Children & Technology Use

As we get closer to summer, we realize that our students will have more free time. We wanted to take this opportunity to encourage families to set some guidelines when it comes to technology and social media use.

​Technology can provide conveniences and education for its users. But it can also create some dangers that adults should be aware of and help protect our children from. As technology continuously advances and updates, we must be proactive and stay up to date in how we protect our children from media that is not-age appropriate.

It’s important to remember that children’s brains are not fully developed, specifically the pre-frontal cortex, which is responsible for critical thinking, judgement, problem-solving, and impulse control. When children view media that contains violence, sexual content, or harmful stereotypes, their own ideas, feelings, and behaviors are impacted.​

Without some guidance from a trusted adult, repeated exposure to these kinds of media may lead to an increase in aggression and decrease in empathy. For more information and resources, please go to: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/ They have also created a Family Media Agreement you can use here: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/sites/default/files/uploads/pdfs/common_sense_family_media_agreement.pdf

Quick Tips for Setting Technology Guidelines:

• Limit the amount of screen time to 1-2 hours per day (or less if you notice it is negatively impacting your child).
  
• Model screen-free times and activities (such as dinner time).
  
• Keep children's bedrooms free of screens (no TV, game systems, computers, phones, etc.).
  
• Preview media your child is interested in before you allow them to view/play it.
  
• Co-view media (if appropriate) with your child and discuss the content- this will help them develop critical thinking skills.
  
• Do your research about social media (such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) and closely monitor their usage. Many of these are for ages 13 and up.
  
• Follow rating recommendations. They exist for a reason.
  
• Use your parental judgement. Your children are counting on you to set their limits!

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5/20: Kindergarten & 5th grade Graduation
5/21: 1st-4th grade Awards
​5/24: Career Day & Spark Walk
5/27: Memorial Day (NO SCHOOL)
5/28: Teacher Work Day (NO SCHOOL for students)
5/29: Last day for students: two-hour day

Megan Klopp

K-2 School Counselor

Website: Mrs. Klopp's Page
Email: kloppm@rcschools.net
​Phone: 615-904-3795, Ext. 28772

Miranda Bargdill

3-5 School Counselor

Website: Ms. Bargdill's Page
Email: bargdillm@rcschools.net
​Phone: 615-904-3795, Ext. 28707