Parents should take stock in media consumption

Given that we grew up with a low tech experience we need to on purpose seek out information as Parents to equip ourselves to address the issues that come with Social Media.

We do not want our kids to de-evolve with communication and social skills we have to put time a side with our families to help ground kids with the limits and boundaries that support positive communication and relationships.

A How-To Guide for Monitoring Social Media & Smartphones

Teens, Technology and Romantic Relationships From flirting to breaking up, social media and mobile phones are woven into teens’ romantic lives

Teens, Technology and Friendships Video games, social media and mobile phones play an integral role in how teens meet and interact with friends

A Leader’s Guide to Words Wound

Teaching Internet Safety

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

CDC Tips