Digital Safety

Digital Safety

Digital technology is part of our lives and also part of our children’s world. Navigating this can be a challenge for parents, so earlier this term we had Sandra from Mana Ake run a workshop on Digital Safety in the home, which was well-received. 

I have included a summary of the main ideas along with tips for parents to help you find balance in your child’s digital world.  We will look to run a similar session again in 2020.

Digital tips for home

• No phones/devices at dinner
• Devices/phones in living areas – not bedrooms
• Have a spot for devices/phones to be placed overnight (not in bedrooms)
• Share in your child’s online world
• Kids will make mistakes with media. Handle errors with empathy – turn this into a teachable moment.
• Don’t use devices as the only way to help your child calm down  – use other ways too.

Questions to ponder…

• Do you know who your children are with when they are online?
• Do you know where your children are when they are online?
• Do they share their passwords with you?
• Do you know how much time your child is spending online? How much is too much?
• Do you have a net nanny at home? – ‘what is seen can never be unseen’

Model what you expect from your child, if you do the following, what does it teach your children…

• Checking your phone while talking with your child, listening to their reading, watching their sport or dance etc.  
• Check your phone around the dinner table
• Text or check your phone while driving
• Taking your phone into your bedroom at night

Digital Safety video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkw3lTHgQVw

Digital Detox Information

https://allright.org.nz/articles/finding-balance-becoming-screen-savvy/

As with all digital technology, moderation is the key.  At Ararira Springs Primary, digital devices are used as a tool in learning and digital citizenship is discussed along with safe use of the online world, as part of our programmes.