Digital Citizenship: Media Use
Edison Elementary School Counselor- January Newsletter
What Is Digital Citizenship?
Mindful Media Use
With online learning, we as a learning community are engaged online more than ever before! While we are comfortable and familiar with using online technology for teaching, learning, and communication, we have to be mindful to have a balance of our on-sceen and off-screen usage. Now more than ever, we have to rethink how much we use technology, and make sure we schedule for off-screen activities and computer breaks.
Media Balance Is Important
5 Media Balance Tips from Commonsense.org
1. Create screen-free times and zones: limit screen time at the dinner table and in the bedroom
2. Try parental controls: set content limits as appropriate for your family
3. Establish clear family rules: a family media plan can get everyone on the same page
4. Watch & play together: choose age-appropriate media to enjoy with your kids
5. Help kids identify healthy behaviors: practice talking about feelings during both on-screen and off-screen activities
Benefits from Unplugging
- Imaginative play helps foster creativity
- Playing outside helps get fresh air and find appreciation in nature
- Movement and exercise benefits both physical and mental health
- Helps build family connections through talk and being present with one another
Games Galore
Play board games and card games; get creative and design your own game!
Read
Encourage an independent reading time for everyone in the family, or create a family book club!
Arts & Crafts
Make homemade gifts, write cards (for holidays or just for fun!)
Article on Helping Kids Unplug
Try a Device-Free Dinner (or breakfast or lunch!)
Arts & Crafts ideas for Home
Books on Digital Citizenship
The Technology Tail: A Digital Footprint Story
By: Julia Cook
But It's Just a Game
By: Julia Cook
The Tweeting Galah
By: Kim Maslin
Hello! Hello!
By: Matthew Cordell
Unplugged
By: Steve Antony
Blackout
By: John Rocco