Limiting screen time probably ranks near the top of most “Dreaded Parental Duties” lists. Finding the right balance between “I just need a few minutes of peace” and the endless playback loop of Netflix is never easy. In my house, our rule is no screens after school, since the Bubble Guppies join us for breakfast on many mornings. To tell the truth, I thought I was doing pretty well in the screen-limitation-parenting department, until the afternoon that my three year old tapped me on the shoulder and said, “Mommy, leave the phone down. Play with me.” Clearly, limiting my son’s screen time wasn’t enough. I also needed to check my own digital devices at the door. It was a hard thing to hear.

Topics: Parenting, Technology, Social-Emotional Development, Indpendent Schools, reading, Book Review

Balancing the benefits of technology against its distractions, especially for middle school students, is an important topic for educators and parents alike. Recently I shared some tips on starting a conversation with your student about her use of technology. Remember, our Middle School students have a facility with the device that adults usually do not. However, there is a need for parents to monitor the way a student uses his or her device.

Topics: Middle School, Parenting, Technology, Education Best Practice

Typically, parents have the knowledge and children still have something to learn. With tech, the tables are often turned. At Shorecrest, an Apple Distinguished School, technology and the iPad are threaded into our Middle School days. As a result, our Middle School students have a facility with the device that adults usually do not. However, there is a need for parents to monitor the way a student uses his or her device. Here are some starting points for a conversation with your Middle School student about using the iPad appropriately and avoiding distractions.

Topics: Middle School, Parenting, Technology, Education Best Practice

Information is Forever

Once something is posted online, it can be accessible forever. What was cool, funny, or innocuous at age 16 or 18 could prove embarrassing or even damaging when you're 24 or 42. Even if you delete something, anything you post could be "cached" or stored by search engines. The website www.archive.org operates the "Wayback Machine" that resurrects old versions of websites, even if content has changed or been removed.

Topics: Parenting, Technology, Student Safety

Introduction for Kids:

In your school, you're probably known for more than just your name. You may be the star basketball player, the most likely to succeed, or the best dressed. You work hard to earn your reputation through hours of practice, dedication to studies, or commitment to fashion. But how would you describe your reputation on the Web?

Topics: Parenting, Technology, Student Safety