Parent Resources
How parents can help their children safely navigate the digital world.
Common Sense Media Website
There are many websites that provide information to help parents help their children safely navigate the digital world. The White River Technology staff often access information from the Common Sense Media website.
The mission of Common Sense Media:
“Common Sense is the leading independent nonprofit organization dedicated to helping kids thrive in a world of media and technology. We empower parents, teachers, and policymakers by providing unbiased information, trusted advice, and innovative tools to help them harness the power of media and technology as a positive force in all kids’ lives.”
The three areas below are starting points for exploring the Common Sense Media website.
Digital Citizenship
The Parent Concerns section of the Common Sense Media website provides guidance for parents.
Consejos sobre medios y tecnología para tu familia está aquí.
Privacy and Internet Safety
Privacy and internet safety information from Common Sense Media
Social Media App Information for Parents
A list of current apps and what they do is available from Common Sense Media
Our Family Toolbox
Connecting Families is designed to support and empower families in raising kids who think critically, participate responsibly, and behave ethically in their online lives. The Family Toolbox provides a variety of resources for parents who want to provide more guidance in the use of technology.
Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction Information
OSPI School Safety Center: Cyber Bullying & Internet safety
Home Internet Content Filtering
The White River computer network connects with over 2,000 student devices. The network uses a content filter to prevent access to websites that are inappropriate for educational use or viewing by students. Parents that wish to limit home access to inappropriate sites may decide to use a content filter. An Internet search for “home content filters” will return information and options for home use. Below are some examples.
Disclaimer: White River does not endorse, recommend, or receive payment for information regarding any content filtering software.
1) Home Network filtering
Home networks can also use content filters to protect family members from accessing objectionable websites. A web search for “home network content filters” will provide further information.
Below are two examples of methods to protect an entire home network:
OpenDNS has been available for many years. Changes to your internet router protect the entire home network.
The website asecurelife is another website that reviews many hardware solutions.
2) Individual device filtering
The TopTenReviews.com website, as the name implies, has reviewed web filtering software that is installed on devices.
The techradar website has also reviewed parental controls.
Take home Chromebook Information
White River High School students (grades 9-12) are provided with take-home Chromebooks. A case and a power supply are included. Information can be found here on the White River High School Website.
White River High School students (grades 9-12) are provided with take-home Chromebooks. A case and a power supply are included. Information can be found here on the White River High School Website.
Low-Cost High-Speed Internet Services
Comcast and CenturyLink offer at‐home broadband access at $9.95 per month for
qualified families. To enroll in one of these programs, families must call Comcast
or Century Link.
Comcast and CenturyLink offer at‐home broadband access at $9.95 per month for
qualified families. To enroll in one of these programs, families must call Comcast
or Century Link.
Special Technology Discounts!
Parents, Staff, and Students are you looking for some great deals, year-round, on technology? Please check out the following web sites for student/staff discounts:
Home Use Program