Take a Time Out on Technology
We would like to challenge your family to participate in a technology free week, “Technology Time Out”. As parents I am sure you have had your share of disagreements and struggles when it comes to the use of technology in your home. Once a child is immersed in the world of TV, video games and texting, it is difficult to turn his/her attention toward anything else!
Your first thought may be anxiety or fear since society is quite dependent on technology tools for both work and play. However, this is a good opportunity to discuss expectations and rules with your child regarding the benefits and costs of social media. Much of our time is spent on phones, the internet and video games. Put the phones away, the video games on hold and even possibly turn off the television or at least set more stringent limitations during Technology Time Out time. This challenge is for your child, yet, you may participate as little or as much as you wish. Your child is encouraged to only use technology this week if it involves school related activities. |
Parent Social Media Contract
Many parents today use technology incredibly well and feel comfortable and capable with the programs and online venues that their children and adolescents are using. Nevertheless, some parents may find it difficult to relate to their digitally savvy youngsters online for several reasons. Such parents may lack a basic understanding of these new forms of socialization, which are integral to their children's lives. They frequently do not have the technical abilities or time needed to keep pace with their children in the ever-changing Internet landscape.8 In addition, these parents often lack a basic understanding that kids' online lives are an extension of their offline lives. The end result is often a knowledge and technical skill gap between parents and youth, which creates a disconnect in how these parents and youth participate in the online world together. (O'Keefe & Clarke Pearson, 2011)
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Child Social Media Contract ages grades N-3
It is amazing how much little children by the age of 5 already know how to use cell phones and speak the language. Emoji's are everywhere! There are many advantages to knowledge of technology and using these tools for learning. Let's teach discipline and integrity first before we hand over the control to children. View the social media slideshow below for more insight.
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Child/Adolescent Social Media Contract grades 3-8
During the last 5 years, the number of preadolescents and adolescents using such sites has increased dramatically. According to a recent poll, 22% of teenagers log on to their favorite social media site more than 10 times a day, and more than half of adolescents log on to a social media site more than once a day.2 Seventy-five percent of teenagers now own cell phones, and 25% use them for social media, 54% use them for texting, and 24% use them for instant messaging.3 Thus, a large part of this generation's social and emotional development is occurring while on the Internet and on cell phones.(O'Keefe & Clarke Pearson, 2011)
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