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Parent Academy
Summer '23
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WELCOME...
The goal of Parent Academy is to provide learning opportunities for parents to better understand ways to support their students’ academic success and personal well-being. We welcome parents and families to engage in various activities and events to explore topics related to mental health, well-being, equity and inclusion, and academics. Please visit our website (www.sd25.org/ParentAcademy) for archived newsletters, further resources, or to submit an idea/topic for the next Parent Academy newsletter.
SUPPORTING CHILDREN'S DIGITAL EXPERIENCES THIS SUMMER
As our children embark on their summer break, their increased downtime often means more time spent online. Navigating the digital world can be both exciting and challenging for our kids. It is important that we understand these challenges and are equipped to guide our children. Here are some strategies to work towards a balanced and safe digital summer.
Responsible Screen Time and Device Usage
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends setting consistent limits on media use hours per day. Conversations can also help in developing a family media plan that can help balance online time and offline activities (e.g., reading, family outings, sports).
When it comes to getting a new cell phone or other digital device, it's important to establish guidelines with your child beforehand. Discuss expectations, such as responsible usage, limits on screen time, and age-appropriate apps. Encourage your child to ask questions and express any concerns they may have, and be prepared to set boundaries as needed.
Digital Literacy and Citizenship
Improving digital literacy means educating our children about the nature and implications of the online world. We can encourage critical thinking about online content by utilizing resources such as the Parent and Family Digital Learning Guide from the Department of Education or ‘Chatting with Kids About Being Online’ from the Federal Trade Commission to start conversations around these topics.
CyberSafety
Cyberbullying can have severe emotional and psychological effects on children. Encourage open conversations about online experiences. If your child experiences cyberbullying it's crucial to document the incidents, report the behavior to the relevant online platform and, if necessary, your local authorities. StopBullying.gov provides comprehensive information on recognizing, preventing, and reporting bullying.
Talk to your children about the importance of not sharing personal information online and only interacting with people they know. Online safety goes beyond not sharing personal information; it also involves understanding how information shared can be misused. The National Cyber Security Alliance's 'Stay Safe Online' campaign offers valuable resources for parents on maintaining online privacy and security.
Helping our children manage their digital experience is an ongoing process that requires awareness, education, and communication. Encouraging positive digital experiences is not just about restricting and monitoring our children's online activities. It's also about guiding them to become informed and responsible digital citizens, being both smart consumers and producers of digital content. Let's make this summer not just a break from school but a productive digital learning and exploration period.
Common Sense Media
Resources from Common Sense Media can provide information to guide discussions on issues surrounding various social media platforms, digital footprint, and digital law.
Click here to visit this resource.
StopBullying.gov
StopBullying.gov provides comprehensive information on recognizing, preventing, and reporting bullying.
Click here to visit this resource.
National Cybersecurity Alliance
The National Cyber Security Alliance's 'Stay Safe Online' campaign offers valuable resources for parents on maintaining online privacy and security.
Click here to visit this resource.
Parent & Family Digital Learning Guide
We can encourage critical thinking about online content by utilizing resources such as the Parent and Family Digital Learning Guide from the Department of Education or ‘Chatting with Kids About Being Online’ from the Federal Trade Commission to start conversations around these topics.