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Have you wondered when your children will be ready for
e-mail, an iPod, a cell phone or Facebook account? Here
are some
recommendations …
Before your child uses any new technology
you
need to try it out. If you are uncomfortable using
technology then ask your child to show you how it works.
Ask them these questions:
-
Why do you need an iPod, a laptop, a cell phone,
a My Space account, etc?
-
Who will you be talking to?
-
What do you know about being safe while using
this technology?
-
How much time will you use IM, a laptop, a cell
phone, a Facebook account, etc
A child is only ready for the technology when he or she
can explain how it works and what they will do with it.
You need to set up some ground rules first. For example,
not using profanity, having time limitations, and
knowing who is on their buddy list. The SAME questions
and rules you set up in the physical world should apply
here. If your children are NOT ready to understand this,
then they are NOT ready for the technology.
Every child is different and YOU know your child best.
If you are going to talk about the new technology with
your kids you need to understand it yourself. For
example, if your kids want a Club Penguin account, then
you need to be able to talk about what goes on in the
Arctic chat room. As they get older, and want a Facebook
account (which, by the way, Facebook dictates they must
be 13 or in high school before opening an account) then
you need to be able to talk to them about the News Feed
and tagging photos. If you don’t know what these things
are or what they mean, how can you decide how you feel
about them and if they are appropriate for your child?
Whether we are talking about cell phones, iPods, IM
accounts or social networking sites, time management
should ALWAYS be a factor in deciding what is right for
your child. Make sure your children understand what is
expected of them, not only in regard to the technology,
but also in regard to their behavior. You want to set
the rules, explain the rules and then stick to them.
Remember, you need to do your research as well. That way
you know the positives and negatives and can set
appropriate rules and expectations.
If you have concerns you would like to discuss regarding
your child’s social or emotional performance at school,
please contact Julie Snaith, Elementary School Social
Worker at 384-5234.
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