by Aaron Hovel – Originally published on our Pike Perspectives Blog
“Kids spend far more time interacting with media than they do at school or with their parents. The average 8 to 18 year old spends 7 ½ hours a day online, watching TV and movies, playing games, and listening to music. Kids no longer make a distinction between the “real” world and the “digital” one. It’s all one and the same to them.” (Common Sense Media)
Pike has always worked hard to teach students to be responsible citizens. Pike’s mission statement clearly states, “A Pike education is a journey that prepares students to be independent learners and responsible citizens.” Since students these days don’t make a distinction between digital life and non-digital life, it is important that we help teach them to be “responsible digital citizens.” To that end, Pike is reevaluating its digital citizenship curriculum. Digital citizenship includes staying safe online, privacy & security, communication, digital footprint, information literacy and copyright. All three divisions at Pike will be using Common Sense Media’s digital citizenship curriculum as a guide for more directly addressing these topics in the classroom.
So how can parents get involved? We know it is hard to keep up with each new online fad and communication tool. As soon as we think we have a handle on a new app or social network site the younger generation has moved on to the next one. Common Sense Media is a valuable resource that can help parents navigate the media environment. They have a parent blog called Making Sense – Parenting, media, and everything in between that includes expert advice on media and raising responsible digital citizens. Going to see a movie? Check the movie reviews on Common Sense Media’s site for appropriate age level and professionally written movie reviews. Often the reviews include information about particularly sensitive material and ideas on how to talk with your child about the movie. Common Sense Media also has app and game reviews with similar information. Looking for math apps or creativity apps? Commons Sense media has a list of recommended apps on a variety of topics which can be filtered by age. Finally, Common Sense Media has a great video with digital citizenship advice for parents. It includes things like “model good behavior,” “share your values,” and “establish limits.” These resources coupled with talking to your child will help them navigate the digital world wisely.
Pike is committed to helping students thrive in this digital world and we need your help to ensure that they use this powerful tool in a safe, responsible and respectful way.