Internet safety was an issue most caretakers and educators find challenging. I have included a handout that is basically a conversation starter
“10 Potential Solutions for Improved Internet Safety”
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As a concerned parent of children who sometimes use cyberschool for our homeschooling with all the bells and whistles, I have enjoyed deeply learning from an instrumental internet safety book, The Digital Invasion: How Technology is Shaping You and Your Relationships by Dr. Archibald Hart and his daughter Dr. Sylvia Hart Frejd.
I have quoted this cyber safety book countless times since it was published in 2013 in presentations and when connecting with other concerned parents. There are many of us!
SIDE NOTE: I do recommend a separate resource below if the issues you are facing are more serious and already out of control!
Have you ever had a kid who has lost interest in everyday life?
Seems to be struggling more emotionally? Depressed?
Has lost interest in recreational activities and prefers gaming instead?
Does not want to relate to their family as much anymore?
Has a hard time falling asleep at night?
Complain they are bored more often than before?
The Digital Invasion book explains details to help caregivers not only support their family’s internet usage, but also understand what is happening inside their brains and hearts when they do. The Digital Invasion clarifies the impact of screens on learning. motivation and attention. I first learned about it through an Association of Christian Counselors continuing education class. Dr. Archibald Hart was teaching counselors, pastors, educators, parents and grandparents the science behind internet usage. I was so fascinated I pre-purchased several copies before it published!
The Digital Invasion: How Technology is Shaping You and Your Relationships: Audio Interview Link
Since I just spoke to another mom about this book a few days ago… I wanted to add a little plug here with a link to click for an audio when the Harts interviewed with Focus on the Family.
I found The Digital Invasion more useful to our family than many of the other internet safety books available.
This book will not leave you feeling condemned but equipped to hopefully navigate toward a balance for improved family relationships.
For those who like quizzes, The Digital Invasion website contains a “Digital Wellness Quiz” or if your child’s gaming usage is serious the “Internet Addiction” test (IAT) by Dr. Kimberly Young…and offers other resources.
Resource for More Serious Internet Safety Addictions that may be Already Out of Control:
I recommend Dr. Kimberly Young’s website for serious internet safety issues that may require treatment services, detox or extra support for “Internet Gaming Disorder”, “Se*xting and Po*rn”, “Internet Infidelity” and deeper concerns that may have impacted your family.
Many of our children today are hurting…
some are secretly addicted to explicit and harmful content,
are addicted to gaming,
are victims of cyber bullying,
or worse – are part of the estimated 50,000 abductions per year…
We as parents and educators need to equip them and ourselves to not only protect them but also train their hearts and minds to help them stay on track.
It is time to work together to rescue children and youth who are ensnared by the internet and struggling… they desperately want to return to the path of peace.
10 Common Pitfalls & 10 Potential Solutions for Improved Internet Safety
TRUE internet safety is an oxymoron. As parents we can implement precautionary internet safety systems to filter content, block unwanted addresses, limit time, monitor chats and other activities when our children are online. However, tech savvy kids sometimes discover ways to BUST through internet safety nets just for the challenge.
Here are 10 common mistakes and 10 potential solutions. The best safeguards to truly help kids stay safe are instilling integrity and wisdom.
******Lot’s of static from my hair that was in braids =) Hint: never combine braids with a microphone that leans against the hair!*****
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Ridley Concepts & Solutions
http://HeloiseRidley.com
- Kid Safe YouTube App News from Enough is Enough
Hello hello hello parents and caretakers!!!
I know it has been a long while since I last posted since I went back to graduate school. Lots of late nights studying after the minis go to bed. Anyway, I just opened up my inbox and email from Enough is Enough. I count on Donna Rice Hughes and her organization to keep me informed on the latest in internet safety for families. The have extensive internet safety data at internetsafety101.org
Their latest is that we have good news from Google. We parents and caretakers now have a safer option for our children who enjoy the rich free video content available on YouTube. As a homeschooler, I love to show my kids educational videos on the topics that come up. I have been often frustrated by the slimy content that has popped up at the same time.
Have you? Yuck!
Well now there is an option for us caregivers available for free on Google Play or the App Store to filter what their children are exposed to and better yet, set parenting controls.
Enough is enough shared a few tips from Google on their YouTube new parental controls from the Google Blog… go there for details:
“Family-focused content
… Now, parents can rest a little easier knowing that videos in the YouTube Kids app are narrowed down to content appropriate for kids, You can browse channels and playlists in four categories: Shows, Music, Learning and Explore.”
“Parental controls
We realize every family is different, so we’ve built options into the app that help you control the experience for your kids:
- Timer: Let the app be the bad guy with a built-in timer that lets you limit kids’ screen time. The app alerts your child when the session is over, so you don’t have to. (You’re welcome ;-))
- Sound settings: Sometimes you need a little peace and quiet! You have an option to turn off background music and sound effects, so your kids can keep watching while you catch a breather.
- Search settings: If you’d rather limit your children to just the pre-selected videos available on the home screen, you can turn off search.
- Product feedback: Our goal is to improve YouTube Kids all the time, so we’ve included for you to give us your feedback.
I am not sure how you feel about YouTube for your children. I know a lot of parents who do not trust the website. Now, they have a new opportunity to reevaluate YouTube. I for one am grateful…
So we can look up more cool educational facts.
Like “How does an astronaut eat and go potty mom?”
Enjoy & Blessings,
-Heloise
What do you think about the new YouTube app?
I am astounded by this article and the great book I am reading called “Digital Invasion, The: How Technology is Shaping You and Your Relationships” which I can’t wait to share about when I finish.
In my personal life I have noticed as a parent that my children seem to loose their creativity and interest in playing when they spend too much time with screens. Maybe it happens from a combination of too many educational TV programs and online learning. They seem bored more often and act like they don’t know what to do with themselves when getting free time. They BEG for another TV show or another view of their favorite Brain Pop, Jr. When that happens, we move toward balance again but cutting way back on technology. Meanwhile, this phenomena is well founded in brain science. Thrilling!
I learned that there are serious potential health affects when our children delve too often in the digital jungle. There are affects on a child’s brain development that can lead to problems later in life if not detected.
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