We don't want to let 2014 slip away without marking two anniversaries that are very important to our children: those of an invention and a convention. This year was the 25th anniversary of Tim Berners-Lee's release of his computer code creating the World Wide Web, now with some 3 billion users worldwide, and the 25th anniversary of the UN's adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child … [Read more...] about Two 2014 anniversaries that say reams about our kids’ futures
media literacy
Of parenting & a class called ‘Wasting Time on the Internet’
One of the central stereotypes of (or maybe urban legends about) us, our tech and our time is people filling every free or empty moment doing something on a screen – texting, playing a game, posting a photo, listening to a tune, checking email, reading a book, etc., etc. It makes us feel guilty or critical because it's typically associated with lack of self-discipline or situational awareness. … [Read more...] about Of parenting & a class called ‘Wasting Time on the Internet’
The next version of ‘Internet safety’: A look under the hood
"Under the bonnet," colleagues across the Atlantic and Down Under might say. I put it that way because this post is a bit more e-safety geeky than usual. Parents and caregivers who don't geek out on this topic might find this mildly interesting, though, because we're talking about kids' wellbeing in media and in life. Going forward, the value of "Internet safety" – if the concept doesn't … [Read more...] about The next version of ‘Internet safety’: A look under the hood
Leadership in bullying prevention and so much more
We need to prevent and solve bullying. No question. But we also need to encourage and empower our children with the knowledge that most kids don't bully, that bullying is not normative – that, in fact, kindness is. As Dr. Marc Brackett at Yale University's Center for Emotional Intelligence said Friday at the federal government's Bullying Prevention Summit in Washington, "Children are wired for … [Read more...] about Leadership in bullying prevention and so much more
Social media major factor in teens’ social & sex lives: Australia study
With its 5th national study of Australian teens' sexual attitudes, behaviors and health since 1992, La Trobe University for the first time took a careful look at social media's role in their social and sexual lives, finding that it plays a significant one. "Our survey clearly shows the major role social media has in the negotiation and development of sexual relationships," said the study's lead … [Read more...] about Social media major factor in teens’ social & sex lives: Australia study