Tuesday, May 29, students in grades 5–8 had the valuable opportunity to hear from guest speakers with the Alameda County Sheriff's Office, who shared an important message about digital citizenship and the lasting impact of their online behavior. The deputies emphasized that a digital footprint is permanent—even if accounts are set to private or content is deleted—and urged students to be thoughtful about how they represent themselves on social media.
In preparation for the assembly, students engaged in a discussion about how their online presence can influence future opportunities, including college admissions and employment. They were reminded that employers often review social media history and that past posts—even from years earlier—can have real-world consequences.
We believe these conversations are essential in helping students understand the responsibility that comes with digital communication and how to interact respectfully and appropriately in online spaces.