Digital Citizenship - How Do You Treat Others Online?

So many kids are engaged in playing online games with other kids these days. Yet, often this type of social media has it's downside. When kids are in situations where they are interacting with each other, the chances are increased that the interactions will be negative. As with any type of play, unless kids understand the consequences of their words and actions, hurt feelings will prevail.

As with face-to-face play, online games still have the same rules; treat others as you want to be treated.

This digital citizenship video from Common Sense Media is a good reminder of how a child should behave when online.

Check out Common Sense Media for more videos, blog posts and articles for parents and teachers about how to help children navigate the online community and use digital tools in a safe and effective way.

Common Sense Media's 3 Rules for Screen Time for Kids

Common Sense Media has added a new post to their parenting section about a 'Healthy Balanced Diet of Screen Time for Kids."  As with anything, balancing screen time with non-screen time is the goal you, as parents , want to achieve.

Below are the highlights of the article. For the full article, click here 

Use media together.

• Whenever you can, watch, play, and listen with your kids. Talk about the content.
• When you can't be there, ask them about the media they've used. Help kids question and consider media messages.
• Share your own values. Let them know how you feel about solving problems with violence, stereotyping people, selling products using sex or cartoon characters, or advertising to kids in schools or movie theaters.
• Help kids connect what they learn in the media to events and other activities in which they're involved -- such as sports and art -- to broaden their understanding of the world.

Be a role model.

• When kids are around, set an example by using media the way you want them to use it. Avoid posting everything that happens in your life, ask permission before uploading photos of others, and establish some media-free family time.
• Use media as a tool. Show your kids your mapping program, your news app, or your photo-editing programs. Demonstrate how your devices are a means to an end, not an end unto themselves.
• Avoid using media as a reward or a punishment -- that gives it too much power.

Keep an eye on the clock.

• Establish time limits that work for your family's needs.
• Let kids choose their entertainment options for the day. It could be a show, a game, or a learning app -- but giving them the choice helps them regulate their usage.
• Limit distractions. Keep phones and devices away when kids need to focus on other things -- homework or chores, for example. That'll make it easier for them to stay on task and make media use easier to track.