Letter from Southeast Tennessee Executive Director, Julia Wright - July 2018

It is already time to begin preparation for all things back-to-school. The safety precautions our mothers instructed us to use going to and from school are still the wisest ones and common sense is always the best guide.

Living in the digital age though, adds a totally new dimension to back-to-school safety. Here are some tips to keep top of mind as your kids head to school with their electronic devices this year.

• Never leave your cell phones, tablets or laptops unattended
• Use password protection on all devices
• Don't ever share passwords with anyone
• Change your passwords every month at least
• Be mindful of the personal information you share on social networks
• Avoid sending “selfies” that are provocative.
• When you use public networks or another person’s computer always sign off to accounts before you leave.
• Install a tracking app on your devices and report lost or stolen ones to the police.
• It is always best to install a proxy network VPN if your use public WIFI
• Set the automatic 911 function on your phone
• Always use a lock screen

Smart phones, laptops and tablets have become indispensable tools in the classroom, but convenience tools with so many capabilities can also present high risks if the operator ignores simple precautions.

Your child's devices contain personal information that is important to keep secure at all times. Have a discussion with your children about this list before they leave for school and it can never be impressed enough that whatever you put on the world wide web may stay there somewhere for an eternity.