From the Teaching and Learning Deputy

We have been having some conversations with our Year 6 children lately around iPads and IT usage. 

Technology is amazing and can help us so much in our learning and play but it is also an area where we need to monitor our children’s interactions carefully.

As a school, we have a number of structures in place to support safe use of technology including: teacher supervision, content blockers on web searches, app restrictions and limitations on screen time. We also have regular conversations with children about appropriate use of technology and what to do in situations where you feel uncomfortable around technology.

We encourage you to do the same at home with your child’s school iPad (Years 3 and above) and any home devices your child may have access to.

In speaking with different parents over the years, some of the strategies that have helped families develop healthy technology habits are:

• Having set times for using technology (and not using technology) so that everyone knows in advance when these will be;
• Putting devices away and/or turning the WiFi off in the evening so that children can wind down ready to sleep;
• Not allowing technology in children’s bedrooms or in spaces where parents aren’t present;
• Disabling audio and text chat in online games so that strangers cannot communicate with your child while gaming; 
• Paying attention to the age restriction on apps;
• Talking to your child about how you use technology in your life and work so that your child understands technology as a work and life tool, not just for play and entertainment;
• Asking your child to share with you about how they have been using their iPad for learning so that they can see and hear you recognise technology as a learning tool and value their work on devices.

You can find further information that may help on the eSafety Commissioner website (https://www.esafety.gov.au/) or we encourage you to speak to your child’s teacher or a member of school leadership, including contacting me if you prefer at gbuxton@stpaulba.sa.edu.au.