Below is a list of the contents of this newsletter:

1. Lunch Menu for December is below
   
2. See some great moments
3. Exciting Events this Month!
4. Notes from our School Nurse
5. Parents: Social Media Safety
6. Review the reminders in the final section of the newsletter

👆👆Click the title to access Schedule Galaxy

Social Media & Your Child: Tips for Parents

As a parent, it’s essential to understand how social media impacts your child’s development. Here are some practical tips to help you guide your child towards safe, positive, and healthy online habits.

1. Communicate Openly About Social Media

• Have open, honest discussions with your child about their social media use. Ask them about their favorite platforms, who they follow, and how they feel when using them.
• Encourage your child to come to you with any issues or concerns they encounter online.

2. Set Boundaries and Guidelines

• Establish clear rules regarding social media use. Consider factors like screen time limits, appropriate content, and online behavior.
• Regularly review these rules to ensure they align with your child’s changing needs and maturity level.

3. Be a Role Model

• Model healthy social media habits by practicing balanced use of your own accounts.
• Show your child the importance of online etiquette, kindness, and respectful behavior.

4. Understand Risks of Social Media

• Cyberbullying: Ensure your child knows what cyberbullying is, how to spot it, and how to report it if it happens.
• Privacy: Teach your child about the importance of protecting their personal information. Remind them not to share passwords, address details, or other sensitive data.
• Mental Health: Be mindful of the impact social media can have on self-esteem and body image. Encourage activities that promote offline connections and self-care.

5. Monitor Social Media Use Without Over-Controlling

• Use parental controls to monitor your child’s activity on social media platforms.
• Give your child some privacy as they grow older, while maintaining an open line of communication.

6. Stay Informed About Platforms and Trends

• Stay up-to-date on popular social media platforms and trends. This will help you understand the types of content your child is engaging with.
• Learn about the platforms your child is using, including their features, settings, and potential risks.

7. Encourage Offline Activities

• Promote healthy offline activities such as sports, hobbies, and spending time with friends and family. Balance is key to maintaining well-being.

Helpful Resources:

• Common Sense Media: Offers reviews on social media apps and tips for parents: Common Sense Media: Age-Based Media Reviews for Families | Common Sense Media
• National Cyber Security Alliance: Learn about online safety and security practices: Home - National Cybersecurity Alliance

By staying engaged and informed, you can help your child navigate social media in a way that promotes positive connections, safety, and mental wellness.

For more information, visit: www.apa.org/topics/social-media-internet/social-media-parent-tips

• Tioga School Day- Start: 8:00 End: 2:43
• Arrival: 7:45
• Walkers: Please remain on the sidewalk. Do not go to the MS parking lot until parent arrives
• Cell Phones are to remain inside backpacks in lockers for school hours. Students using Smart watches for purposes other than telling time during the school day will be directed to place in backpacks as well.

Tioga Middle School

Main Office: Mrs. Tinney (607) 687-8004

Website: tiogacentral.org
Location: 27 Fifth Ave. Tioga, NY 13827
Phone: (607) 687-8004
Facebook: facebook.com/TiogaCentral