In the wake of increased school threats and lockdowns across East Tennessee, Knox County Schools (KCS) has taken a proactive step by releasing the Qustodio app to help families manage their children’s online activities on school-issued devices. The app provides a platform for monitoring screen time and browsing habits, promoting the responsible use of technology beyond school hours.
Parents now have the ability to oversee how their children are navigating the digital world after the dismissal bell rings. "Parents are used to having tools for a device that they own, but it’s a little more complicated when it’s a school device managed, for example, by Google," KCS's Chief Technology Officer Freddie Cox told WVLT. With the assistance of the Qustodio app, parents can track usage time, academic engagement, and intercept any potentially harmful online activities.
According to WBIR, the app does not alter the existing security measures that are part of the students' Chromebooks, but rather adds a layer of visibility for the families. "We also recognize that parents and family members should have confidence that these tools are being used responsibly, and Qustodio will equip families with the transparency they need to support their student," Cox said in the statement.
The Qustodio app is being offered for free and is applicable to a student's Chromebook and up to two family devices. In a move to bolster communal guardianship, users can extend invitations for additional parents or guardians to monitor online behaviors. Knox County Schools, via a social media post, aptly promotes Qustodio as a means to "Stay in control of your student’s online activity with Qustodio!" and emphasizes the importance of knowing how tech is utilized by students at home.
Stay in control of your student’s online activity with Qustodio! 📱
— Knox County Schools (@KnoxSchools) October 25, 2024
KCS is offering this free app to help families manage screen time, monitor browsing habits, & promote safe digital usage. Ensure your student is using technology responsibly. 👇
🔗 https://t.co/rLABYDouyA pic.twitter.com/etRPMK8pVA
