Creating a Safer Remote Learning Environment for Your Children at Home

August 24th, 2020

With the coronavirus pandemic still surging on, many Houston families have made the tough decision to transition their children from face to face learning to remote learning at home. No matter what, school is going to be very different than what we are used to. 

With the rise of remote learning and increased online activity for students, we need to create a safer remote learning environment for our children at home. 

Safety Risks of Online Learning

Remote learning at home doesn't come without its own set of risks, just as if you would be continuing face to face instruction in a Houston brick and mortar school.

Heightened stress levels, cyberbullying, outside access to online classrooms, breaches of student privacy and confidentiality, and disengagement from studies are all some of the risks we face as we turn to remote learning. 

Tips for Safer Learning

So, how can we get around some of these risks and create a safer online environment at home for our children? Here are a few tips to get you started on a well-paved path to success.

Understand the Risks

First, you and your children need to be aware of these risks and understand them. Many schools will be using online platforms that are new or unfamiliar. A proper risk assessment needs to be done on each platform to ensure the safety of the children. 

This means understanding how the information will be captured, secured, stored, and used, and educators need to know how to lock down a classroom or avoid students from setting up their own rooms that are not endorsed by the school.

Set Expectations

Just as in school, remote learning also requires a clear set of expectations. These expectations refer to the behavior of the students and parents. A clear Code of Conduct needs to be established, and everyone needs a clear understanding of what is expected of them as they learn online. 

Safety Training

All schools also need to educate students, parents, and staff on child safety guidelines that are tailored to remote learning. The training is meant to teach everyone how to remain safe online, including the proper way to use social media. 

Monitor Online Activity

All student activities should also be monitored closely. This is where a child safety officer plays a vital role. They can be the point of contact if any red flags are raised for safety. It is also up to the parents to understand what their children are doing online, and they need to keep an open line of communication with their child's school. 

Cybersecurity Guidelines

To maintain your student's safety online and avoid cybersecurity risks, secure web gateways, and network-based tools you are using at home. You can also use a VPN or virtual private network to help ensure that any sensitive data is being securely transmitted.

You should also be using the latest technology for safeguarding your home devices, install firewalls, antimalware, and antivirus software, and never ignore security updates.

For more information on how you can secure your devices at home to create a safer remote learning environment for your children, contact your local Houston, security experts, today.