Rethinking Tech in Classrooms: A Necessary Pause

As someone who's advocated for reducing unnecessary screen time in schools for over a decade, I find Jessica Grose's latest piece in The New York Times both timely and accurate. The article "Get Tech Out of the Classroom Before It's Too Late" resonates deeply with my experiences moving from school to school and witnessing the varied impacts of technology on student engagement and safety. While tech has undeniable benefits, its integration into every aspect of our educational system raises critical questions about its effectiveness and the trade-offs involved. If we want to talk about this in business terms, we could mention opportunity cost - what are our children and teens missing by being on their screens?

Digital CitizenshipAllison OchsApril 18, 2024Online Safety, The Anxious Generation, Get phones out of schoolsComment

Alert: Are Your Kids Being Pulled into Risky Chat Threads Without Consent?

Add Everyone You Know: Hidden dangers in unsolicited group chats affecting children. Discover a student's alarming experience with harmful content and how it reflects a broader issue. Get essential tips on enhancing digital safety through WhatsApp settings and encouraging open discussions about online risks. Protect your child from cyber threats and foster a safer online environment.

Screen vs. Page: Should Children Read on Kindles and iPads?

Should children read on Kindles and iPads or stick to traditional books? Recent studies reveal a 'screen inferiority effect,' impacting children's comprehension when reading digitally. Despite tech's convenience, tangible books offer irreplaceable educational benefits, fostering in-person discussions and deeper understanding. Reflect on your child's reading habits and consider integrating more physical books into their routine for a balanced learning experience.

How to Help Your Child Be Social Media Literate

Boost your child's social media literacy: navigate digital challenges, ensure online safety, and promote responsible usage. Learn to distinguish credible information and foster critical thinking. Essential tips for parents on guiding children through the complex digital landscape, reinforcing privacy, ethics, and digital citizenship. Start the conversation today for a safer online tomorrow.

The AI Playground for Adolescents: Innocence meets the Internet

Discover insights on AI's impact, from cyberbullying to deepfakes, and learn how to foster safe, ethical online behavior. This post is ideal for parents and educators who are looking to understand a teen's use of AI so that they might have better conversations, create effective digital citizenship classes, and create a safe space within schools for its use, empowering the next generation with the tools for a safer digital future.

Meta Steps Up: A Closer Look at New Child Safety Features on Instagram and Facebook

Explore Meta's latest child protection measures on Instagram and Facebook in our new blog post. We will discuss the impact of these updates on teen safety, privacy settings, and the role of parents and educators in navigating the digital landscape.

Allison OchsJanuary 15, 2024Comment

Offline Oasis: Why Teens Need non-digital Third Spaces

Discover the importance of 'third spaces' for teens and how these vital non-digital environments, where adolescents can thrive and escape the pressures of home and school. Learn about the challenges and solutions to creating these inclusive, safe, and engaging spaces in a world dominated by screens, with practical tips for educators, parents, and teens.

Beyond the Screen: Navigating Real Friendships in the Age of Social Media

Social Media promotes rigid personal boundaries and quite some confusion, especially for teens and emerging adults. This one-size-fits-all approach lacks nuance. Real friendships require honest communication, not corporate-like strategies. Social media skews our perception of relationships; we must balance setting boundaries with understanding the complexities of human connections. The blog post offers hands-on advice for teaching teens and emerging adults to navigate friendships.

Email expectations - Leading by example for student well-being

In a world flooded with digital distractions, educators must reflect on their tech behavior. Students notice when teachers prioritize emails over conversations. A survey revealed 41.7% felt ignored due to tech use, affecting their well-being. To set an example, teachers and leaders must curb excessive emails, promote in-person interactions, and adhere to communication guidelines. Prioritizing meaningful connections over digital noise not only enhances student-teacher relationships but also equips students with healthier tech habits.

Email and work expectations - Tackling our own behavior helps our kids

This blog post dives into the impact of email on work-life balance, especially for parents. It highlights the blurred boundaries between work and home, emphasizing the need for clear communication and mindful tech use. Allison Ochs, an expert in digital citizenship on digital well-being offers practical tips to manage email distractions, advocating for a healthier approach to technology for better family connections and personal well-being.

Parenting in a Digital 🌎Allison OchsAugust 22, 2023Worklifebalance, Email overload, Digital WellbeingComment

Snapchat Releases My AI: Your Child’s New Bestie?

Let’s look at the safety concerns around Snapchat's "My AI," a chatbot marketed as a "false bestie" for 13-year-olds. Despite initial issues, students still reported concerning behaviors, raising questions about Snapchat's responsibility and the need to protect children online. As educators and parents, we need to be aware.

Digital CitizenshipAllison OchsMay 4, 2023Snapchat My AI, Snapchat, Artificial Intelligence, My AIComment

Help, my child loves Andrew Tate

Are you concerned about your child's admiration for Andrew Tate and the manosphere? This blog post is for you, providing practical tips for helping your child break free from the influence of Andrew Tate and the manosphere. There is an additional bonus if you want to connect with other parents. Allison Ochs will put together a parent group. There is a sign-up at the end of the blog post.

Allison OchsApril 17, 2023 Comments

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