Many student phones include data plans that access the internet outside of our web-content filtering application. ASFG can only filter the content that is being accessed using ASFG’s wi-fi system. Due to this reason, policies are in place for our elementary students to not have smartphones that access the internet during school hours from 8:00 - 2:30pm. In addition, middle school students are instructed to have their cell phones put away during the school day.

All sections of ASFG maintain a cell phone policy intended to support the academic environment. Those policies can be found in the early childhood, elementary school, middle school and high school sections of the Parent Student Handbook.

ASFG includes cyberbullying as a type of bullying within its bullying policy equal to verbal, social, or physical bullying. ASFG’s bullying prevention program includes several lessons for students as well as workshops for staff and parents to educate the school community about how to address this concern.

Common Sense Media is one of the best resources that ASFG follows and uses to guide our digital citizenship curriculum. Below are some highlights for parents.

• Technology Addiction - From smartphones to social media to video-games, media and tech have become a huge part of our families' lives. The ability to be constantly connected can affect schoolwork, relationships, and concentration. The challenge is to get the most from technology without letting it get out of control.

• A Parent’s Guide to Social Media - Social media isn't simply a way of life for kids -- it's life itself. To help them keep their online interactions safe, productive, and positive, we offer the most up-to-date research and guidance on social media basics. Get tips on talking to your kids about sharing, posting , and avoiding digital drama.

• Setting limits - Family media contracts guide parents to set realistic rules that make sense for the family. Age appropriate examples are included.

• Cyberbullying - Find age-specific guidelines, videos, and articles to help with tough conversations -- whether your kid is a bully or is being bullied . We answer all your cyberbullying questions , offering age-appropriate advice, school resources, and more from parents and experts.

• Cyberbullying resources that I can share with my child - This website was created by the Department of Health and Human Services to help kids learn about bullying: what it is, how it affects people, and what kids can do about it. It is safe for kids to navigate on their own. Webisode videos illustrate examples of bullying using animated animal characters. The scenarios are realistic but not too intense for younger kids - there's no profanity, hate speech, or physical violence involved.

ASFG wants to support parents when setting rules about screen time in their home. ASFG employs settings so that the computers of grade 7 and grade 8 students are blocked from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 am. Given that individual family needs vary greatly, ASFG does not employ this setting control from grades 9 -12. For these older grade levels, the school defers to parent discretion to limit screen time.

The Responsible Technology Use Agreement is included in the Technology section of the Parent Student Handbook . It is discussed at section open houses and at parent meetings regarding digital citizenship. This policy is important to ASFG because it defines the purpose of our school’s technology resources, equipment, and internet access to enrich our academic environment. Students in grades 7-12 sign this agreement when they get their laptops.