It's not uncommon to hear adults complain about kids and their online activity, yet often parents and teachers don’t spend time supporting young people in becoming responsible digital citizens.
We don't want kids learning about the birds and the bees on the playground. And when it comes to navigating social media, online games, smartphones, and the Internet, it's best for kids to get their info from a trusted source. With 92 percent of teens going online daily and nearly three-quarters of kids age 0–8 using apps, having The Talk is an essential rite of passage.
The problem is that while most know they should be ensuring their children are using digital resources effectively, few adults feel prepared.
This week marks #DigCit week and that means it’s time for a change. #HaveTheTalk with your class and share with parents how they can do the same with their children. @CommonSenseEdu has put together terrific resources that will empower adults to do just that. You can find them at https://www.commonsensemedia.org/educators/digitalcitizenshipweek.
So what are you waiting for? Visit https://www.commonsensemedia.org/educators/digitalcitizenshipweek. #HaveTheTalk and stop back here to let us know how it goes.
Lisa Nielsen writes for and speaks to audiences across the globe about learning innovatively and is frequently covered by local and national media for her views on “Passion (not data) Driven Learning,” "Thinking Outside the Ban" to harness the power of technology for learning, and using the power of social media to provide a voice to educators and students. Ms. Nielsen has worked for more than a decade in various capacities to support learning in real and innovative ways that will prepare students for success. In addition to her award-winning blog, The Innovative Educator, Ms. Nielsen’s writing is featured in places such as Huffington Post, Tech & Learning, ISTE Connects, ASCD Wholechild, MindShift, Leading & Learning, The Unplugged Mom, and is the author the book Teaching Generation Text.
Disclaimer: The information shared here is strictly that of the author and does not reflect the opinions or endorsement of her employer.
