Texts, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snap Chat, the list seems to go on, and on, and on.

This week, I have started holding class meetings to discuss some of the challenges of living as an adolescent in a digital world. I’ve asked Mr. Worden to join me in these conversations with our students.  Basically, I want to introduce the concept of your “digital footprint.”  What type of mark are you leaving in the digital world for everyone to see.  It’s important for our young people to recognize that messages sent (both words and pictures) through technology are rarely private.  Rather, the news is full of stories where these types of communications have resulted in significant personal damage and sometimes even criminal prosecution. Digital communications can be recorded and are often shared with others beyond the intended recipient. It’s important that our students recognize responsible digital citizenship.  My hope is that my initial conversations with the students will continue our efforts to raise responsible young adults.

This week I met with the members of the senior class and will continue meeting with other classes in the coming weeks.  Should you wish to discuss this or want more information, please do not hesitate to contact me.  I encourage each of you to also initiate a conversation with your son or daughter about their digital footprint.   Our students all have a significant digital footprint as a result of living in a digital world.  Let’s work together to make sure that their footprint accurately reflects the kind of person that we know them to be.