To bolster online safety and security for students, Round Rock ISD has implemented new features to its existing GoGuardian platform as part of its 1:1 Chromebook initiative.
Starting Dec. 1, 2025, GoGuardian provides a suite of tools designed to help teachers, administrators and families monitor and manage students' online activity. This includes detecting and blocking inappropriate images, and monitoring for the use of specific safety and well-being phrases and searches.
“Implementing the GoGuardian Suite reinforces Round Rock ISD’s focus on student well-being in the digital landscape,” said Director of Instructional Technology Autumn Powell. “The platforms for teachers, staff and parents provide another way to monitor student activity, and alert campus support teams to keep students safe from harm.”
With voter approval of the 2024 Bond, the district invested $197,000 in these online safety tools. This upgrade aligns with the implementation of new Chromebooks, ensuring optimal technology life cycles for students.
Here’s how it works:
The GoGuardian Beacon software is designed to detect specific phrases, searches and other online activity that may signal a student is struggling with mental health issues such as suicide or self-harm, as well as possible harm to others.
Use of any of those phrases or searches triggers an immediate alert to campus and district administrators, who can locate the child and offer support.
Families can download the GoGuardian Parent App, which allows parents and guardians to monitor their students’ online activity. Families who may have concerns can see in real time what their children are researching and creating on their district-issued devices.
The district’s comprehensive approach to online student safety includes collaboration among staff from IT, counseling, behavioral health, and safety and security teams.
With these enhancements, Round Rock ISD is committed to creating a safer online environment for students and empowering parents and educators to work together to safeguard their children’s educational and personal digital experiences.