CBCC Digital Cafe for Parents

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

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...

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

Are you still wondering what all the fuss is about when it comes to the increasingly popular game, Fortnite! Watch the promo trailer and you get an idea of why kids love this game. It's called the hottest game in the world but it's also said to be as addictive as cocaine. It has been reported on all over the media, and is still the subject of much debate and concern. Click on the link to read this latest article from the Sydney Morning Herald on FORTNITE.   SMH article 7th June 2018

Have you had 'The Talk' lately?? It is not a one off thing.  No matter what age your child is it is important that you create or seize opportunities to discuss the big ideas of being positive digital citizens. Revisit this conversation topic frequently, don't wait until there is a problem, be pro-active. Starting the conversation can be the hardest part. Perhaps you could use an image to kick things off The Focus on the Family site (link below) has some excellent resources and advice to help you have THE TALK Focus on the Family - talking with your kids about online safety

If you are on social media then there's a good chance that you've had a play with Snapchat. Did you know that it is the top social media app for teens? Those filters are fun and just a bit cute. But there is a potentially dangerous and sinister side to this seemingly harmless and very popular app. Click on the link below to find out more What-on-earth-is-a-snapstreak?

How are you managing technology use in the home? Don't be discouraged, there are so many great resources out there to help and support you. Check out the Parent Guides/Resources page for resources on most aspects of Digital Citizenship. Internet safety videos for your family   This site does require you to sign up before viewing the videos.

Why is my child so interested in playing Fortnite? Is it appropriate for them to play? These are important questions to ask yourself with this latest online game craze. As a teacher, I have asked these very same questions. I noticed the talk surrounding Fortnite and as I hadn't heard of it I made a point of finding out more about it. Please read the guide and judge for yourself whether or not your child should be playing this increasingly popular game. If your child is a player, then I also recommend that you sit down and play with them. There's no better way to know what your child is actually doing and how the game functions. It also gives you a lot more credibility if you plan on restricting their play. Always monitor your child's behaviour after any gaming session too, if there are negative changes then take those as a warning sign. A parents ultimate guide to the game Fortnite

In this video two teens relay their experiences with positive and negative consequences of online reputations. Some considerations and some tips for parents and students regarding social media use and your digital reputation.   •         Social networking is a great way to connect with family and friends and share photos, videos and conversations but it is also provides a way for strangers to contact you, or for bullying to happen. •         Friendship and acceptance is a high priority for young people which puts them at risk of ‘friending’ strangers •         Social networking presents the ‘perfect world’ scenario – a false reality for us all. Peer pressure is amplified. •         Social networking includes chat rooms where potentially you could be chatting with a predator, often an older person posing as a young person. • ...

In my experience it seems that parents are giving smartphones to their children at an alarmingly young age. An age where they (the children) lack the emotional intelligence and social skills to manage their use. Why are we doing this? I have my suspicions that the reasons are largely unjustified, however, it is a reality that confronts all caregivers. Anyway, enough of my little mother/teacher/grandma rant.  Information and equipping is the key. Here are some resources that may help in your decisions, discussions and strategies. Should our teens own smartphones? One Christian perspective Should teens own smartphones - Desiring God What's really hurting our kids? article link 13 iphone settings that you should change - video 13 android smartphone settings that you should change now - video How to turn off your GPS and location services on your iphone/ipad

Sexting - What is it? Advice for parents and teens   Sexting is using the internet to share nude/sexy photos.   It involves:   1. requesting an image   2. creating an image   3. sharing an image with an intended recipient (consensually)   4. distributing an image to others (non-consensually) (This behaviour is also a form of cyber bullying.) Sexting is a crime when it involves  people under 18 .   It’s also a crime when it involves  harassing people of  any age . It can result in an offender being placed on  the sex offenders register. A sexting handbook for families PDF download link This video explores the spiraling effects of sexting. Suitable for Years 7-12 Brett Lee talking to High School students on the legal implications of sexting A video highlighting the prevalence of sexting sexting information sheet for parents PDF download link

The biggest concerns educators and parents face is that of their children being exposed to online predators and/or sexually explicit content. Being informed is the key to protecting our children. Rather than simply saying no to our children, explaining the real threat that pornography has on their minds, relationships and souls can make a big difference to their understanding of why they should keep away from this temptation. Notes from our recent Cyber safety Workshop It’s out there and whether our child has searched for it, come across it accidentally or been targeted by a scam or a predator we need to talk about it. Although we may have filters and ‘Net Nanny’s’, a pro-active approach by parents is needed and this begins with an open conversation. These conversations need to be a part of on-going conversations between parents and their children about sexuality and relationships.  The ugly truth about porn •         Porn dissemina...

Did you know that there are a lot of myths surrounding Cyber Bullying? It's important for you to know the truth. Parents are considered the key players in the prevention of cyber bullying and these resources will guide you in your response to it; whether your child has been bullied or is engaging in bullying others. Please also check out the resources dedicated to preventing Cyber bullying on our Parent Guides/Resources page. Preventing and responding to Cyber Bullying weblink Fact sheet PDF download link The myths surrounding Cyber Bullying Common Sense Media website link Great resources for teens about cyberbullying Cyberbullying solutions for parents - video Dr Michael Car-Gregg video Facebook has 'new' reporting features to report cyberbullying

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...

There are so many new apps popping up each day so it's important that you keep a check on the apps your child has on their phone. Not only that, what about if your child doesn't have a smartphone but a friend or relative does? Below are some links to some very informative articles that explain these dangerous apps and those seemingly harmless apps that hold hidden dangers for our children, teens and us. Be vigilant and keep updated. Often, once the alarm has been set off regarding a particular app it simply re-brands or re-names itself to avoid detection. There is even an app to hide apps!! If your child has Snapchat you need to read this Social media apps that every parent should know about The most dangerous apps for kids The 9 most dangerous apps for kids

Not all gaming is bad, in fact certain games can help develop your brain.   However, do you now what constitutes a good game from a bad game?  We all know that gaming can lead to addictions and mental and physical heath issues. In January of this year Gaming addiction is to be listed as a mental health condition for the first time by the World Health Organisation.   Find out for yourself the effects of gaming and consider what games you would allow your child to play and for how long. The World Heath Oragnisation classifies excessive gaming as a disorder ABC Catalyst documentary on gaming The science behind video gaming - article Documentary on gaming addiction Download a gaming guidelines handbook PDF

Screen addiction is a serious problem but it is never too late to intervene and seek help. Often when children and especially teens are confronted with the science behind the damage of too much screen time they can begin to acknowledge that they need help to regain control over their addictive behaviours. Much has been said about limiting screen times and following set guidelines; however, it is not that simple. What that screen time is, is in fact, potentially more important. Children's needs vary and often guidelines that are unrealistic cause rebellion. Good digital citizenship training is about letting our children know why screen time needs to be monitored and as they grow older, teaching them to monitor their own screen time is the desired outcome. It is important to consider what type of screen time you and your children are engaging in. Avoid any passive and mindless screen time and encourage productive screen time. Screen time restrictions are best decided upon...

Want to view any of the videos I shared at our Cyber Safety workshop? Just click to view. I'd love hear some of your responses to these topics and the points raised. Just click the comment button and let's start a conversation. Brad Huddleston - on screen time and the brain Dr Delaney Ruston - Screenagers Brett Lee on online predators Your choicez video for parents