Dear CRSD 127.5 Parents -
We are excited to announce a new partnership between Chicago Ridge 127.5 schools and SmartSocial.
Many of our students have a cellphone, tablet, or even gaming systems with Internet access and social media. While advances in technology have many great rewards, there is also the potential for harm.
In addition to cyberbullying, there are concerns about safety, mental health, and wellness. It seems that every day another social media app or social media challenge becomes popular. In some cases, these apps allow strangers to contact children, or make it easy to anonymously bully other children. Or, the social media challenges pose great dangers to students’ or bystanders’ physical safety. In answer to these dangers, we have been looking for a resource that can help parents of our community learn the ins and outs of social media and online dangers, and the challenges of parenting in the digital age.
The SmartSocial resources cover a wide range of digital and social media topics. We have purchased a subscription package for these resources to help you learn how to navigate the negative (and positive) parts of social media with your children.
With more than 130 parent, educator, & student courses available on-demand, this resource promises to help bridge the gap between the ever-changing digital landscape and the very real need to guide our students.
Some of our courses include:
Smartphone and Social Media Agreement Class (For students, parents, & educators)
Navigating TikTok (A course for students, parents, & educators)
Navigating Instagram (A course for students, parents, & educators)
Navigating YouTube (A course for students, parents, & educators)
Navigating Snapchat (A course for students, parents, & educators)
Navigating Fortnite, Overwatch, Call of Duty & Other Violent Video Games (A course for students & parents)
Navigating Roblox, Minecraft, & Other Non-Violent Video Games (A course for students & parents)
Navigating Artificial Intelligence (AI)
And more!
As we all know, the digital footprint and the social media presence that young people create can have a lasting impact. Parental guidance, as well as guidance from trusted adults at school, are needed.
Normally membership to the SmartSocial resources is $60-180/year. CRSD 127.5 parents can now join the SmartSocial Membership for FREE. Our school’s membership gives each family access to the SmartSocial courses for free through July 2025. This is a unique opportunity to learn from experts in the social media space - from the comfort of your home or office.
Click this link to register today!
Sincerely,
Dr. Adam Thorns
Superintendent
SMART Social Introduction Video