Family Digital Citizenship
Family Digital Citizenship
Embedded Files
Digital citizenship and online safety are essential to the well-being of our students.
Digital citizenship and online safety are essential to the well-being of our students.
At school, students in every grade are learning the skills to be critical consumers of information and responsible, safe users of technology. Lessons support our district's goals to provide safe and inclusive learning environments and to prioritize the health and well-being of students.
On this page we provide suggestions for resources that can help parents reinforce these important lessons at home.
On this page we provide suggestions for resources that can help parents reinforce these important lessons at home.
We will partner with families to support children at school and at home as they navigate the internet and online platforms. We will continue to update this page with resources.
Suggested Family Resources
Suggested Family Resources
This site helps families "keep tech in check so kids thrive in real life." It includes information on introducing tech to children, giving a new device, phone options, setting screen limits, managing a school iPad, adding apps and games, parent controls, and good habits. Most of the online resources are free.
Tech Monitoring
Tech Monitoring
Many companies offer products for families to monitor and control their children's personal devices (e.g., cell phones). We highly recommend families try the following search term to explore these options:
Search term: parent apps for monitoring or controlling children's online activity.
Note: Our district offers Securly Home to assist families in managing screen time on school-issued iPads at home. The iPads are already set to block social media, YouTube, and gaming platforms.
This pledge helps families join together in delaying children from owning a smartphone until at least the end of 8th grade. By working together, families can decrease peer pressure to give younger children smartphones.
Smartphone Alternatives
Smartphone Alternatives
Click here for a description of alternatives to smartphones that don't carry the same risks.
Includes tips and FAQs by age group, topic (screentime, social media, cell phones, etc.) , and platform (e.g., TikTok, Snapchat, Minecraft, Discord, etc.). The site Includes reviews and ratings of movies, apps, and more to help families make choices for their children.
In April 2025, hundreds of people watched the film Screenagers: Elementary Age Edition at Glastonbury High School. This powerful film offers solutions for issues such as video gaming, social media pressure, and screen time.
Co-sponsored by Glastonbury Public Schools, Glastonbury Youth and Family Services, the Glastonbury Youth Advisory Council, and Glastonbury Rotary Club.
Scott Driscoll of Internet Safety Concepts (ISC) hosted a S.M.A.R.T. presentation for families in November 2024 at the Riverfront Community Center (sponsored by Glastonbury Public Schools and Glastonbury Youth and Family Services). The presentation covered topics that include social media, cyberbullying, gaming, and parent tips and tricks.
Our current practices are the result of a careful examination of student use of technology and digital platforms.
Community Conversation: The Anxious Generation
Community Conversation: The Anxious Generation
In partnership with Welles-Turner Memorial Library, Glastonbury Youth and Family Services, and the Glastonbury Rotary Club
Glastonbury Rotary generously donated a number of free books for families. Welles-Turner Memorial Library has several editions in circulation for lending. Local bookstores and online platforms offer print and audio versions for purchase as well.
In the summer of 2025, parents, staff, and community members joined together to discuss this timely book by psychologist Jonathan Haidt. Topics included:
In the summer of 2025, parents, staff, and community members joined together to discuss this timely book by psychologist Jonathan Haidt. Topics included:
Changing technology and changing society.
Play-based vs phone-based childhood
How do we foster independent thinkers?
How can we better prepare our kids to wisely navigate the virtual world?
Pictured are Glastonbury Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Kate Lund, Glastonbury High School Principal Nancy Bean, Board of Education Vice Chair Julie Thompson, Director of School Counseling Ted Gregorski, Rotary Club members, and members of the GHS School Counseling department.
Report abuse