Social Media Resources

Click "open this email in a browser" for the best display. To translate or use ADA features, click the Translate icon at the top. Tap any image to enlarge it.

최상의 표시를 위해 "브라우저에서 이 이메일 열기"를 클릭하십시오. ADA 기능을 번역하거나 사용하려면 상단의 번역 아이콘을 클릭하세요. 이미지를 탭하면 확대됩니다.

Para traducir o usar las funciones de ADA, haga clic en el ícono Traducir en la esquina superior derecha. ¿Teniendo problemas? Haga clic en "abrir este correo electrónico en un navegador" para ver la barra de herramientas de Traducción/ADA en la parte superior. Toca cualquier imagen para ampliarla.

As a follow-up to our presentations on January 22-23 by Robert Hackenson Jr. of Dynamic Influence, the district is pleased to provide a recording of his presentation, “Parenting in a Digital Age”, and the associated digital and social media resources. We hope these are helpful to your family!

Throughout Mr. Hackenson's presentations to parents and students, he discussed how social media and digital technology can be fun, beneficial, and powerful tools. However, as the saying goes, "With great power comes great responsibility." While there are several potential “landmines” associated with digital and social media use, there are also steps parents and students can take to avoid these dangers!

• How to prevent or help teens with technology addiction
• What screen times actual effect is on teen mental health
• Digital communication and miscommunication
• Coaching your kids through hateful posting and how to be a positive bystander
• Cyber safety issues with online challenges, posting personal information, and online predators
• Teens and sexting
• Your child’s digital reputation
• Parenting tips and resources to help your child use technology responsibly

IMPORTANT NOTE: To watch the video, use code: wissahickon

Among the areas that Mr. Hackenson discussed was the impact of screen time on mental health. A study published in JAMA Pediatrics in November 2021 looking at a cohort of 12-13 year olds reveals that they spend an average of 7.7 hours a day on recreational screen time. In fact, the average 8-18 year old spends over 7 hours of recreational screen time per day. These estimates do NOT include time spent at school or doing homework. This is purely recreational time spent on entertainment apps, texting, social media, video games, TV and movies.

Results from these studies provide insights on the impact of recreational screen time on teen happiness, confidence levels, anxiety, and depression. We invite parents to read more on this topic by clicking the blue button below.

Parents may also explore other important topics including:

• Creating Screen Time Structure in Your House
• Monitoring & Limiting Your Child’s Devices
• What Parents Need to Know About Cyberbullying
• What Parents Need to Know About Online Predators

Click the button below to view these resources.

Following Mr. Hackenson's presentations for 6th and 7th graders, Health teachers asked students to reflect on their personal use of digital media and ways they can protect themselves online. At WMS, students signed a Personal and Internet Safety Commitment (listed below) that includes recommended safety guidelines such as telling an adult if they see or receive a threatening email, message, post or text.

• I won't share photos or personal information with people I haven't met in real life.
• I won't add text or interact with anyone online that I don't know.
• I will ask before I download any apps on my phone tablet or computer.
• I will not share my location on any apps or devices.
• I won't respond to threatening email messages, post or text and I will tell an adult right away when I receive one.
• I will tell an adult if I see anything online that's inappropriate or makes me feel uncomfortable nervous or afraid.
• I will tell an adult if someone I know is being bullied or feels unsafe.
• I will not share my full name and won't share passwords other than with my parents or caregivers.