BCSD Recognized as Only School District in Carolinas to be “Common Sense Media” Certified

BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.–There’s definitely a level of common sense required when it comes to utilizing technology and digital platforms.

That need is why Common Sense Media was formed – to help children, parents and teachers make smart digital media choices. Common Sense Media Education is about helping families when children are now spending more than 50 hours per week on digital devices.

In its second year of utilizing the Common Sense Media Education curriculum, Berkeley County School District has received recognition from the non-profit organization.

Common Sense Media reports BCSD is on pace to achieve a 100 percent score – meaning all schools will soon be utilizing the curriculum. BCSD is also the ONLY Common Sense Media Certified District in South Carolina and North Carolina.

The curriculum provided by Common Sense Media is free and is based on lessons of Howard Gardner and the GoodPlay Project at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. In addition to student-centered lessons on critical thinking, media creation and decision making, it includes professional development resources like tutorials, videos and webinars. 

In all, there are 80 lessons in the K-12 curriculum, not including supporting materials like handouts, assessments, educational videos and family tip sheets. Lessons are age-appropriate and address topics such as privacy, security, digital footprint, creative credit, copyright, online identity, internet safety and cyberbullying.