Posts

Digital Citizenship

Image
Global Digital Citizenship This means engaging in appropriate and exemplary behaviour in an online environment. The essence of Digital Citizenship is about a shifting of accountability for appropriate behaviour to our students (children), which fosters independence and personal responsibility. (Global Digital Foundation) There are a lot of myths surrounding Digital Citizenship with many critics still questioning its definition and relevance. Below is a link to an excellent article that dispels these myths and confirms the need to promote digital citizenship in our homes, schools and workplaces. Digital Citizenship Myths dispelled - weblink Creative commons video - how to share and access copyright free content online Three ways students can search for copyright free images online Digital Citizenship article for parents Digital Citizenship students agreements PDF download link A great article on designing your family technology use agreements Involv...
Post a Comment
Read more

Teen Social Media Statistics 2020

Image
It's interesting to explore the data from recent surveys conducted with teens regarding their use and views on social media. Smart Social is a great site where you will find valuable resources for parents, teachers and young people. They are based in America but the information relates to the same apps we use in Australia. I encourage you to check out some of their parents guides and subscribe to their podcasts which will keep you up to date with what you need to know about social media and your child. I love their tag line :  Keeping students safe so they can Shine Online Just click on the links below to access these great resources Smartsocial app guides for parents & teachers Podcast episode on social media stats
Post a Comment
Read more

Keeping your child safe online during Connected Learning @ Home

Image
The eSafety Commissioner has provided a range of resources available to parents      Click on the link           eSafety Commissioner -advice for parents during COVID19    
Post a Comment
Read more

Danger or a Hoax? The Momo Challenge

Image
Every week it seems, I am alerted to another internet danger, via email, TV or news stories, my research, or in person. Now please don't misunderstand me, never ever hesitate to contact me if you hear of a potential threat to our children in their online world. I need to be made aware and contrary to popular belief, I do have a life, so there is a very real chance that I may not know about the threat.  The article that I've shared (link below), addresses a recent alert regarding the Momo Challenge and its connection to self harm and the suicide of young people.  I remember watching a Current Affair Special Report on it and it's been featured in news reports and social media. W ell, apparently there is much more to this story and we haven't been fed the truth - fancy that!  The moral of the story is..... We must be informed but we must not become alarmists as we run the real risk of the "The Boy who cried wolf" effect.  I love the balanced view taken by B...
1 comment
Read more

Family Technology Use Agreement - Building a culture of love and respect

Image
As the routines have started to embed themselves into your family life for another exciting school year, I’d like to pose a question. Have you created your Family Technology Use Agreement for 2019? Even if you created an agreement last year it’s time to have the conversation again. We have new devices, new statistics and information regarding internet safety and digital citizenship, and our children are all another year older. Make sure that you check out the resources on this blog and keep reading if you are needing some ideas on how to create your family's Agreement. Try to make this a quality time experience for you all and remember to talk more about what to do rather than simply coming up with a list of DON’T’S. As I explain in the article below, this is about establishing your family culture in regards to technology use. Discussions that reflect on how our actions may impact the family may start out tough but they are always fruitful and ultimately draw us clo...
Post a Comment
Read more

The struggle is real

I believe that one of the biggest challenges for care-givers and parents alike is reinforcing screen rules. The struggle IS real and sometimes, when we are weary, we simply see it as too hard and quite overwhelming. Let's assume that you and your family have established some reasonable screen time rules/agreements. Let's also assume that these agreements include you and that you are modeling the expected behaviours. Still having troubles?? Take heart, you are not alone. It could simply require a family meeting and a re-visit to those agreements, but it may require a different approach. There are some great sites offering helpful hints and practical tips. Here is a Tech Tuesday post from the popular Screenagers site. Enjoy the read, then have some screen free time 😼 Failing at screen rules - article
Post a Comment
Read more

Positively social - raising digital leaders

Image
Digital Citizenship is far less about STOP and BLOCK than it is about teaching our children how to successfully and safely navigate the digital world. We want our children to know that they can contribute and make the online world a better, positive place.  At CBCC, where heart and brain matters, we don't just tell children what they shouldn't do. In fact, we invest more time into explicitly teaching our students how to be good citizens and constantly remind them of the rewards that come from being positive contributors in their communities. The same approach applies when it comes to explicitly teaching good DC practices to our children. Children need to know that in the amplified on-line world we need to take even greater care to treat others with kindness and respect and to focus on what is positive, honest and good. Our online behaviour should be a reflection of our beliefs, values and standards. Raising positive digital citizens is not easy, but together, the village can...
Post a Comment
Read more

Help is on its way! 7 ways to wean your child off video games

Image
You are concerned about the amount of time your child plays video games, you have learnt of the dangers. You may have even been trying to make your child cut back screen time, but it just ends in arguments, tantrums and one very weary parent. Take heart - help is out there. This article gives you 7 simple strategies to try. Enjoy the read and let us know if you have some success with any or all of these strategies. Let's start an  online conversation about this topic. As parents we need to help and support one another. Click on the link 7 ways to wean your child off video games - article
Post a Comment
Read more