As per Policy 5306, Broward County Public Schools adheres to the belief that technology should play a vital role in meeting the needs of the broad range of abilities, disabilities, cultural backgrounds and ethnic populations represented in Broward District schools. To assure technology plays a prominent role while remaining safe and appropriate, BCPS has developed the Social Media Use Guidelines to provide direction for employees, students and the school district community when participating in online social media activities.

Find up to date user friendly Social Media Guidelines flyers on the Code of Student Conduct webpage.

Sexting is on the rise and in the News. Sexting is when someone sends sexually explicit images of themselves or others via cell phone or computer. 

Sex + Texting = Sexting

Under Florida law, sending an image of a minor (to both the sender and receiver) can result in criminal charges.

In addition, did you know that “No cell phones with cameras and/or video recording devices are permitted in the locker room/restroom area” of ANY public restroom or place where there is the perception of privacy (locker-rooms, tanning booths, etc.)? It is a crime called 'Video Voyeurism' and is a a first degree misdemeanor burglary and trespass in the state of Florida.

Please Note: A program or website being mentioned here does not imply endorsement by the School Board of Broward County and does not necessarily reflect its views.  Contact the program developers directly for the most current information.

21 Apps Parents Should Know About

The Anti-Defamation League

B4UClick: B4UClick aims to create a way to educate, communicate, and provide a method of reporting online abuse to children and adolescents.

BystanderRevolution

Chatting with Kids About Being Online, resource is from NetCetera and comes in multiple languages and with a Heads Up Booklet student guide as well.

Choose Peace, Stop Violence

Common Sense Media – Provides numerous Family Tip Sheets for parents as well as lessons on online safety, cyber citizenship, and cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying, The Complete Resource Guide

Cyberbullying Research Center: Provides numerous resources for both parents and students as well as the latest research on internet safety. Top 10 Tips Parents Cyberbullying Response

Cyber Tip Line

iKeepSafe.org Teaches basic rules of Internet safety to children and parents, reaching them online and in school.

InCtrl

i-SAFE, Internet Safety Awareness and Education

Media Smarts

MTV, A Thin Line

NetCetera: The Net Cetera from the Federal Trade Commission, offers free resources for teachers, parents and students which teach online safety. Resources include Toolkits, presentations to parents or teachers, student videos for the classroom, and free booklets for distribution.

NetSmartz Parents’ and guardians’ premier, online resource for answering questions about Internet safety, computers, and the Web. Online resources for children 10 and under.

ReviewLab's Online Safety Resource Guide has numerous links to resources and articles regarding online safety."

SafeFlorida.net, a Florida website dedicated to fighting Cybercrime and supporting Cyber Safety.

Sextortion: If you believe you’re a victim of sextortion or know someone else who is, call your local FBI office or toll-free at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

Sexual Predators Search

Stop Bullying Now!

Teachers' Essential Guide to Cyberbullying Prevention

Web Wise Kids: Web Wise Kids (WWK) is a national nonprofit organization that specializes in interactive computerized games on internet safety topics.

Cyberbullying is willful and repeated harm inflicted through the medium of electronic text. Research has shown the damage caused by cyberbullying is just as severe as face to face bullying. People who cyberbully are able to invade every facet of their target's lives, 24/7, and this inability to escape it can be devastating.

The majority of the Internet safety and bullying prevention curricula include components on cyberbullying. Use them with your students to help create of climate of safety and respect, both online and off.

Anonymous reports can be made to Broward County Public School’s Special Investigative Unit, FortifyFL, or SaferWatch. These services are designed to help us anonymously and securely report anything that we fear might endanger us at school. Tips can be made via phone, text, or email with SUI, and these reporting apps. If there is an emergency, dial 911.