Limiting Access to Social Media

Creating a Media Contract with Your Student

https://smartsocial.com/social-media-contract-dcc2/

During times like this, it is recommended to limit the access your student has to media. Having too much access to media can cause more confusion, panic, and anxiety. This can be difficult for them to process. By limiting the access your student has to media will allow your student space to process all the information and to ask questions. Here are some guidelines for creating a media contract with your student:

  1. Set family expectations for all devices - whether it is the TV, tablets, computers, or cell phones, set clear expectations about the use of devices and be a role model for your students.

  2. Guidelines about when and where the device can be used - although this time away from school and work can be stressful, it can also be a time to reconnect as a family. Set guidelines about not using phones while eating meals together or before bed.

  3. Encourage your student to stop and think before they post - misinformation can result in more panic during this stressful time. Encourage your student to research before reposting anything or to think about if that information will be helpful to others or have negative consequences.

  4. Respectful behavior and completing online school work earns more privileges - in an effort to motivate students to complete the online school work they are receiving, technology privileges can be used as a reward.

  5. Have open communication about media content - be open about the information you are aware of and have open discussions with your students about what is going on currently as we are getting new updates each day. If there is a question that you don’t have the answer for, research the information together on reliable websites or news outlets.

Ideas for Activities that Do Not Involve a Screen

  1. Play board games as a family

  2. Go for a walk outside

  3. Go for a bike ride

  4. Bake/cook for fun

  5. Read a book

  6. Write in a journal

  7. Make a card or write a letter and mail it to a friend or family member

  8. Get a start on some spring cleaning or yard work (if weather permits)

  9. Practice an instrument

  10. Create art

  11. Learn some new dance moves