District launches digital safety initiative offering free filtering software for parents

A significant focus on digital safety for students emerged during the Benicia Unified School District (BUSD) Board Meeting on February 6, 2025. The meeting highlighted a new initiative aimed at enhancing online security for students, which includes providing parents with free licenses for premium filtering software for their children's devices.

The initiative, presented by a representative from a digital safety company, aims to bridge the gap between the district and the community by offering resources such as parent webinars led by clinical psychologists and law enforcement professionals. The software is designed to block inappropriate content, including social media and gaming sites, based on district-set policies. Parents can also monitor their children's online activity through an app, although alerts regarding potential risks will not be sent directly to them to protect student privacy.

Key discussions revolved around the software's capabilities, including its ability to monitor attempts by students to bypass restrictions. The representative assured that the system would identify such attempts and provide a teachable moment for students. Additionally, each child in the district is entitled to a license for the software, allowing for comprehensive protection across multiple devices.

Concerns were raised about the potential workload on teachers, who are already stretched thin. The software aims to assist rather than burden educators, providing them with tools to manage classroom devices effectively without detracting from their primary teaching responsibilities.

The board also discussed the financial implications of implementing this program, with an estimated annual cost of $440,000. This figure includes all necessary training and support, ensuring that there are no hidden costs for the district.

As the meeting concluded, the board expressed a commitment to further explore the program's implementation and its impact on student safety and educational outcomes. The initiative represents a proactive step towards ensuring that students are protected in an increasingly digital learning environment.