Technology can make learning more engaging, but it also brings risks that affect students every day. Around 26.5 % of U.S. students reported being cyberbullied in the past 30 days, and many more say they’ve experienced online harassment like mean comments, rumors, or unwanted contact.
Cyberbullying and other online threats can harm a child’s emotional well-being and make school feel unsafe. That’s why protecting students online is just as important as protecting them in the classroom.
How Technology is Used in Schools
Technology has become a central part of learning in schools across the U.S. Students regularly use laptops, tablets, and smartphones to access lessons, complete assignments, and collaborate with classmates.
Digital platforms like Google Classroom, Zoom, and Kahoot! help teachers share materials and track student progress more efficiently. According to a 2023 report, nearly 90% of teachers in U.S. schools use digital learning tools in their classrooms, and many schools provide devices to students who don’t have them at home.
Online Dangers Students Face
Technology gives students powerful learning tools, but it also comes with risks. Kids can encounter:
Inappropriate content. Violent, sexual, or otherwise unsafe material that can be disturbing or harmful.
Grooming. Predators may try to contact students online to manipulate or exploit them.
Cyberbullying. Hurtful messages, rumors, or harassment that follow students beyond school.
Misuse of student data. Personal information can be shared or collected without permission.
Studies show that around 1 in 4 teens in the U.S. experience cyberbullying each month, and exposure to unsafe content online is common. These dangers highlight why schools, parents, and students need clear rules, monitoring, and digital safety education.
Laws That Protect Kids Online
Several federal laws protect children when they use technology at school or online:
COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act)
Protects children under 13 by limiting the collection of their personal information online. Websites and apps must get verifiable parental consent before collecting data like names, photos, or emails. Without COPPA, children could be tracked or targeted by ads without parents knowing.
FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)
Gives parents and students control over who can see school records. Parents can request corrections, limit sharing, and understand what data schools keep. This ensures that sensitive student information isn’t shared without permission.
CIPA (Children’s Internet Protection Act)
Requires schools and libraries that receive federal funding to install internet filters and teach students how to use the web safely. This protects children from inappropriate content, online predators, and harmful websites.
What These Laws Mean for Families and Schools
These laws aren’t just words on paper. They guide what schools must do and what parents have the right to know. Schools are required to protect student information, monitor online activity, and block harmful content. They must also teach students how to stay safe online.
Parents, on the other hand, have the right to access their child’s records, understand what data the school collects, and be informed about online safety policies. By knowing these rules, families can work with schools to create a safer learning environment and ensure children get the benefits of technology without unnecessary risks.
Where Protection Falls Short
Even with laws and policies in place, protecting students online isn’t perfect. Schools and districts enforce rules unevenly, which means some students are more protected than others. At the same time, technology moves faster than regulations, with new apps, platforms, and online tools appearing every year.
This gap makes it hard for schools and parents to keep up, which leaves students sometimes exposed to cyberbullying, inappropriate content, or privacy risks. Learning and understanding these gaps helps families and educators stay alert, ask the right questions, and take extra steps to keep kids safe online.
Questions Parents Should Ask Schools
Parents can take an active role in keeping students safe online by asking clear, specific questions.
Device monitoring. How does the school track students’ use of laptops, tablets, or other devices? Are there limits on apps or websites?
Content filtering. What systems are in place to block inappropriate or harmful content? How often are filters updated as new apps and sites emerge?
Data collection and sharing. What student information does the school collect? Who has access, and how is the data protected?
Online safety education. Does the school teach students how to navigate the internet responsibly and recognize potential risks?
Reporting concerns. What is the process if a student encounters cyberbullying, grooming attempts, or unsafe content online?
Parents can partner with schools to make sure students enjoy the benefits of technology while staying safe online. Being proactive helps families identify gaps, support policies, and create a safer learning environment for every child.
How KIDS TOO Works to Keep Kids Safe Online
KIDS TOO raises awareness by sharing tips, guides, and real stories so parents, teachers, and students understand the risks. We support policies that protect children’s privacy and promote safe technology use in schools. And we educate parents on what to watch for, how to talk to their kids about online safety, and how to work with schools to address issues.
Take Action for Safer Schools
You don’t have to wait for someone else to step in. Every action counts. Learn more about school safety and educator misconduct, talk with your child about online risks, and share what you know with other parents or teachers. You can also support policies and programs that make schools safer, or get involved in local initiatives that protect students.