world -- and still be in charge of their digital footprints. Check out these 4 tips (click HERE for detailed tips):

As tweens and teens start sharing content and engaging with others online, it's important for them to understand the tracks they're leaving behind and what those tracks might reveal. Parents can help guide kids toward creating the kind of footprint they can be proud of. Check out these 4 tips (click HERE for detailed tips):

So much of kids' social lives happens online. Whether they're texting with their study group, flirting on social media, or voice-chatting on game platforms, middle and high schoolers can learn to communicate in safe and healthy ways. These skills will help kids -- and the people they're communicating with -- have positive experiences online. Check out these 4 tips (click HERE for detailed tips):

Most kids will encounter mean behavior at some point in their digital lives. For some kids, this experience is a blip that's easily forgotten, while for others it can have deep, long-lasting effects. For parents, the key is staying involved in kids' lives -- both online and off -- so they can step in and offer help if necessary. With guidance from parents and educators, kids can learn how to dodge the drama and stand up for others. Check out these 6 tips (click HERE for detailed tips):

With so much media and information coming at us through the television, phones, social media, and more, it's more important than ever for kids to understand the basics of media literacy. When tweens and teens can identify different types of news and media and the methods and meanings behind them, they're on their way to being critical thinkers and smart consumers. Check out these 5 tips (click HERE for detailed tips):