SMACtalk

PULASKI COUNTY, Ark. -- The Division of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) is presenting a new educational tool for families and teachers called SMACtalk. The Social Media Awareness Campaign (SMACtalk) was created to ensure we all work together to keep our students healthy and safe while they learn and socialize online.

For parents, SMACtalk offers resources to encourage them to stay up-to-date on the latest social media platforms and trends and know where and how their kids are communicating. The campaign also provides information for parents to use to talk with their kids about how to protect themselves online.

For students, DESE provides age-appropriate videos and activities that are designed to help students become better digital citizens. 

And for teachers, SMACtalk gives training information to promote online safety and security, including a podcast, tip lists, handouts, and book recommendations.

The Arkansas Attorney General’s Office also provides additional resources on internet safety, including an upcoming free webcast on developing healthy virtual relationships on October 21. They are also offering a free webcast about the dangers of e-cigarettes and vaping on October 28.

Schools can also request a community educator from the Attorney General’s Office to present an internet safety program and resources to teachers for use in their classrooms.