The internet, cell phones, and modern communication technology is a new area of learning for us parents. Especially, as it applies to our kids and their use of it communicating with others. What is your stance on monitoring, educating, and setting boundaries with these technologies in your family?
A great resource that I have use as a tool to help filter and understand this topic of teaching technology safety has been Common Sense Media.
Common Sense is dedicated to helping kids thrive in a world of media and technology. We empower parents, teachers, and policymakers by providing unbiased information, trusted advice, and innovative tools to help them harness the power of media and technology as a positive force in all kids’ lives.
The Parent Concern page on Common Sense Media really helped me understand how to get to answers for our family. Similarly the Advice page is informative as well.
For educators they offer a Digital Citizenship curriculum for K-12. Also content in Spanish.
Cell Phone Video
Set some ground rules with a Family Media contract.
Teen/ Tween Quiz and Games to educate on Digital literacy, Inappropriate content, Online privacy, Online predators, Cyberbullying. Estimated running time: 20 minutes.
Digital Compass is the only educational game that gives kids the freedom to explore how decisions made in their digital lives can impact their relationships and future.
Articles
Super Duper Article-Teaching Children Internet Safety by Becky L. Spivey, M.Ed
Technology is not ruining our kids. Parents (and their technology) are ruining them
Building Momentum in Schools 