JUNIOR SCHOOL NEWS

Daniel Grozdanovski

Assistant Year 8 Coordinator

Safe use of Technology

Term 2 is just around the corner, but a few issues are coming to the surface revolving around the correct use of technology. Technology is one of the biggest growth areas in the world right now. With many positives to come from technology and apps, unfortunately, we also face some challenges. The appropriate use of technology as an adolescent is one of those challenges. Gone are the days when we used our phones just to message and call people. The technology boom now allows our children to communicate with friends and people all over the world with an instant click of a button.  Children haven’t developed the maturity on how to navigate the social media world safely and effectively. Increasing, is the number of children who go home and the first thing they do is sit down in front of their gaming console and aren’t spotted until dinner time. These devices all have benefits, but at such a young age we need to make sure we are helping our children navigate their way around them correctly. So here are some tips to help your child with their device.  

UNPLUG

Make sure your children spend some time at home away from their devices. Even if it’s no phones at the dinner table or making sure there is an hour of the night when all devices are switched off. Spending time away from the screen promotes conversations that may not usually occur.

SET LIMITS

Make sure there is a limit on the amount of time your children are using certain apps or consoles. Apple phones now have an app in the settings called “Screen Time”. This app allows you to see how much time your child is spending on their phone and on what apps. It also allows you to set limits on how long they can use each app per day. A very handy app for those children spending too much time on certain apps. This can be used on the school iPad or any iPad. The same can also be done with PlayStation and Xbox.

KNOW WHAT YOUR CHILDREN ARE DOING

It is very important that parents have an understanding of the app or games their child is playing. Sit down with your child and get them to show you what apps or games they are using and ask them about why they enjoy them. By understanding apps and games it gives the parent a better understanding of where the dangers may lie in playing or using these apps. 

DEVICES IN COMMON SPACES

When your children are using their iPad and consoles try and keep them in communal areas so that you can see the way that your child interacts with them. This prevents children taking them into their bedroom and spending too much time on them and also allows you to gain a better understanding of the games and apps your children are playing.

Finally being a good role model. It is important that we as teachers and parents are able to set good examples for our children and students on how to effectively use our electronic devices. If your child comes home and sees their parents sitting on their phones or their teachers sitting in the yard glued to their phone we are setting them up for failure. 

If you have any questions about how we can further support you in regards to safe use of technology don’t hesitate to ask any of the Junior Sub School Coordinators.