February 2018
There are so many teachable moments in our children's lives. Many times we just need to take advantage of the teachable moments. The teaching doesn't have to be perfect, but the more prepared you are, the smoother those moments will go.
Two critical moments in the digital world are first phone and turning 13. Let's dive into those moments.
First Phone
Establish rules and maybe even a contract with your child. Some things to consider:
Turning 13
COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act) is a federal law made to protect our children under the age of 13. This law allows you to protect your child's private information online. Many social media sites and apps do not allow you to sign up unless you are 13 or older. When your child is in middle school is the prime time to talk about the responsibilities of 13 in the digital world. Important talking points include: what is personal information and what is the importance of privacy online. Insist on being your child's "friend" or follower on social media sites. The digital activity below will help you discuss the importance of creating a positive digital footprint.
Digital Activity: Digital Citizenship: Digital Footprints
This is an interactive lesson designed for parents or families. The objectives of the activity are to understand digital footprints and provide helpful tips to build a positive digital footprint. I invite you to go through the activity on your own or with your child. It provides some great opportunities for teachable moments. The last few slides provide six helpful tips that are great discussion starters. You will also see that one of the slides reminds us to THINK before we post:
Enjoy the teachable moments.
Thank you for your time.
There are so many teachable moments in our children's lives. Many times we just need to take advantage of the teachable moments. The teaching doesn't have to be perfect, but the more prepared you are, the smoother those moments will go.
Two critical moments in the digital world are first phone and turning 13. Let's dive into those moments.
First Phone
Establish rules and maybe even a contract with your child. Some things to consider:
- Where should the phone be charged?
- Is the phone allowed in your child's bedroom at night?
- Is the phone allowed to be at school with your child?
- Will you be monitoring the phone?
- Who can your child contact with the phone?
- What social media sites can your child be on?
- Is the phone allowed at meals?
- Is your child allowed to send photos?
- What sites is your child allowed to access independently?
- How will your child create a positive digital footprint while using the phone? (See digital activity below.)
- What are the consequences if a rule is broken?
Here's a site that offers some ideas for establishing rules: 5 Cellphone Rules for Kids and Teenagers
Here's another site that might be helpful about the first phone: Ground Rules to Set Before Your Kid Gets Their First Smartphone
Turning 13
COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act) is a federal law made to protect our children under the age of 13. This law allows you to protect your child's private information online. Many social media sites and apps do not allow you to sign up unless you are 13 or older. When your child is in middle school is the prime time to talk about the responsibilities of 13 in the digital world. Important talking points include: what is personal information and what is the importance of privacy online. Insist on being your child's "friend" or follower on social media sites. The digital activity below will help you discuss the importance of creating a positive digital footprint.
Digital Activity: Digital Citizenship: Digital Footprints
This is an interactive lesson designed for parents or families. The objectives of the activity are to understand digital footprints and provide helpful tips to build a positive digital footprint. I invite you to go through the activity on your own or with your child. It provides some great opportunities for teachable moments. The last few slides provide six helpful tips that are great discussion starters. You will also see that one of the slides reminds us to THINK before we post:
- T - Is it True?
- H - Is it Helpful?
- I - Is it Inspiring?
- N - Is it Necessary?
- K - Is it Kind?
Enjoy the teachable moments.
Thank you for your time.