Deputy Principal’s Message

Dear parents/guardians,

With ever growing technology and screen time for children, parents are often left with the dilemma of what acceptable use entails. It’s hard to know what consists of normal boundaries, and this may differ for each family. However, there are some suggestions you can use to build some rules around the use of technology. Leading by example is important, and finding the balance of when and how much we can use our own devices, is something all parents/guardians will need to consider. I’d like to share the adaptation from the 9 Digital Guidelines for parents from the Parenting website that I found quite useful.

9 Digital technology Guidelines for parents

1. Know what the rules and expectations are at school

School digital device policies make a great starting point for families. Every school is different – some let students keep mobile phones in lockers or backpacks, while others allow limited mobile phone usage between classes or even during class time to aid with assignments. Make sure that you and your child know what the rules are at school. Importantly, support the school and keep your own expectations in line with theirs.

Our college does not approve of mobile phones being brought to school by students and this should be discouraged even if after school programs exist. It is recommended that families establish a meeting point with their child/ren. Primary students are not permitted to make phone calls from the office. As the General Office has emergency contact details, the office staff are able to contact parents or emergency contacts as required. Other items not permitted at school include mainstream magazines, Ipod’s, MP3’s and other gadgets alike.

2. Specify hours for digital use

Set the ground rules for when your youngsters can use their tablets and phones, and when they need to shut them off for the night. It’s just a smart way to build a habit for the whole family so it becomes ingrained and just the way things are done in your home.

3. Consider a digital device ‘contract’

Clearly set out your digital device usage guidelines, and print them in an agreement that you and your young one can both sign. If there are any disputes, then you both have the expectations in writing.

4. Lay out consequences from the start

Make the consequences clear for breaking the rules, such as taking away the phone or tablet for a set period of time. But remember, the goal isn’t to punish them, but just to set clear boundaries. Your home’s digital device guidelines should be reasonable rather than excessive, and be made in collaboration with your youngster so they feel a sense of ownership about the rules too.

5. Talk about respectful relationships and cyber safety

You can’t let your young person loose in the digital world without having several conversations about how to stay safe online, how to show respectful behaviour and be aware of the pitfalls. Each of these topics is a separate issue on its own, but each is deeply affected by the virtual, boundary-free nature of digital technology.

6. Be prepared to learn

Be ready to learn about social media, and the different apps and games that young people may be playing. But at the same time, be mindful of their boundaries.

7. Change the rules if necessary

Smart parents take a flexible approach, and believe that rules are made to be changed. Be prepared to keep evolving your rules based on your young person’s behaviour, maturity, sleep habits, their tendency to leave homework or chores unfinished, bullying or any number of issues that will invariably crop up to make them feel like your rules just aren’t working.

8. Keep digital devices out of the bedroom

If there was one rule that you should stay firm on, then this is the one. Many young people are in a constant sleep deficit as it is without bringing digital devices into the mix. They may say they want to charge it in their room. Keep the charger in a public place. They may even want to use their mobile or tablet to wake up in the morning. Applaud them on wanting to wake up on their own, but get them a regular alarm clock instead.

9. Have a ‘digital detox’ one day a week

The only way that this idea will work is if you join them in making one day a week a digital device-free day. They will probably not like it, and neither will you, but the point of having one day off is to prove that they can live without their digital device, and involve them in different forms of communication and entertainment.

Digital technology is now an integral part of our lives, but it’s not the only option we have for entertainment, information and or communication. Before we help our young people, it’s best to look at our own digital habits to make sure we are providing them with what they need – that is, leading by example and being balanced role models who know when to use and when not to use their devices. They are far more likely to walk our walk than follow our talk.

Source: adapted from the parenting ideas website www.parentingideas.com.au

Have a safe and restful holiday.