The year 2020 was a tipping point for all of us. The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the way we look at digital citizenship. It is our reality now as parents, more than ever, to stay on top of our kids’ technology use and social/emotional well-being.
SPMS Position on Social Media
Fri 1/7/2022
Dear SPMS Parents/Guardians,
Part of the mission of South Pasadena Middle School is to promote lifelong learning in a safe and nurturing space where all are able to think, learn, explore, discover and grow. In order to continue successfully fulfilling this part of the mission, we need your help monitoring your children and their internet and social media use.
Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and Discord may offer opportunities to expand knowledge and connect with people around the world, but they are also landscapes that are relatively unrestricted and may be unsafe for young people. Numerous incidents have been brought to our attention involving cyber-bullying and harassment. SPMS has specific policies and procedures that are followed when incidents affect school, but more support and monitoring from home would be appreciated and is necessary now more than ever.
We encourage students not to utilize social media platforms until they are the appropriate age (most platforms state 13+ and if no age is stated, with parent permission only) and are mature enough to successfully navigate and understand the far-reaching consequences of social media. Here is a link to an article that you might find useful.
We assure you that South Pasadena Middle School is a school that prioritizes the safety of students and employees. Please encourage your children to say something if they see or hear anything unusual on campus or online through social media. Continue sharing openly and inquiring about what your children are experiencing online. Together we will be able to educate and guide our students to be good citizens in our increasingly digital world.
Regards,
Stephen Lewis
Assistant Principal
Screenagers Documentaries
The Screenagers documentaries, which SPMS screened for parents in past years, cover a number of topics related to these issues. You can find hosted screenings on their website. Screenagers Parent Guide.