The lazy days of summer can be a much-needed break from the busy routine of the school year for kids. Unfortunately for parents, summer can become a battle to keep kids from getting swallowed up by their technology – Netflix, Xbox, Instagram, Snapchat, Pokémon Go and on and on. So, how can families balance tech use and keep free time from becoming nothing but screen time? Here’s my advice.
Teach Your Child to Be CyberCivil
There is a loss of civility in our culture and even more so online as people feel they can hide their poor behavior behind the shadow of their screens. As a parent, I think it is important not only to talk to your kids about responsible use of technology, but also to set an example of good digital citizenship. Take some time to reflect on your online behavior and be a good digital role model for your child. Following are ten simple steps you can take to show your child how to behave online.
An Argument for Digital Citizenship Education
Before finishing my morning coffee, two news stories caught my eye as they provide more evidence that digital citizenship education is essential for all, especially the young. The first is a tragic story of a young girl who was targeted on social media, first by cyberbullies and next her vulnerability was exploited, also online, by her alleged killer. The second story is about a celebrity being sued for an offensive meme he shared online of an eight year-old-girl. What do these stories have in common? That what we do online has consequences. And everyone, from the young and innocent to the ‘should’ve known better’ could use a lesson or two in the appropriate use of technology.
Kids, Safety and Social Media
We know our kids spend a good deal of their time with technology, in school, at home and on the go. How can we as a community work together to allow our kids the incredible potential of our connected world while also keeping them safe from harm?
Don’t Fight the Future: Adapt to a High Tech World
Recently, an episode of ABC’s Blackish entitled “Their Eyes Were Watching Screens” hilariously and pointedly addressed our shared parental concern around our children’s use of digital technologies.