I don't know about you, but I am glad that the technology that we have today was not around when I was in middle school. They have access to so many different social media platforms, it is hard to keep track of them all. There's Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, and so many others on top of "old Fashioned" texting. There are benefits to all of these platforms, but for 11-14 year old's these platforms can become negative sources of attention quickly. Online bullying is a skyrocketing problem, as are "sexting" and snapping inappropriate pictures.
This Washington Post article highlights what can happen when normal boundaries become fuzzy due to technology:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/classic-apps/and-everyone-saw-it/2016/09/06/68c14da0-5ef6-11e6-af8e-54aa2e849447_story.html
If you are like I was when I started doing research on this, you're probably wondering what can be done about monitoring your child's social media. Here are two articles you might find helpful:
http://www.parenting.com/gallery/social-media-monitoring-kids
http://www.cnn.com/2015/10/04/health/being13-social-media-teens-parents-stress/
I don't proclaim to know all about any of these applications (my son had to teach me how to use Snapchat last summer!), but we can't bury our heads in the sand as parents and say "my kid would never do that" and not worry about it. We must all be vigilant to keep our kids safe. We have to try and help them be responsible cyber citizens. The best way is to start by having conversations at home about responsible use of social media. They do not realize all of the consequences that can happen if they aren't.
I am happy to discuss this further with any one, if you have any questions or concerns about your child and social media.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Parent Teacher Conferences are next week. They will take place from 4:15-8:00 pm on the 4th and 6th of October. We do not do a traditional "sign-up" for conferences. Middle School conferences are "drop-in" conferences. All of the middle school teachers will have tables in the gym, and you may visit with as many or as few of them as you would like. Conferences will be limited to ten minutes, so teachers can speak to as many parents as possible.
8th Grade Field Trip to Finance Park:
On October 4th, the 8th graders will travel to Finance Park as their culminating activity for their Junior Achievement Financial Literacy unit they have been working on in advisory. The fee is $13.50, and includes a lunch from Subway.
Here is th link to register:
https://bfacademy.revtrak.net/tek9.asp?pg=RW_FieldTrips
This Washington Post article highlights what can happen when normal boundaries become fuzzy due to technology:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/classic-apps/and-everyone-saw-it/2016/09/06/68c14da0-5ef6-11e6-af8e-54aa2e849447_story.html
If you are like I was when I started doing research on this, you're probably wondering what can be done about monitoring your child's social media. Here are two articles you might find helpful:
http://www.parenting.com/gallery/social-media-monitoring-kids
http://www.cnn.com/2015/10/04/health/being13-social-media-teens-parents-stress/
I don't proclaim to know all about any of these applications (my son had to teach me how to use Snapchat last summer!), but we can't bury our heads in the sand as parents and say "my kid would never do that" and not worry about it. We must all be vigilant to keep our kids safe. We have to try and help them be responsible cyber citizens. The best way is to start by having conversations at home about responsible use of social media. They do not realize all of the consequences that can happen if they aren't.
I am happy to discuss this further with any one, if you have any questions or concerns about your child and social media.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Parent Teacher Conferences are next week. They will take place from 4:15-8:00 pm on the 4th and 6th of October. We do not do a traditional "sign-up" for conferences. Middle School conferences are "drop-in" conferences. All of the middle school teachers will have tables in the gym, and you may visit with as many or as few of them as you would like. Conferences will be limited to ten minutes, so teachers can speak to as many parents as possible.
8th Grade Field Trip to Finance Park:
On October 4th, the 8th graders will travel to Finance Park as their culminating activity for their Junior Achievement Financial Literacy unit they have been working on in advisory. The fee is $13.50, and includes a lunch from Subway.
Here is th link to register:
https://bfacademy.revtrak.net/tek9.asp?pg=RW_FieldTrips