Dear Branchville Community,
We have noticed more conversations in which students discuss using devices to text and form group texts. In some cases, this appears to be students who use iPads or similar devices; in other cases, it appears to be students with cell phones. We are writing to provide you with some basic information on this topic, provide resources, and describe some of the potential challenges. Elementary students with unmonitored access to chat and “owning” their cell phones have proven to be very problematic.
Group chats, particularly large group chats, can be difficult. If you do a quick search, you will find a diverse range of parent resources. Here are some suggestions you may consider, which may serve as talking points with children.
The tone of a message can be lost in text, and people’s interpretations of emojis or memes can be different. These can be difficult for adults, let alone children who are still learning to engage in face-to-face conversations.
Group chats are very confusing. It is easy for messages to get lost or for someone to comment on the wrong message, leading to misinterpretation and different interpretations.
Group chats, particularly smaller ones, may help make plans based on definitive information, such as arranging a time to go to a movie. Otherwise, they can be ineffective for all involved.
Advice for children: “If you wouldn’t want your grandparents, teacher, or principal to know what you texted, took a picture of, or videoed, do NOT SEND IT.”
Never post pictures of yourself or others in a group text. They can be quickly copied and sent to anyone, anywhere.
Anything, ANYTHING you send in a text can be saved in one form or another, FOREVER (As a parent, that is frightening).
You can take steps to remove your child from a group chat. A quick search will reveal the steps. Students may also remove one another from the group, which can lead to conflict and confusion.
Students with cell phones at the elementary level are not permitted to use them during the school day. If a parent decides to permit their child to have a cell phone, smartwatch, or similar device at school, the phone or smartwatch must be turned off and in the child’s backpack at all times, including during the bus ride.
A cell phone or similar communication device often introduces a child to social media or social networking for the first time. As you know, seemingly innocent use of a cell phone or other device can quickly cause a large-scale issue for a child. Safety with these devices is paramount; introducing them at a young age may also have social consequences. Despite what your child may think or how they may feel, not all fifth-graders have a cell phone; rarely -if ever- are they necessary for young students, and perhaps they even encumber other activities elementary students could engage in.
If you are looking for guidance on how to navigate your child’s use of social networking and social media apps, there is an article in Psychology Today linked below that provides guidance. While it is a few years old now, the topics are still relevant. The article is geared toward middle school parents, as you will find that most social media apps require someone to be at least thirteen to use. This is likely because the complex social dynamics and images are too mature for younger children. Images can be inappropriate on social media apps, and these can impact a child’s self-image. A young student may not have the experience to determine the authenticity of a message, image, or video.
Another helpful resource for parents may be Common Sense Media. This link provides information on TikTok specifically, but the suggestions here are likely relevant to other apps, such as Snapchat. While not explicitly discussed in the article or link, the advice may also help you think through video games with social networking features. Social gaming can present similar social dilemmas for the user to navigate.
Kindest regards,
Keith Margolus and Keri Tighe
Quick Links to Parent Resources:
Why Social Media is Not Smart for Middle School Kids by Victoria Dunckley, MD.
Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media Parent Guide to TikTok (recommended age 15+)
Common Sense Media Parent Guide to Snapchat (recommended age 16+)
Common Sense Media Parent Guide to Instagram (recommended age 15+)
Internet and App Safety Advice for Parents
