We want to take a moment to share an important reminder about online safety. Recently, a Kearney School District student experienced an attempted online solicitation for photos while using a gaming platform. The student thankfully told their parents, who responded quickly and appropriately by involving law enforcement. We’re incredibly grateful for this child’s courage and the family’s swift action.

We're using this situation to encourage all of our parents and guardians to take a few minutes to review the resources in our KSD Online Safety Hub. It is managed by Linewize, a leading global provider of online safety products and education. This site includes quick guides, age-appropriate tips and step-by-step support for issues like online grooming, inappropriate contact and safe gaming settings. 

You can also view a video with Linewize's Director of Wellbeing, Teodora Pavkovic, who shared insights into some of the main online safety risks children encounter today and the strategies to minimize them, and guided viewers through using tools like the ABC approach to children's online safety and the KSD Online Safety Hub.

\Linewize also protects district-issued devices with an application called Qustodio, which helps ensure the digital safety and security of our students. All KSD parents/guardians are invited to join this digital safety net by using the Qustodio Parents App. This app provides you with full visibility on how your child is using their school devices. Visit our website to learn more about this app and for a link to create your personalized dashboard account.

Talking with kids about online behavior, even brief, casual check-ins, can make a real difference. If you ever have concerns or your child shares something that doesn’t feel right, please contact local law enforcement authorities right away. We’re here to support you, and keeping our students safe truly takes all of us working together.