South Sanpete students focus on digital safety during White Ribbon Week
Photo courtesy Steve Weller.
Schools across the South Sanpete School District marked White Ribbon Week this month with a series of activities aimed at strengthening digital citizenship and internet safety among students.
The week carried the theme “Be Bright About Safety,” encouraging students to approach technology and online interactions with awareness and responsibility. Each student received a pair of sunglasses as a symbol of the campaign’s message to think clearly and make smart choices online.
Teachers led lessons on topics including protecting personal privacy in an era of artificial intelligence, balancing screen time to support healthy habits and thinking carefully before posting on social media. Staff members emphasized that online behavior can carry long-term consequences.
“I learned that what I do online really does matter for the future,” said Jordan, a fourth-grade student.
Schools incorporated a mix of presentations, classroom discussions and hands-on activities to reinforce the message. Some campuses hosted digital citizenship presentations focused on online behavior and responsible technology use. Others organized activities such as watercolor painting demonstrations and classroom discussions tied to weekly themes.
Educators used materials from Common Sense Media across grade levels, from elementary through high school, to guide lessons on digital literacy and internet safety.
Dress-up days added a lighter element to the week. Students participated in themed activities such as crazy hair day, colorful socks and superhero costumes, tying school spirit to the broader message of making positive choices online.
Tara Daniels, an elementary teacher, said the week created space for important conversations.
“White Ribbon Week gives us the chance to start meaningful conversations with our students about how to be safe and respectful online,” Daniels said.
District staff said the annual observance aims to equip students with practical skills and confidence as technology continues to play a growing role in daily life. The sunglasses handed out during the week serve as a reminder for students to “shine bright” and apply what they learned as they navigate digital spaces.