Happy Holidays & Technology Reminder
Dear Glen Hills Families,
As we approach the upcoming holiday break, we would like to take a moment to remind everyone of the importance of balancing screen time with quality family time and rest. During the holidays, many students have more free time and access to their mobile devices, making it a good opportunity to monitor and encourage healthy phone usage. When focusing on Whole Child Growth and Success we want to make sure students know the dangers of excessive technology usage and remind our parents/ caregivers to constantly be in the know of what is going on in their child's phone, tablet, game system, and/ or device.
Why Monitor Cell Phone Usage?
Cell phones are powerful tools for communication and learning, but they can also become distractions, especially when students are not in a structured school environment. Unchecked screen time during the break can lead to issues such as:
Sleep disruption: Excessive use of phones, particularly late at night, can interfere with healthy sleep patterns.
Decreased physical activity: Prolonged screen time can discourage outdoor play and physical activity, which are important for mental and physical well-being.
Social isolation: While phones offer social interaction online, they can reduce face-to-face time with family and friends, which is especially important during the holidays.
Content concerns: The internet can expose children to age-inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and other risks.
Suggestions for Monitoring and Managing Cell Phone Use:
Set Screen Time Limits: Encourage your child to limit screen time each day. Many smartphones have built-in settings to help parents manage and track usage. You could set specific hours for phone use, balancing it with other activities like family time, reading, or outdoor play.
Create Tech-Free Zones and Times: Establish areas of the house (such as the dining room or bedrooms) where phones are not allowed. You can also designate specific times during meals or family activities as tech-free times to encourage face-to-face interactions.
Model Healthy Phone Habits: Children often mirror the behavior of adults. Show your child that it is possible to balance screen time with other priorities by being mindful of your own phone usage.
Encourage Outdoor and Physical Activities: Use the holiday break as an opportunity for physical activities such as hiking, playing sports, or simply taking walks together. Encourage your child to spend more time outdoors and less time indoors staring at a screen.
Review App and Social Media Usage: Make sure your child’s apps and social media accounts are age-appropriate. Talk about online safety, privacy, and respectful communication. You can use parental controls to monitor app downloads and set content restrictions.
Promote Balance: Remind your child of the importance of balancing screen time with other interests and hobbies, such as reading, puzzles, board games, or creative projects. Encourage them to try something new during the break, like learning a musical instrument or starting a craft project.
Have Open Conversations: Talk to your child about their online experiences. Ask what apps they’re using, who they’re interacting with, and what they like or dislike about their digital experiences. Open communication helps foster trust and ensures that any concerns are addressed early.
Conclusion:
The holiday break is a wonderful opportunity for rest, reflection, and family bonding. By monitoring and guiding your child’s cell phone use, you can help them maintain a healthy balance between screen time and other activities, ensuring they stay safe and enjoy all the benefits of the holiday season. Last, we want to prevent any social media or group chats conflicts that arise over the break and welcome back all students with a fresh 2025 start.
Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting your child’s well-being. We wish you a joyful and relaxing holiday break.
Happy Holidays,
Willie Williams Jr. and Leon Williams Jr.
