Navigating Technology

In today's digital age, technology plays a crucial role in our children's education and lives. While it offers numerous benefits, managing screen time, ensuring online safety, and effectively using technology for learning can be challenging for many families. In this newsletter, we are offering helpful tips to support you navigating technology with your child(ren).

• Set Clear Limits - Establish daily screen time limits based on your child's age and developmental needs. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children aged 2 to 5 have no more than one hour of high-quality programming each day.
• Create a Family Schedule - Designate specific times for homework, chores, outdoor play, and screen time. This helps your child understand the balance between different activities.
• Encourage Breaks - Remind your child to take regular breaks from screens, especially during extended use. Encourage them to engage in physical activity or pursue hobbies.
• Model Healthy Habits - Children often mimic their parents' behaviors. By setting a positive example in your own screen time use, you can encourage healthier habits.

• Create a Technology-Free Zone - Keep screens out of the bedroom (this include teens and their phones). Encourage your child to charge their devices in a common area instead of their bedroom to minimize temptation and distractions at night. This also allows you, as the parent, to have easier access to check their phones and usage, as needed.

• Establish a Screen-Free Bedtime - Create a calming bedtime routine that doesn't involve screens. Instead, encourage activities such as reading, drawing, or listening to calming music to help your child wind down before sleep.
• Set a Screen Curfew - Designate a specific time in the evening when all screens should be turned off - ideally, at least one hour before bedtime. This helps reduce exposure to blue light, which can interfere with the production of the sleep hormone melatonin.
• Educate About Blue Light - Teach your child about blue light and its effects on sleep. Explain how screens emit blue light that can trick the brain into thinking it's still daytime, making it harder to fall asleep.
• Encourage Physical Activity - Promote daily physical activity, which can help improve sleep quality. Encourage your child to engage in outdoor play or sports during the day to help them feel tired and ready for sleep at night.
• Monitor Content and Usage - Be aware of what your child is watching or playing on screens, especially close to bedtime. Avoid high-energy or stimulating content that might make it harder for them to settle down.
• Monitor Healthy Habits - Set a positive example by managing your own screen time and practicing healthy sleep habits. Children often emulate their parent's behavior, so modeling good practices can influence their habits.
• Discuss Sleep Importance - Talk to your child about the importance of sleep for their health, mood, and academic performance. Helping them understand why sleep matters can encourage them to prioritize it.
• Regular Sleep Schedule - Try to keep a consistent sleep schedule by having your child go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends, if possible. Consistency helps regulate their internal clock and improve overall sleep quality.

• Educate About Privacy - Discuss the importance of keeping personal information private. Teach your child not to share details like their full name, address, or school online.
• Use Parental Controls - Utilize parental control settings on devices and apps to help manage what your child can access. Familiarize yourself with the platforms they use to better understand potential risks.
• Discuss Inappropriate Content - It's crucial to have open conversations about the dangers of looking up inappropriate websites. Explain how accessing such content can have serious consequences, both legally and in terms of discipline while at school. Make it clear that school policies prohibit certain online activities, and violating these can lead to significant repercussions. Encourage your child to come to you if they accidentally stumble upon something they feel uncomfortable with.
• Address Inappropriate Images - Have open dialogue about the risks associated with sending or receiving inappropriate pictures. Emphasize that sharing such images can have serious legal and social consequences, including disciplinary action at school. Encourage your child to think critically about the implications of sharing personal images and to come to you immediately if they encounter or are pressured to send inappropriate content. (It's important for them to understand that inappropriate pictures found on their devices can be considered pornography and have legal consequences.)
• Monitor Online Activity - Regularly check in on your child's online interactions. Encourage open conversations about their experiences, and let them know they can come to you if they encounter anything troubling.
• Promote Critical Thinking - Teach your child to question the information they encounter online. Encourage them to verify sources and understand that not everything they see on the internet is accurate or safe.
• Talk About Online Communication - Teach your child the importance of not communicating with strangers on the internet. Explain that not everyone online has good intentions, and engaging with strangers can lead to dangerous situations. Encourage them to always talk to you if they receive messages from unfamiliar people.

• Choose Educational Resources - Explore apps and websites that promote learning. Look for those that align with your child's interests, academic needs, and age level.
• Incorporate Technology into Homework - Encourage your child to use educational tools for research and project work. This not only enhances their learning experience but also helps them develop important tech skills.
• Engage Together - Spend time with your child exploring educational content. Discuss what they are learning and how it relates to their schoolwork, fostering a deeper understanding.
• Set Learning Goals - Help your child set specific learning goals that incorporate technology, such as completing an online course or using an app to practice math skills.

Navigating technology can be overwhelming, but with the right strategies in place, you can help your child reap its benefits while minimizing risks. By managing screen time, ensuring online safety, and using technology as a learning tool, you're equipping your child for success in an increasingly digital world.

If you have any questions or need further resources, please feel free to reach out. Together, we can create a safe and enriching environment for our children.

Crystal Binning

Parent & Family Engagement Coordinator

Email: binningc@chapelhillisd.org

Phone: (903) 566-2441, ext. 1964

Website: https://www.chapelhillisd.org/page/parent-and-family-engagement-connection