October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and it's a great time to talk about how we can all work together to help our children stay safe online. Just as we teach them to look both ways before crossing the street, we also teach them how to protect themselves while using the internet.
Throughout the month, schools across NYC Public Schools—including The High School of Fashion Industries—are focusing on helping students build healthy, respectful, and safe digital habits. This includes learning how to create strong passwords, keep personal information private, and understand how to respond to online bullying. Schools are also sharing helpful tips with families—like how to update apps regularly, avoid suspicious links, and protect home devices.
Our goal is to ensure that every member of our school community—students, staff, and families—feels confident and secure when using technology. Cyber safety is a team effort, and together we can raise responsible digital citizens.
NYC Public Schools are committed to providing powerful and safe learning experiences through the use of technology. To help everyone use these tools responsibly, we follow an Acceptable Use Policy that applies to all students, families, and staff.
Here are a few key things to know:
Using Technology for Learning
School-issued devices, internet access, and email accounts are meant for educational use only. Students should use these tools to explore, create, collaborate, and grow academically.
Staying Safe Online
Students should never share personal information—like their address, phone number, or private details—online. If your child ever sees or receives something online that feels wrong or uncomfortable, they should tell a teacher or a trusted adult right away. It's also important to remind students that meeting someone in person who they’ve only interacted with online is not safe.
What’s Not Allowed on School Devices or Networks
To keep our schools respectful and safe, the following activities are not permitted:
Viewing or sharing inappropriate, violent, or offensive content
Bullying, harassment, or any harmful behavior
Personal Devices (Phones, Tablets, etc.): At the High School of Fashion Industries, students are not allowed to use personal internet-enabled devices during the school day. Our school has specific procedures in place for storing these devices securely. All personal devices must be turned in to school staff at the beginning of the day and will be returned at dismissal.
School-Issued Devices: If your child has received a device from the school, please remember that it is DOE property and must be handled with care. These devices should only be used for schoolwork and must be returned when requested.
Privacy & Monitoring: Please be aware that students do not have privacy when using school devices or networks. The DOE may review files, emails, and internet activity to ensure that students are using technology safely and responsibly.
Consequences: If a student violates these rules, they may lose technology privileges and face additional disciplinary action, in line with the Citywide Discipline Code. However, even if a student loses access to a device, we will continue to support their academic progress through other means.
We ask all families to review these guidelines together at home. By staying informed and working together, we can ensure that technology is being used in ways that are safe, respectful, and focused on learning.