At Waynflete, we introduce students to technology in age and developmental appropriate ways. At each grade, technology use looks a little different. See below for a summary of what happens in each of the three schools.
In Lower School, students are exposed to using iPads beginning in Kindergarten.
Have your child(ren) charge their device(s) somewhere other than their bedroom at night, such as in the kitchen or family office, so they aren’t tempted to get online after bedtime.
Only allow the device to be used in “public” areas of the house, such as in the kitchen and living room, so other family members can see what the student is doing on the device.
Decide on limits for non-educational / non-work screen time as a family. Then, plan fun activities to do together during no-screen times.
Encourage your child(ren) to use their device(s) for educational or creative purposes (making movies, drawing, etc.). Screen time can actually be beneficial when used for the right reasons.
Engage with your child(ren) about what they are using. Have them teach you how to use it. Get curious.
If your child has an iPhone and/or iPad, Apple has some great features for parents:
The Screen Time app allows you to see how much time your child is spending on their device and on each app, as well as setting “Downtime” when they cannot be on the device, setting screen time limits, and setting limits for time spent on certain apps.
Within the Screen Time settings, you can also set other parental controls such as content and privacy restrictions, prevent iTunes and app store purchases, prevent explicit content, restrict the Game Center, and more.
If your child has already set up Screen Time on their device, go to Settings and turn it off then turn it back on and select “This is my child’s iPad/iPhone” to set limits for them.
Guided Access allows you to “lock” your children into a certain app, which is a great feature to use if they are doing something educational on their device. Set up Guided Access by going to Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access.