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Community Resource - Screenwise by Devorah Heitner, PhD.
Community Resource - Screenwise by Devorah Heitner, PhD.
If you are interested, please read, Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World by Devorah Heitner, PhD.
Another great resource is the book and website for Social Leadia by Jennifer Casa-Todd discussing how we can have our children use Social Media for good and become leaders though it's use.
With all that is available to young people today, it can be a bit overwhelming for parents. There is so much students can explore and learn from while at the same time, the consequences can be that much greater for misuse. It is important to remember, that in most ways, kids have not changed all that much and that technology is fundamentally still a tool. It is the way in which the tool is used that matters.
Here are a resources parents can access for any age level of children. Information is available for children as young as preschoolers (2-4) and as old as teens (13+). We hope you find this information helpful as we better understand what it means to raise a digital child in an ever growing digital world.
What Role Do Our Schools Play?
What Role Do Our Schools Play?
In addition to implementing a content filtering practice, federal law (Children's Internet Protection Act or CIPA) requires schools to have a digital safety instructional outline in place. Becker Public Schools has implemented both components as follows:
Monitor student online activity
Monitor student online activity
To meet this expectation, Becker Public Schools has implemented a powerful content filter which prevents most unwanted sites from being accessed while in school. It is important to understand that no content filter is 100% full proof. When we are notified that a website was missed by our system, adjustments are made to improve our filtering practice.
Educate minors about appropriate online behavior.
Educate minors about appropriate online behavior.
Each school has implemented an age appropriate digital citizenship curriculum for their students.
Becker High School students taking Digital Citizenship in 9th Grade.
Becker Middle School students are learning about appropriate use of technology as part of their overall Matrix Minutes.
Becker Intermediate and Becker Primary School students work with their respective media specialists to explore what it means to be a responsible user of technology.
American Academy of Pediatrics - "Media Use in School-Aged Children and Adolescents"
American Academy of Pediatrics - "Media Use in School-Aged Children and Adolescents"
A recent report from the American Academy of Pediatrics entitled "Media Use in School-Aged Children and Adolescents" (October 2016) outlines a series of recommendations pertaining to screen time for children ages 5-18 years old. A full report is also available for download.
This study describes both the benefits and risks for media use by young people. In addition, recommendations are made for families regarding media use and students.
Benefits:
Benefits:
Both traditional and social media can provide exposure to new ideas and information, raising awareness of current events and issues.
Interactive media also can provide opportunities for the promotion of community participation and civic engagement.
Students can collaborate with others on assignments and projects on many online media platforms.
The use of social media helps families and friends who are separated geographically communicate across the miles.
Risks:
Risks:
One study found that the odds of being overweight were almost 5 times greater for adolescents who watch more than 5 hours of TV per day compared with those who watch 0 to 2 hours.
Studies show that those with higher social media use or who sleep with mobile devices in their rooms were at greater risk of sleep disturbances. Media use around or after bedtime can disrupt sleep and negatively affect school performance.
Children who overuse online media are at risk of problematic Internet use, and heavy users of video games are at risk of Internet gaming disorder. Symptoms can include a preoccupation with the activity, decreased interest in offline or “real life” relationships, unsuccessful attempts to decrease use, and withdrawal symptoms.
Many children and teenagers use entertainment media at the same time that they are engaged in other tasks, such as homework. A growing body of evidence suggests that the use of media while engaged in academic tasks has negative consequences on learning.
Recommendations for Families:
Recommendations for Families:
Address what type of and how much media are used and what media behaviors are appropriate for each child or teenager, and for parents. Place consistent limits on hours per day of media use as well as types of media used.
Promote that children and adolescents get the recommended amount of daily physical activity (1 hour) and adequate sleep (8–12 hours, depending on age).
Recommend that children not sleep with devices in their bedrooms, including TVs, computers, and smartphones. Avoid exposure to devices or screens for 1 hour before bedtime.
Discourage entertainment media while doing homework.
Designate media-free times together (eg, family dinner) and media-free locations (eg, bedrooms) in homes. Promote activities that are likely to facilitate development and health, including positive parenting activities, such as reading, teaching, talking, and playing together.
Conversation Starters With Your Child
Conversation Starters With Your Child
Below are short video resources you can watch with your student(s) and have positive conversations about how they (and you) can have an even more positive online experience.
More information can be found online at Google Safety Center For Families
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