Spring Branch ISD Featured News

As we prepare for National Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October, I want to underscore that cyber threats are more than just scams and data breaches.

They also include online harassment, social media rumors, phishing attempts, identity theft and the spread of harmful or inappropriate content. In SBISD, we treat every digital threat as seriously as a physical one — and we need our entire community working together to protect students.

Why this matters

In today's world, students navigate both physical and digital spaces. A single online message — whether a threat, a scam or an inappropriate post — can have long-term impacts. Even if intended as a joke, it can result in discipline, legal consequences or lasting damage to reputation and well-being. Ignoring or downplaying these issues is not an option.

What we can all do to combat cyber threats

• Stay alert to online activity. Monitor what your child is posting, viewing and sharing. Watch for warning signs such as secrecy around devices, emotional reactions to online content or unknown apps.

• Recognize scams and phishing. Teach students to avoid clicking suspicious links or attachments and never share passwords. Cybercriminals often impersonate trusted sources.

• Protect personal information. Encourage your child never to share personal details like school schedules, addresses or login credentials. Use strong passwords and enable privacy settings on all accounts.

• Limit inappropriate content. Use parental controls when possible, and teach students to report — not share — explicit or harmful material they encounter.

• Know district expectations. Review the SBISD Student Code of Conduct to understand standards for online behavior and consequences for violations.

• Learn and teach digital citizenship. Use digital citizenship guidance—which includes lessons on privacy, digital footprint, respectful interaction and more—to guide family conversations and reinforce responsible online conduct.

• Report concerns immediately. Use the “See Something, Say Something” link on all SBISD campus websites. You may also contact the SBISD Police Department directly. If there’s an immediate risk, always call 911.

Make it a family conversation

Have regular, age-appropriate discussions with your child about digital responsibility and safety. Let them know that reporting unsafe or concerning behavior online isn't tattling, it’s protecting themselves and others.

By staying alert, educating ourselves and taking clear action, we can keep both our digital and physical environments safe for students. October is the perfect time to reaffirm our commitment to protecting against cyber threats.

Chief Baimbridge
Spring Branch ISD Police Department