Be Tech Aware, Mindful, & Safe

Volume 1 - Issue 3

While one might say, we are in the business of education, in truth, we are in the business of people - more specifically students. Our number one priority being the health and safety of the children entrusted to us because we know that when students (as is the case with most people) feel welcomed, safe, and secure, they learn better. Still, we do not want to forget this particular business is a special one, as it is a partnership between us, the educators, and you, the parents and guardians. We hope this resource will help all of us keep the young members of our community safe and healthy, particularly as our world grows ever bigger with technology and social media.

Our goal is to have three installments over each month:

"Be Aware" where we focus on an app or technology and some of the things we should know before our children begin using them.
"Be Mindful" where we focus on technology or other mediums that can assist us and our children with social emotional wellbeing.
"Be Safe" where we focus on ways to minimize our digital footprint and protect our children from social media and general practices that could lead to unsafe situation and circumstances.

zoom_out_map

Discord

In the Discord Transparency Report, which spanned January to June, 32.8% of user reports were about Harassment. In addition, 13.3% was about SPAM, 11.0% about Cybercrime, 8.3% were Exploitative Content, and 8.1% regarding Graphic Content. Something to keep in mind, is this is based on what was reported. How might the numbers change if everything was reported? (Sources)

So what should you “Be Tech Aware” about with Discord?

Age restriction is 13+; this equates to starting between 7th and 8th grade
What is Discord? - originally for gamers, this platform allows users to create groups where they can share using audio, video, screen sharing, and chat features
Cyberbullying like other apps is a real possibility
Discord is difficult to moderate
Unless recorded all audio and video streams disappear after the session is over
Note that Discord’s lack of parental controls will always make it a more risky app to use.

What can parents do to counteract some of this?

Review privacy settings with your child

Age filtering
Screen out explicit content with Safe Direct Messaging

Have open discussions about what is being shared
Teach your child to be suspicious of unsolicited invites
Talk about when to report and block content and/or a person
Check in with them periodically on their settings and experiences

Resources:

zoom_out_map

Headspace

One in four (or 20%) of teens have a mental disorder. Among the most common health disorders in the U.S. are: Anxiety Disorder (32%); Depression (13%); Eating Disorders (3%). It should also be noted that 50% of lifetime cases of mental illness begin at age 14. (Sources)

So what do you need to know to “Be Tech Mindful” with Headspace?

Headspace for Kids age ranges: 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, 13+
Annual subscription: $69.99 (approximately $86 savings from monthly subscription)
Headspace offers tools for rest and relaxation with its primary focus being on meditation.
The app also provides sleep content featuring relaxing soundscapes, soothing music, and guided wind down meditation.
Some Activities included are Cool-Off, Kindness, Paying Attention, and Stay Positive

Resources:

zoom_out_map

Digital Footprint

A survey put out by Kaplan in 2018 stated that approximately 66% of colleges believe checking students’ information online is appropriate as part of their admission process. Another survey, by CareerBuilder in 2017, found that 70% of employers use social media during their hiring process, and approximately 50% of them found information that caused them to find a candidate unsuitable for the job. It’s now 2023, where social media and online activity of tweens/teens (particularly after the pandemic) has dramatically increased. Imagine how much greater children’s digital footprints are now. (Sources)

So how can you “Be Tech Safe” when it comes to Digital Footprints?

Have open discussions about what is being shared

Avoid sharing location
Be careful not to share full name, address, birthdate, age, etc

Don’t forget...once it is out there, it is next to impossible to erase
Review privacy settings with your child
Think before you post - this includes photos of themselves and others, as well as inappropriate comments, memes, etc.
Review your child’s digital footprint with them by looking them up online
Most importantly, “be kind, helpful, and understanding” whether playing a game online or posting to social media
Be mindful of “sharenting” - this is where parents/guardians share their child’s personal information in the way of photos, videos, and personal stories online, typically through social media

Resources: