If you or your child is experiencing a mental health crisis, please be sure to use the following contacts. In the event of mental health emergency, please dial 911.
988- National Suicide and Crisis Hotline
Text "4hope" to 741 741 to connect with a crisis counselor
Portage County Crisis Lines: Open 24/7 330-296-3555 or 330-678-4357
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
Akron Children's PIRC: 330-543-7472 for 24/7 telephone triage to discuss mental health concerns and recommendations are made. In-person psychiatric evaluations for children and adolescents in immediate crisis.
Portage County Mental Health and Recovery Board: Suicide Warning Signs
Portage County Mental health and Recovery Board: Depression and Children
Portage County Mental Health and Recovery Board: Mental Health Resource Guide
Bright Horizons Article: Helping Children Deal with Stress and Change
Psychology Today Article: Dealing with Back to School Stress
Technology is an integral part of our student's lives, offering both opportunities and challenges. As parents/guardians, it's essential to guide students in navigating the online world safely and responsibly. The following tips can help you set boundaries, encourage healthy habits, and promote open communication about technology use in your home. By staying engaged and informed, you can try to ensure that your child benefits from technology while aiming to minimize potential risks.
1. Set Clear Boundaries
Establish Screen Time Limits: Set specific times for when and how long your child can use technology each day. Balance screen time with offline activities like reading, playing outside, crafts or games etc.
Designate Tech-Free Zones: Create areas in your home where technology isn’t allowed, such as the dinner table or bedrooms, to encourage family interaction and healthy sleep habits.
2. Use Parental Controls
Enable Safety Settings: Use built-in parental controls on devices, apps, and websites to block inappropriate content and limit access to certain features.
Monitor Usage: Regularly check the apps your child uses, the websites they visit, and their search history. This can help you stay informed about their online activities.
3. Create a Family Technology Plan
Involve Your Child: Sit down with your child to discuss and agree on rules for technology use. This might include guidelines for screen time, types of content allowed, and behavior online.
Write it Down: Consider creating a written contract that both you and your child sign. This helps set clear expectations and consequences for misuse.
4. Discussing Online Safety
Discuss Stranger Danger: Explain that not everyone online is who they say they are. Discuss with your child to never share personal information, like their name, address, or school, with people they don’t know in real life.
Use Strong Passwords: Help your child create strong, unique passwords for their accounts, and remind them not to share these with anyone except you.
5. Encourage Open Communication
Keep the Dialogue Open: Make sure your child feels comfortable coming to you with any concerns or questions about their online experiences. Reassure them that they won’t get in trouble for reporting something that made them uncomfortable.
Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest apps and websites your child is interested in. This will help you understand potential risks and guide them in making safe choices.
6. Balance Screen Time with Offline Activities
Promote Hobbies: Encourage your child to engage in offline activities like sports, arts, or reading to promote a healthy balance between screentime and activities.
Plan Family Activities: Organize regular family activities that don’t involve screens, such as board games, outdoor adventures, or cooking together.
7. Be a Role Model
Practice What You Preach: Set a good example by following the same technology rules you set for your child. Demonstrate balanced screen use and respect for family time.
8. Recognize Warning Signs
Watch for Changes in Behavior: Be aware of signs that your child may be struggling with their technology use, such as withdrawal from family activities, secretive behavior, or mood swings.
Address Issues Promptly: If you notice any concerning behaviors, talk to your child about what’s going on and take appropriate action to help them manage their online activities.
9. Educate About Online Etiquette
Teach Respectful Communication: Explain the importance of being kind and respectful online, just as they would be in person. Discuss the impact of cyberbullying and how to report it if they encounter it.
Discuss the Permanence of Online Actions: Help your child understand that what they post online can be seen by others and may be difficult to remove, even years later.
10. Stay Engaged
Regular Check-Ins: Frequently check in with your child about their online experiences. Ask what games they’re playing or what videos they’re watching and show interest in their digital world.
Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest trends in technology and the online world to better guide your child through their digital journey.
Remember: Technology is a powerful tool, but it’s important to guide your child in using it wisely. With open communication, clear boundaries, and ongoing education, you can help your child develop healthy technology habits.