College Counsellor

4 Conversations to Have with Your Kids about Digital Devices

Do you know what your kids are doing online, and who they’re talking to?

Discussing the issues with them is important to keeping your kids safe online. Here are four critical conversations about technology to have with your kids:

1. Their privacy settings – Most young people don’t spend much time considering their privacy settings – who sees their pictures, posts and locations on social media. Help your kids take a few minutes to check their privacy settings so they know who is peaking at them.
2. Pictures they’re posting – Young people are often unaware that their texts, posts, pictures and chats are permanent. But you know that nothing they post is temporary. So teach them not to post or send anything they don’t want their principal, grandma or future employer seeing.
3. Comments they’re making – Words are powerful, so teach your kids to pause before they post or comment on others’ posts. Encourage them to ask, “How would I feel reading these words?”  Would my grandparents approve of this post? Is it escalating a bad situation, or offering grace and mercy? Would this post give a future employer a reason not to hire me?
4. Affirmation they’re seeking – It’s fun to be liked. Getting ‘likes’ produces powerful neurochemicals in our brains. It’s addictive … but social media also tends to make us feel inadequate about ourselves. So help your kids understand that likes and followers don’t determine their worth. Affirm who they are on the inside – character, goals and dreams; not only how they appear on the outside, and they’ll be much happier, healthier, and more secure. (“Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” 1 Samuel 16:7)

Have you had these conversations with your children? Remember that our kids won’t learn digital responsibility if we don’t teach them – and there’s no better time to start than today!

Visit: families.org.au for more great resources on all the latest parenting topics.

SchoolTV report: Online gaming

Online Gaming | Good News Lutheran College (schooltv.me)

School Transitions | Good News Lutheran College (schooltv.me)

Whether it is starting school for the first time, moving up to a higher grade or embarking on a journey through secondary school, there is no doubt that any school transition is a very exciting time for children and parents. It means that children are growing up! 

However, for many it may also be a very anxious and stressful time for both parents and children. Parents need to be aware of their child’s feelings during any school transition and minimise anxiety so the process is an enjoyable experience for all. It is important for children to attend transition or orientation programs offered by schools. Familiarisation is often key to reducing stress levels. It is also important for parents to talk to their children about their expectations and being more responsible for their own needs.

Other topics on SchoolTV for parents to gain credible, current and evidence based support and information include:

• Managing screen time
• Online pornography
• Internet addiction
• Surviving final year
• Grief and loss
• Understanding adolescence
• Friendship and belonging
• Blended families
• Positive parenting

These are just a few of the areas of concern for parents. I encourage you to have a look around the GNLC SchoolTV website for some valuable answers to questions you may have concerning your child/children.

As always, if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me millerl@goodnew.vic.edu.au