Protecting Your Kids Online – What Is Even Possible?

Protecting Your Kids Online – What Is Even Possible?

Potential risks for your kids are everywhere today, with social media, virtual worlds, gaming, internet sites, inappropriate online content, and security. We know you are concerned, and that every day you are working hard to balance their screen time and your safety concerns.

And if your child has special needs, technology can be an essential tool in their communication and learning – so limiting access is not always an option. Children with ADHD, mood disorders, and other conditions that manifest with impulsivity, may have an even harder time making good choices and following the family rules online.

How can parents navigate this, especially with school starting, new friends entering the picture, and their kid’s online worlds constantly expanding? There are plenty of safety and awareness measures you can take to help mitigate the risk, even if you can’t remove it completely from their lives.

The Children’s Guild (TCG) has always been concerned about the proliferation of cell phone use and the potential impact of the Internet on children. Several years ago, TCG started reminding parents and other concerned adults to educate, discuss, and monitor phone use to help young people sort out their relationship with their devices.1

So much has changed, but even five years ago when this article was first published—an eternity in the world of technological progress—there were significant concerns about kids and the internet. With the rapid advancements in technology, we know your concerns have only grown, as the digital landscape continues to grow at an incredible pace.

Today we recognize that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to keeping kids as safe as possible online. Over the years, we have constantly monitored the evolving digital world and adjusted our recommendations to address new habits and trends.

The U.S. Surgeon General has even issued a “youth mental health crisis” stemming from social media. Another recent article delves into the topic of phone usage and the mental health issues that are attributed to social media, and cites that “parents should be doing more to engage their child in ways that don’t involve technology so when they get home from school, they’re less incentivized to get right back on their phones.”

As technology continues to advance rapidly, here are some key considerations for monitoring your child’s behavior online:

1. START A CONVERSATION – AND KEEP IT GOING

If you haven’t already, it’s time to start the conversation about social networking, privacy, phones and tablets, computer security, and dealing with cyberbullying. Kids may push back against your reminders, cautions, and questions. But it’s still critical that you talk about it all. Discuss inappropriate conduct online. Have a conversation about people online who may have bad intentions, like bullies, predators, hackers, and scammers. And let them know how you feel about content, like pornography, violence, or hate speech.

Children with ADHD or special needs may have difficulty understanding social cues or recognizing unsafe situations online. It’s crucial to tailor conversations to their comprehension level. Break down topics into smaller, manageable discussions and use clear, concrete examples. Role-playing different online scenarios can help them better grasp the concepts and practice safe behavior.

    2. BE SMART WITH SMART PHONES

    There are no set rules for when kids can have cell phones. Consider their age, personality, maturity, and your family’s circumstances. Cell phones are available with limited internet access, or you can turn on web filtering. Most phones have privacy settings and child safety controls built-in. GPS can be a blessing and a curse – allowing you to know where your kids are and inadvertently broadcasting their location to others. Encourage kids to think about privacy before they share photos and videos. Set rules on when they can and should use their phone. Your child’s school may do the same. In fact, many districts in our area are looking to prohibit use during school hours.

    If managing impulsivity is a challenge for your child, consider using apps that provide reminders and prompts to think before sharing personal information or making posts. Encourage them to pause and reflect before responding to messages or sharing content. Regular check-ins can help reinforce these habits.

    3. PARENTAL CONTROLS

    Especially if you have elementary school kids, there are digital tools to keep them safer and not exposed to harmful content online. You can elect to filter and block certain sites, words, and images. These can apply to websites, email, chat, and IMs. Software can prevent kids from sharing personal information online, in chats, or by email. Monitoring tools will alert parents to online activity without blocking access—with or without a kid’s knowledge. Take a look at Aura Parental Controls, Net Nanny, and Bark Premium, to start. There are many more options.

    Tools that offer visual and auditory alerts rather than text-based warnings might be more effective for a variety of neurodivergent learners.

    4. SUPERVISING USE AND LIMITING TIME

    There’s software to limit your child’s time online and set the time of day they can access online. You can also do this in person, just like you would read a book together, or play games. It’s a great way to talk to kids about the Internet and share your values about using it.

    Some children may struggle with time management and may need more structured time limits for online activity. Consider using a visual timer or scheduling specific periods for internet use to help them manage their time better.

     5. SOFTWARE AND SITES DESIGNED FOR KIDS

    There are many browsers and websites specifically designed for kids that may filter words or images that are inappropriate for them. Child-oriented search engines allow limited searches or screen search results for sites and material more suitable for kids of different ages. Here’s a list of free educational websites and apps for kids to learn at home.

    Also check out websites and apps that are specifically designed for children with special needs or ADHD, such as Funbrain, Do2Learn and GoNoodle. These websites and apps provide tailored support that can help children with special needs or ADHD develop essential skills, manage their behaviors, and engage with content in a safe, structured way.

    6. KEEP READING, LEARNING AND SHARING

    Online safety for kids is a moving target and an ongoing concern. So, continue to learn about tips and tricks that work for your own family. Kids are innocent, curious, and want independence and you want to nurture that in them. So be involved, set rules, talk to them, and warn about dangers. There’s plenty of guidance available online from reputable sources. 

    NEW LEGISLATION TO PROTECT CHILDREN

    Legislators are very aware of internet safety for kids. In July 2024, the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan bill to protect kids online and make tech companies accountable for harmful content. Congress hasn’t passed a law to protect children on the internet since 1998—before Facebook and the iPhone. The bill was written by members of both sides of the Senate and pushed by parents whose children died by suicide after online bullying or were harmed by online content in other ways.

    1. (“Educate Your Adolescent Before Labeling Them as ‘Addicted’ to Their Cell Phone” by Frank J. Kros, MSW, JD)

    Transformation Academy To Host Prom For Students With Special Needs At Baltimore Campus

    Transformation Academy To Host Prom For Students With Special Needs At Baltimore Campus

    On Friday, August 12th, 36 students from The Children’s Guild Transformation Academy in Baltimore will get dressed up and go to the prom to celebrate the start of their new year in this special education school that has become a thriving environment for dozens of students ages 5-21 whose primary diagnosis is autism. Many of the students also have co-existing diagnoses of sensory processing disorder, a specific learning disability, health impairment or multiple disabilities.

    According to Ariel Long, One-to-One Administrator and Teacher Katie Boyle, “All students should have the opportunity to go to the prom, and we are so looking forward to giving our students the chance to Be A Star at Prom 2022.  Instead of crowning a prom king and queen, we will be recognizing each student with for their individual accomplishments and what makes them so special.”

    • What: Be A Star Prom 2022, featuring red carpet student introductions, a corsage building station, photo booth, and informal fun awards
    • Date: Friday, August 12, 2022
    • Time: 12:00 – 2:30 pm
    • Location: 6802 McClean Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21234 (Gymnasium)

    The Transformation Academy provides skills and support to students and their families across a variety of settings including home, workplace, and community.  The teachers and administrators provide programming to foster growth and independence for each student utilizing a collaborative team approach of highly trained professionals, including special education teachers, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, behavior specialists, transition coordinators, and therapeutic behavior aides.

    The Transformation Academy is part of The Children’s Guild schools and programs which respond to the unique needs of every child, family, and community it serves. The organization is one of the largest providers of charter schools, special education, autism services, treatment foster care, and family mental and behavioral health services in the region. 

    Affiliates of The Children’s Guild include The Children’s Guild, Inc., Baltimore Campus, The Children’s Guild DC Public Charter School, The Children’s Guild – Prince George Campus, Monarch Academy Glen Burnie, Monarch Academy Global – Laurel, Monarch Academy Annapolis, The Outpatient Mental Health Clinic, Treatment Foster Care, The Children’s Guild- Transformation Academy, Monarch Preschool College Park, TranZed Academy for Working Students (TAWS), and TranZed Apprenticeships.  For more information, visit https://childrensguild.org/.

    The Children’s Guild Releases 2021 Annual Report

    The Children’s Guild Releases 2021 Annual Report

    The firsts we achieved, the service we undertook, the recognition we earned, and the funds we raised to better serve communities made 2021 a year to remember for The Children’s Guild. Join us to reflect on an inspiring year by checking out our 2021 Annual Report.

    The new look and feel of the Annual Report helps to better demonstrate the exciting things happening in The Children’s Guild. The successes we experienced in 2021 are celebrated by our participating families and communities, and our talented and highly trained staff across all our schools and programs. And they’re made possible by the generous support from our donors and board of directors.

    This presentation shares some of the amazing stories from 2021, including the opening of Transformation Academy, the expanded services offered by many of our schools and programs, The Children’s Guild, Inc., Baltimore Campus’ success in statewide competition, and many other stories. Also included in this report is an overview of our 2021 financials.

    During this past year, we have grown and expanded our influence and impact. The Children’s Guild will continue to provide individualized transformational experiences that help ensure children, families, and their communities thrive. 2021 put us a step closer to achieving our vision: generations of curious and courageous children, healthy families, and thriving communities. The impact that The Children’s Guild made in 2021 will continue to move us to do big things for those we serve in 2022.

    Experience the 2021 Annual Report presentation today!

    The Children’s Guild Announces New Autism School and Holds Open Houses

    The Children’s Guild Announces New Autism School and Holds Open Houses

    The Children’s Guild will open The Children’s Guild: Transformation Academy, a new non-public school providing special education services to children on the autism spectrum, on Oct. 18, 2021. Transformation Academy’s primary goal is to prepare students for transition into adulthood by focusing on functional life skills and activities of daily living beginning at a young age. By offering wrap-around services, we strive to make life better for the students and their families by meeting each student where they are and maximizing their level of independence.

    Located at 6802 McClean Blvd., in Baltimore, The Children’s Guild: Transformation Academy is a 12-month, day school for students ages 5-21, whose primary diagnosis is autism but may have co-existing diagnoses of sensory processing disorder, a specific learning disability, a health impairment or multiple disabilities. At Transformation Academy, we know that our students are more than their diagnoses and we strive to educate and support families in their hopes for their child as a family member and a member of the community.

    The Children’s Guild: Transformation Academy will hold open houses for interested families on the following dates:

    • Wednesday, Sept. 29, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
    • Thursday, Sept. 30, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
    • Saturday, Oct. 9, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

    “We work with children on the autism spectrum whose needs cannot be met in public schools,” said Sarah Weitzel, speech language pathologist and clinical supervisor for The Children’s Guild: Transformation Academy. Our primary purpose is to prepare students for transition into adulthood. We focus on functional life skills and activities of daily living and offer wrap-around services that make life better for the students, to maximize their level of independence.”

    Instructional areas are determined by a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) and may include communication skills, self-care, functional academics, fine and gross motor skills and behavior and socialization skills. The school offers a community-based component and introduces students to job, recreation and leisure skills. Referrals are made through the student’s local public school system, and funding is through local and state boards of education.

    The open houses are walk-in friendly, and no pre-registration is required. All COVID-19 safety precautions will be in effect. For more information, visit www.childrensguildschools.org/transformation-academy or email Sarah Weitzel at [email protected].

    Affiliates of The Children’s Guild include The Children’s Guild School of BaltimoreThe Children’s Guild School of Prince George’s CountyThe Janet and Frank Kelly Autism CenterMonarch Academy public charter and contract schools, The Children’s Guild DC Public Charter SchoolThe Outpatient Mental Health CenterThe Academy: Therapeutic Group HomesTreatment Foster CareThe Children’s Guild: Transformation AcademyMonarch Preschool College ParkTranZed Academy for Working Students (TAWS), and TranZed Apprenticeships.

    The Children’s Guild Alliance Featured on WJZ

    The Children’s Guild Alliance Featured on WJZ

    Baltimore’s WJZ featured on their evening news on March 3, 2021, “Children’s Guild Works To Provide Students With Unique Ways To Learn, Boost Success In The Classroom,” with interviews from Jenny Livelli, incoming President and CEO;  Julie Hummer, The Children’s Guild Alliance Board member, who is the parent of an 8th grader at Monarch Academy Global Laurel, and a parent of a graduate of Monarch Academy Glen Burnie; and Jamie Wilson, Clinical Supervisor for The Children’s Guild. The segment highlighted our unique educational and mental health approach, as students return to in-classroom learning.

    The article noted:

    Not every student flourishes in school. Some need a different approach to learning tailored to their needs that goes beyond books and traditional classroom instruction.

     

    That’s where the Children’s Guild comes in.

     

    The nonprofit organization is being led by Jenny Livelli, its first female CEO and President.

     

    She said their program gives students in Maryland and Washington, D.C., a chance to learn through hands-on and project-based learning at four charter schools and two special needs schools.

     

    “It’s not just sitting and receiving education, it’s actually becoming part of the learning process,” Livelli said.

    Watch the video and read the article.