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Parental Concerns and Help

Thank you for your commitment to supporting your child’s online experience with the Onslow County Schools 1:1 Program. Launched in 2014 and expanded to all grades (K-12) by 2020 following Hurricane Florence, our program ensures equitable access to technology, proven during seamless remote learning during COVID-19 with only one day missed. We use a state-provided Internet filtering service to enhance safety, but your active involvement remains the most effective safeguard in this vast digital landscape. Below, explore resources from CommonSenseMedia, our approved provider for digital citizenship, media reviews, and family guides, tailored to your family’s needs.

All links direct to the CommonSenseMedia Parental Concerns Website.

Digital Safety

  • Screen-Time Management: Set realistic screen-time limits and age-appropriate guidelines for TV, websites, cell phones, and violent media. Balance is key to your family’s lifestyle.

  • Cyberbullying Prevention: Access age-specific guidelines, videos, and articles to address cyberbullying, whether your child is a victim or perpetrator. Resources include school support and expert advice.

  • Privacy and Online Safety: Learn the latest research, tips, and tools to maximize Internet benefits while minimizing risks. Guidance covers privacy settings, parental controls, and smart usernames.

Social and Media Guidance

  • Social Media Navigation: Get up-to-date research and tips on keeping online interactions safe and positive. Learn about the latest apps, websites, and strategies to avoid digital drama.

  • Cell Phone Readiness: Lay the groundwork for responsible use, deciding when your child is ready, setting rules, and choosing the right plan. Stay informed about their phone activities.

  • Media Violence Awareness: Understand the impact of violent content in movies, games, and TV. Select age-appropriate material and learn strategies to reduce negative effects.

  • Gender and Body Image: Explore how media shapes gender norms, ideas about sex, and body satisfaction. Access 2015 research and tips to address these pressures.

  • Substance Exposure: Navigate marijuana marketing, vaping videos, and alcohol ads with advice on age-appropriate content and preventing harmful habits.

Learning and Development

  • Advertising Awareness: Ad-proof your child against viral marketing and data tracking. Learn the impact on different ages and how to foster critical viewing skills.

  • Technology-Enhanced Learning: Discover how math apps, videos, and wikis open new learning worlds. Find products and foster a love of learning in a global context.

  • Reading Support: Celebrate your child’s reading journey with guides from beginner to teen levels. Build literacy skills with our Essential Book Guide.

  • Special Needs Resources: Use games, apps, and devices to support kids with learning differences, autism, or sensory needs. Learn to configure devices and boost social skills.

  • Early Childhood Media: Guide toddlers and preschoolers through the tech-saturated world with research-based advice on screen time, devices, and learning media.