Family Resources
Conversation is the most important way to keep kids safe and healthy when it comes to technology. Talk to your children about how they use technology and what the family expectations are for using it (yourself included!). This page contains a wealth of resources to learn more about technology and how to engage your kids in conversation. One way to begin that conversation is to create a Family Media Agreement for when, where, and how technology can be used at home. The samples below from Common Sense Media can get you started.
Family Media AgreementWebsites
Common Sense Media - The parent section on Common Sense Media covers a variety of tech related topics from screen time to social media to learning with technology.
American Academy of Pediatrics Family Media Plan - Another option for talking as a family about media use.
Wisconsin DPI Internet Safety - The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction in partnership with the Department of Justice has complied resources, tools, and information to empower families and schools to make smart, safe, and ethical decisions about technology use.
Screenagers Tech Talk Tuesdays - Subscribe to Tech Talk Tuesdays to receive conversation starters about social media, video game use, latest research, and more. Check out the website for archived posts.
NetSmartz - Online Safety tools for families, including tips and discussion starters.
Books
The Art of Screen Time: how your family can balance digital media and real life / Anya Kamenetz - This book takes a practical look at technology use and provides a simple message for families based on Michael Pollen's "food rules": Enjoy screens. Not too much. Mostly Together.
Screenwise / Devorah Heitner - In this guide, media expert Devorah Heitner empowers parents to recognize that the wisdom they have gained throughout their lives is a relevant and needed supplement to their kids' digital savvy. When successfully combined, good judgement and technical know-how create responsible digital citizens. (From the summary.)
Podcasts
Note to Self - While not education or student specific, this show delves into how technology affects our lives and strives to help listeners make smart, informed choices. Host Manoush Zomorodi talks with everyone from big name techies to elementary school teachers about the effects of technology on our lives, in a quest for the smart choices that will help you think and live better.