EXPO Snippet

Some of the country pavilions also host their own traditional dances and music.

With only two months left, it is definitely worth paying a visit to Expo if you have not already been!

Fiona Cameron

Primary Deputy Headteacher

January Scientists of the Month

If you are a keen reader and would like to write a review of a novel you have read, please submit an entry of around 150 words, including who you would recommend the novel for and we will feature it in The Junction!

We will be accepting reviews from year 5 and year 6 students and you can either email them to Mrs Horsham lhorsham@jebelalischool.org or Mrs Free vfree@jebelalischool.org.

Happy reading!

Bookmark Competition

Helpful Hints

Living in the online world - helpful safeguarding hints for parents

Technology has changed the way we live, work, play, learn, and interact. As a parent, you probably sometimes feel like you’re navigating uncharted territories. A study, commissioned by McAfee, claims that one in five parents (18%) never monitor what their children are doing online and 86% of parents allow their children to play online games recommended for older children.

While schools have a responsibility to educate students on aspects on digital citizenship, they can’t be expected to have all the answers for parents. It’s about having a collaborative approach and a willingness to work together to educate, prevent, and solve digital dramas as they arise.

Below are a few key messages that can form the basis for some of your conversations or communications with your children.

1) Don’t ban your child from using technology

The media is full of scary stories about online risks for young people. However, it’s important to not let potential problems stop you from letting your child use technology for their education and personal interests. We live in a digital world and that’s not about to change. We need to remember that technology can enrich our lives in many ways when used well.

Risks can be minimised when the whole household agrees to some solid strategies. Read on!

2) Take an interest in your child’s online world

Talk to your child about what they’re doing online. Take an interest in their interests and consider co-viewing or co-creating with them from time to time.

Ensure you’re familiar with your child’s favourite apps or websites. Find out how they work and what they’re getting out of them.

3) Remember, you’re in charge

At the end of the day, remember you’re the parent. Set boundaries and consider using filtering software and parent controls on devices (but be aware that this is only part of the solution). There are a lot of options for parental controls on the market. This guide from Common Sense Media is a useful starting point to figure out what might work for your family.

4) Create a family media agreement

Create your own internet/device rules for your household and have your child agree to adhere to them. This example from Common Sense Media or this example from Think U Know are useful starting points. A media agreement can have more impact when children contribute their own ideas.

This agreement might include designated tech-free zones such as cars, meals, and bedrooms. Many experts recommend these three areas as key places to avoid using devices. Keeping devices “in view” in common household areas is an essential internet safety strategy for many families.

5) Help your child learn about privacy

Teach your child to keep personal information private online. YAPPY is a useful acronym to remind children of some of the personal information they should not share on public online spaces (blogs, forums, social media, etc.).

YAPPY stands for: Your full name, Address, Phone number, Passwords, Your plans and birthday.

There are many grey areas beyond YAPPY though — sharing opinions, sharing information about others, deciding if the content you create should have a public audience… the list goes on. Experience and conversation can be vital.

6) Help your child to think critically when they’re online

Remind your child that not everything you read or see on the web is true, and not everyone online tells the truth. More than ever, internet users are required to wade through a lot of noise, distractions, and opinions that flow freely online. Children need guidance to learn this skill.

7) Keep the lines of communication open

It’s crucial to talk to your child regularly and openly about what they’re doing online. Encourage your child to tell you if they ever have a problem online. Help them come up with a plan of attack if they ever see anything online that makes them feel worried or unsure (e.g. tell an adult, close the tab, etc.). Work together with your child to help them navigate digital dilemmas.

Reassure your child that you won’t take away their devices if issues occur. Many experts, such as Dr Joanne Orlando, advise against using technology as rewards and punishments. You don’t want your child to be discouraged from talking to you about problems due to the fear of being disconnected.

8) Strive for balance in your household

Encourage your child to balance their screen time and green time, and encourage offline interests. Be wary of health problems from overusing technology (eyesight, posture, hearing, and so on). There are many guidelines floating around but perhaps there isn’t really an arbitrary answer when parents or educators ask, “How much time should children spend on screens?”.

Perhaps it depends on what the child is actually doing. Creating and purposefully connecting online is clearly more beneficial than long stretches of passive viewing.

Additionally, using technology collaboratively at suitable times is clearly better than using inappropriate apps or sites alone late at night or when other tasks (or sleep!) are a priority. So a shift in conversation to quality over quantity may be helpful.

9) Be aware of age restrictions

Many popular sites (YouTube, Instagram, etc.) have age restrictions, and these are in place for a reason: to keep young people safe. Don’t allow your child to sign up for sites if they’re underage or not ready. When they are old enough to register, make sure your child sets their online accounts to private to limit access to people they know well.

The Office of the eSafety Commissioner offers some excellent advice about determining whether your child is ready for social media.

10) Educate yourself

Explore reliable resources for parents so you can educate yourself and protect your children.

JAS has now launched a new subscription with National Online Safety. This platform provides you as parents with a whole range of online safety resources. To create your account, please follow this link and complete your details. When you’re set up, you’ll be able to set ‘Parent/Carer’ as your user type.

You can access National Online Safety online via any device- including via their brand-new smartphone app. To download the app, please click here.

Alternatively, search for ‘National Online Safety’ in the App Store/Google Play Store. Click here

A key message that underpins all of the above is: be a role model. Our own digital habits, like being constantly distracted by our own devices, are noticed by children. It can be easier said than done, but being more mindful of having a balanced approach to using technology ourselves is crucial. Monkey see, monkey do.

Original article