WWYD
You have an after school commitment and don't want to go. Parents are working and phones aren't allowed to be used at school. WWYD?
You are strong, capable kids who can do hard things! Honor your commitments, you are where you're supposed to be right now. Communicate with the office or your activity leader about how you're feeling.
Someone on a game or chat says they are my age so I know it's fine to tell them details about my life. Sus or Trust?
Sus!! Not everyone online is who they say they are. Just because someone says they're also 11 on a game or app does not mean it's true.
What are some good ways to wind down from devices at night?
Turn in screens/devices 30-60 mins before bed. Always keep devices out of the bedroom. Read, journal, etc.
Your mood can mimic the game, post, or video you've just seen. Anger, rage, anxiety, competition, depression are real emotions and it's so important to have downtime before you go to sleep
What are some ways you can check on your friends?
Talk to them, ask questions, invite them to hang out, sit together, help them with something, notice their facial expressions, make them something, do an activity, walk together, there are so many ways to check on your friends.
Kids in my class said there's a way to download games on my computer and I'm thinking about giving it a try. WWYD?
Hard no.
The tech department can track what's happening on every laptop. Downloading games can result in a detention or in-school suspension for messing with their devices. Use your DMS laptop for schoolwork only.
My friend and I went to the beach to take pictures. I want to send a picture to our group chat of her looking crazy. We were obviously together when we took these photos so I know it's fine that I send it. Sus or Trust?
Sus. "Can I send this?" Asking permission to share my friend takes 2 seconds. Getting consent will make sure we are both on the same page about what I can and cannot share of my friend.
We can use devices for good to chat with friends, organize in-person plans, exercise, travel, cook, etc. What are some ways being online can negatively affect boys and girls?
Low self-esteem, poor sleep, isolation, loneliness, anxiety, cheating, trash talking culture, unreasonable standards and expectations about self image and relationships, cyberbullying, feeling misunderstood, etc.
What are some ways you can get in touch with family or friends without a cell phone?
Email, school office phone, library phone, DSU phone, Benchwarmers phone, Duxbury Pizza phone, etc. community members will always help when you are in need. Be sure to show gratitude and appreciation for your community.
Someone asks you to do, say, or send something that makes you uncomfortable. WWYD?
Tell them no. No is a complete sentence. Remind them that sending certain images or videos are illegal. This goes for AI images too! In the state of Massachusetts, there are laws in place to protect young people against bullying and cyberbullying.
I'm typing this funny message to my friend about someone in our class. I know they will think it's funny. Sus or Trust?
Sus!
Screenshotting is really easy! Your friend may feel differently about the message. You don't always know who else is reading your messages, like someone on the bus, someone your friend is with, or your friend's parent.
I'm confused, curious, interested, or uncomfortable about something I saw online. I feel weird asking about it. What are some things I can do to learn more?
Always ask a parent or another adult. You don't have to know everything about the internet and there's no shame in asking for help or more information. Discern together what's real, true, or healthy.
Other than my school-issued laptop, what other electronics or devices are essential to my learning?
None! The laptop is enough to manage.
No additional technology at DMS has helped productivity, security, confidence, and freedom to learn
Someone in your friend group uses swears all the time and talk about things you know are inappropriate. Today they said something in the group chat that made everyone uncomfortable and we all stopped responding. WWYD?
Use interrupters and ask "Why did you say that?" or "Was that supposed to be funny?" or "Can you explain what you meant by that?"
Trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, it's probably not right. Tell them that their words make you uncomfortable.
My middle schooler is the best. They go to their commitments, do their homework, are liked by friends, and are happy playing games and watching videos in their room. They've gotten quieter but I think that's just growing up. I guess I'd rather them safe at home than out on their bike in Halls Corner! Sus or Trust?
Sus. Check on them, make time to spend just the two of you. Ask open ended questions. Ask them about any pressure they feel. The internet preys on kids, especially in their bedrooms. Usually the "easiest" kids that all parents love can feel the most misunderstood.
What does IP in IP address stand for?
Internet protocol
The internet protocol is a set of rules for communication over the internet. This includes rules for sending messages, streaming video, or connecting to a website.
"A business owner in Hall's Corner yelled at me and my friends for riding our e-bikes on the sidewalk and and not following the traffic rules. I'm 11 on a bike, the traffic should be looking out for me."
What is the problem here?
Your behavior is being watched everywhere. Your parents know the saying, "It takes a village to raise a child." Duxbury is a pretty special place to grow up and it is so important that you listen to and respect the adults in town who help make your childhood special and safe.