Screen Allies Flyer

Smart Shark Choices • Digital Guide
SMART SHARK CHOICES
Navigating Social Media Waters in 4th Grade & Beyond
Anchors in Open Waters Set strong protective reefs (guardrails) today so your shark pup can swim safely tomorrow. Real trust is built through proactive co-navigation!
Social Waters: Platform Safety Guide
KNOW THE DEEP END
Snapchat
🚨 STRICTLY 13+ ONLY
Vanishing messages trick kids into risky sharing; "Snap Map" coordinates track real-world physical location.
Use Ghost Mode always
Turn off Quick Add requests
YouTube
🌊 ALL AGES OK WITH CARE
Auto-play whirlpools pull young swimmers off-course; toxic comment sections hide predatory bait.
Stick to YouTube Kids
Deactivate Auto-Play
Other Sites
⚠️ MOST REQUIRE 13+
Instagram, Discord, and gaming chats (Roblox) house direct messages where online storm surges occur.
Keep account strictly Private
Disable Direct Messages
Device-Level Controls
Apple Screen Time (iOS)
Go to Settings ➔ Screen Time ➔ My Child's Device. Set a parent passcode & tap Content Restrictions to block explicit web content and downloads.
Google Family Link
Download the Family Link App. Turn on App Approval requirements so they can't install any social apps without parent permission.
Deep-Sea Safety Rules
1
The Overnight Dock
Charge screens in parents' room at 8:30 PM. No bedside browsing.
2
Password Transparency
Parents hold passwords. Co-navigate app profiles together.
3
The Shared Lagoon Rule
No screens inside locked bedrooms. Swim only in open family reefs.
4
Safe Harbor Promise
"Tell me when things go wrong; I won't get mad or confiscate your screen."
Safe Harbors: Talks
Run regular, non-confrontational scan checks with these parent-tested talk prompts:
"Show me your favorite digital wave (creator) today. Why is their stuff viral?"
"What is our backup escape plan if a group chat gets mean or toxic?"
"Let's check our lagoon settings—show me how to block a toxic swimmer."
Counselor Patrol
Suzie Hart, LCSW, CAGS
School Counselor Rescue Station
Don't navigate digital storm surges or home screen-time conflicts alone. Reach out for supportive guidance anytime!
508-945-5135 ext. 2236
sjhart@monomoy.edu
CHATHAM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL • SMART SHARK SAFETY
COASTAL COALITION