This week’s video gives parents a better understanding of how important social media is in the lives of our children as well as the impact it has on their social well being and sense of self.  Understanding this helps us as parents support them as they are discovering who they are as digital citizens.

How Social Media is Affecting Teens

“Let me take a selfie” is often heard in pop culture as the selfie has become a cultural phenomena.  The video this week speaks about our rights and responsibilities when it comes to taking and sharing digital images of ourselves and others.  Please talk to your child about getting into the habit of asking permission prior to taking and/or posting photos of others as well as advocating for themselves when others are taking pictures of them.

Are your child’s online interactions responsible, respectful, and create value in their digital world?  It is important that we are having ongoing conversations with our children about how they are interacting with others online.  Watch the below video and talk to your child about their online interactions:  What strategies do they have for building positive online relationships?  Do they understand their responsibilities when interacting online?  Do they know how to manage their social media accounts so that they have their privacy protected?  Do they stop, think, and question what they are posting before adding content? Are they able to identify cyberbullying and take steps to help victims of cyberbullying?

A Conversation with the Internet

On behalf of the parents and staff of Captain Nichola Goddard School, we would like to announce a new initiative. Members of the School Council and school leadership have partnered to form a committee focused on promoting responsible digital citizenship. In this endeavor, we aim to create a community that fosters the ethical, responsible, and productive use of online tools and digital devices. On MARCH 3RD FROM 1:15-2:45, we will be having our next Coffee and Conversation at the school. On this day we will focus our presentation and conversation on the challenges students face in this digital age. We encourage you to be part of this important and timely dialogue.

As part of this initiative we will be regularly sending out information and resources to help raise awareness and to support parents in our community. Please view the following short videos:

Talking to your Kids

and

Cyberbullying: Bullying 2.0