AoP Tech Parent November 2017

by Alissa DeVito, Associate Director of Educational Technology

There are many challenges in raising kids today; the hardship of explaining current events being one of them. In light of many recent events in our country and throughout the world, it may be difficult to have conversations that comfort young children and help older ones think critically. And having a 24/7 connection to news media through our mobile devices only makes parenting this trickier.

However, there are a few things parents can do to help the mental and emotional well-being of our children when it comes to news consumption:

• Take a Break - Everyone needs a news break, especially when there is 24/7 coverage on events like mass shootings or terror attacks. Turn off the news for everyone. Fill that time with something to make your family laugh and lead each other in a special prayer for the communities affected.
• Help Children Find Reliable Sources - Older children and teens may want to know more, and rightfully so! They are learning to make sense of the world! Help guide them to reliable sources instead of social media being their primary news source. Then, together, have a conversation to answer any questions, listen to their opinions, and decompress. Common Sense Media has a great list of age-appropriate news outlets for children and teens.
• Get Involved - Horrific situations and natural disasters often lead children to feel worried and helpless. Find a way to volunteer your time or resources as a family. Help your children see the good in the world amid troubling times. Consider gathering supplies for those in need, giving blood (*for those 17 and up), or taking up a monetary collection. Even something as simple as creating cards for those affected can make a big impact on young children.

One of the goals of AoPTech this year is helping teachers and principals expand their knowledge of Digital Literacy across the curriculum. These skills can cross over into your home as well! Check out this TED Talk from Doug Belshaw for a great understanding of Digital Literacy. We're sure you'll enjoy it as much as we do!

Bill Brannick, Director of Technology

Alissa DeVito, Associate Director of Educational Technology

Aaron Heintz, Technology Integration Coach

Annabel Dotzman, Technology Integration Coach

Email: techcoaches@archphila-oce.org
Website: www.aoptech.org
Facebook: facebook.com/aoptech
Twitter: @aoptech