Technology and Our Children

Here are some more useful facts accessed from commonsense.org

Declare Tech-Free Zones and Times 

Devices are a huge part of screen time, and kids need support in establishing balance and setting limits. Depending on your family, these rules can be as simple as “no digital devices at the dinner table” or “no screen time after 7pm.” 

Check the Ratings

Choose age-appropriate, high-quality media and tech for your family. Media and technology can be especially beneficial when used to form deeper relationships, allow for creativity and exploration, and explore identity. Encourage your children to be creative, responsible consumers, not just passive users. Talk About It. Connect with your children and support learning by talking about what they’re seeing, reading, and playing.

Encourage children to question and consider media messages to better understand the role media plays in their own lives.

Help Children Understand the Effects of Multitasking

Research shows that many tweens and teens think multitasking has no impact on the quality of their homework. As parents, we know that helping children stay focused will only strengthen interpersonal skills and school performance. Encourage them to minimize distractions and manage one task at a time, shutting down social media while working online for homework or engaging in conversation. Walk the Walk. Lead by example by putting your own devices away while driving, at mealtimes, and during family time. Parent role-modeling shows children the behavior and values you want in your home. Children will be more open and willing participants when the house rules apply to you, too.

Seek Expert Help If Needed

If you observe significant negative issues with your childrens’ use of media and technology, (e.g. it’s harming their mental health, disrupting their relationships, or hurting their academic performance) and you don’t feel equipped to address it yourself, consult your paediatrician, a psychologist, a social worker, or another professional for advice.

Good Citizenship Award

At Our Lady Star of the Sea, we value the contribution that all members make to our learning community.  The Good Citizenship Award is one way we acknowledge the work done across our school. House points will be awarded towards the Good Citizenship Award for the engagement by any member of our school who is  “working with" and “contributing to” our learning community in a positive way. Examples of how parents can help build a positive school community includes parents helping out at Working Bees, assisting in the classroom, attending informations sessions or volunteering at PFA events.

Paul Anderson, 

Deputy Principal