Digital Citizenship
Based on a Coffee Talk Aid to Life class by Cheryl Raymond, Associate Head of School and Director of Elementary and Adolescent Programs
Approaching our children's nuanced relationship with technology has many parallels to how we navigate their connection to the world at large.
We filter the world as best we can with what is age-appropriate for children. You might begin by setting age-appropriate filters and time limits.
As children grow, we help them develop skills to handle technology in a healthy way.
We may begin by acknowledging the value of technology, and how fun it can be and participate alongside children by gaming, co-watching, creating etc. This will help set the ground for respecting limits.
When you are ready to start setting boundaries with technology, one option is to follow the structure of a Montessori classroom meeting. Have a family meeting and talk through your family's relationship with technology. Allow everyone to have a voice and come up with an agreement together.
Examples of what may be included in a Technology Agreement:
We Won't Use Devices:
At mealtimes
During Family Time
During short car rides
Together, make a list of activities that bring your child joy. They can use this list when they need an alternative to screen time.
Create built-in alternatives to screen time. Invite your children to be involved with household chores, set up a family game night, family reading time, etc.
During Coffee Talk, a few Parents/Caregivers said, "Our children use technology to connect with their friends and we want them to do so! But how do we navigate the fact that families have different rules around technology use? It's hard to set guidelines in place when they say their friend has different guidelines."
The common response to that question was to teach your children how to navigate peer pressure. Teach them how to process the uncomfortable nature of saying no.
Resources:
Technology is not an easy world to navigate.
Give yourself grace, keep it up, and lean on your resources:
Talk to like minded-parents.
Visit commonsense.org for tips on safety, privacy, security, and a family tech planner
Read about age-appropriate developmental needs from the American Psychology Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, and World Health Organization.
Connect with fellow enrolled WSM community members in our Facebook group.