The effects of exposure to video screens on phones, tablets, monitors and televisions has been a topic of study for over two decades now (and even longer when it comes to the effects of TV). The conclusion is not good. And, at the same time, you have nothing to really worry about. Both are true. Here’s a quick recap. 7 …
Parenting in the Time of COVID-19: Screens and Children
Stacy Jagger & James Wellborn Back in the early days of electronics, in the 1920–30s, families would huddle around the radio and share the experience of listening to their favorite programs. Then in the 1940s, television became the social centerpiece of the family. These TV shows were not daily events, rather, they were special occasions when the family gathered ‘round …
Thirteen Things to Talk to Your Teen About 13 Reasons Why: Episode 4-Teenage Sexuality & Sexting
[Note: It has recently come to light that the author of the book this video series was based on has been expelled from The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators for violation of their harassment policy as reported by Deadline.] Thirteen Reasons Why, a video series based on a best-selling teen novel, is the story of a 17 year old …
Family Time Movie Theater: Internet and Social Media
You can use movie night to reveal the influence of the internet on teen’s (and all of our) lives. Here are a couple of documentaries that will raise some issues worth talking about. One is a cautionary tale about how you can be fooled and another is about how the internet and social media can be used to make a …
Hiding Phone Apps In Plain Sight
Giving your teen their own smart phone is a privilege and responsibility. It will include setting some limits on acceptable uses for the phone and any other devices that connect to the internet or wifi. Once again the speed of technological advances (driven by the availability of teen’s disposable income to buy relatively inexpensive apps for their phone) has complicated …
Cyber Citizenship Part 6: Code of Conduct
Cyber Citizens should abide by a strict code of conduct based on the rights, privileges and responsibilities of being a member of the cyber world. Obey the law. □ Copyright Infringement: using, selling or distributing products or creations without permission of the copyright owner □ Plagiarism: presenting the words, music, thoughts or ideas of others without giving them credit □ …
Cyber Citizenship Part 5: Civility
Civility is the foundation of civilized society (and not just because of te common derivation of the words). It is how we get along with each other. Civility is treating others with fairness and consideration for their feelings and needs. It is treating others as people worthy of respect and dignity. It is the golden rule: do unto others as …
Cyber Citizenship Part 4: Respect
As citizens of the cyber community, teenagers have a responsibility to be aware of the different aspects of the cyber world (see previous column). It is also important for them to know about how to keep themselves safe and secure online (see other previous column). Finally, teenagers have a responsibility as cyber citizens to respect the laws of the online …
Cyber Citizenship Part 3: Cyber Safety
The cyber world has risks and dangers just like the real world. It would not be safe for your kid to walk alone late at night to a high crime neighborhood asking strangers where to pay cash for an expensive video game system. What if your kid then gave your house key to a stranger who offered to help and …
Cyber Citizenship Part 2: Increasing Teens Cyber Awareness
If your kids are going to be good cyber citizens, they should be informed about the different areas that make up their cyber world. This includes their personal information (i.e., identity), traces of their online presence (i.e., footprint), the various kinds of creative products that belongs to them and to other people (i.e., property) and the various ways to relate …