Monday, April 4, 2016

Screen Time - Digital Age Recap

This session called Screen Time - Digital Age at Do Space was put on by Common Sense Media.


Common Sense Media isn't about trying to ban kids from being online. It's about opening up lines of communication between parents and kids.

Technology is innate in kids. It's important to try and eliminate screen time as much as we can for kids under the age of two. I'm not saying to avoid it all together. Taking an iPad on an airplane may be a great tool to keep them occupied. On a day to day basis let their brains expand with cognitive play.


Kids should learn from you as a parent:
  • What to avoid online
  • When to come to you with questions
  • What not to put online
Do Space was kind enough to watch my kids, while I was in this presentation.


With Common Sense Media You as a Parent Can:
  • See what ages kids should watch movies on DVD and in the theater
  • Educate - there's a video on their site in the theater section that talks about Batman V Superman
  • Advocate - to help with K-12 being safe online
What is screen time?

I think we all know what screen time is, but how has it changed throughout the years. Parents used to be glued to the TV when we were younger, now kids are glued to smart phones, iPads, Kindles, games systems and more. 3/4 of the kids today have access to mobile devices at home. That number keeps growing.

You have to decide with your family at what age is getting a mobil device the right age. Talk about why they are getting a digital device.

Teens have what is called FOMO, which stands for Fear of Missing Out. They want to keep up with their social media accounts. What used to be long night conversations on the phone is now long night social media checking. Vamping is staying up all night checking social media.

As a family come up with a rule to possibly have a charging station somewhere other than bedrooms. Then online time is reduced, so you and your children can get proper sleep.

Discuss what you as a parent are doing on your phone, so kids understand. Often times I talk to my kids about how I'm reviewing this product, or that product. I'm rarely online to play games.

Download online agreements that the whole family can adhere to.


TodaysMeet:

We used TodaysMeet.com to put in how much we use our Smart Phone. I don't use my Smart Phone a lot, but I sure do use my laptop a ton! Not only do I blog, but I also teach technology related things.

TodaysMeet.com is free to join, and you can create online engagement in the classroom.

What I Learned:

There was some repeat from the week before about Cyber Bullying. I think it was great to give a recap. Not everyone was in on the lecture before.

I learned a lot of teen lingo. I've heard some of it in the classroom, but didn't know what it meant.

I love the online forms you can download!

It just reassured me about opening up those lines of communication that we already have.

My kids loved it because they got to go to Dunkin Donuts after to have a donut of their choice. It's connected to Do Space. Do Space is a great spot for families that want to learn about technology!


Have you introduced your kids to a technology device? 

My kids got Kindles this year for Christmas. So far all the do is watch Mine Craft videos and play the game. They have a DS as well that they really only play once every few months.

Disclaimer: This event was free. It was provided by Common Sense Media.

5 comments:

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

I am very restrictive with technology for now. We do Google answers to things a lot. My boys know how to use that new Google for kids.

Theresa Mahoney said...

My kids have a lot of screen time. From phones, ipads, computers and tvs, I often worry they do use it too much. Mariah is always on her laptop doing research for her advanced classes. If it weren't educational, I am sure we'd have to put a stop to how much she uses it.

mail4rosey said...

My son doesn't play his DS much either, but he likes it when he does. I agree it's important to make sure the kids don't get too much electronic time, even moreso when they're really little.

Masshole Mommy said...

My kids have Kindles, iPods and 3DS's, but have limited time on them.

~ Noelle said...

I wish we had something like that here...
I also wish more parents were aware of the whole cyber bullying
Broxton has an ipad, I want him to get a kindle ;)

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