Socializing Online

Socializing Online

Apps, Hazards
Chatting with a few friends on Messenger or What’s App isn’t a harmless way to pass the time. Right?  Look at that question from another perspective: Meeting with other friends at one of their homes for a few hours to talk isn’t a harmless way to pass the time. Right? Does one of those questions strike a chord with you more than the other? That could depend on your age. It could depend on what generation you were born in. It could also depend on how you were raised and what you learned as you grew up. As the generation of adults who grew up without the internet ages, the generation of children who grow up knowing nothing but a screen in the face ages as well. We see it…
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Youtube Parental Controls

Youtube Parental Controls

Tutorials
YouTube is home to tons and tons of great videos, and a lot of them are useful orinstructional for children to watch. It has everything from science videos todocumentaries for kids to humorous skits to early learning shows. While this can be a great way to introduce a new subject to your children, what happens when the video is over and they start looking for other things to watch on their own?With over 100 hours of videos uploaded to YouTube every minute, it’s likely they could watch something that’s not suitable. After all, it’s not all funny cat videos. That’s why it’s a good idea to utilize YouTube’s parental controls. It’s already built in and does a decent job at providing a first line of defense against displaying inappropriate videos.…
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Is Privacy Really Private?

Is Privacy Really Private?

Tutorials
The Department of Homeland Security Privacy Act Statement says a Privacy Policy “provides protection to individuals by ensuring that personal information collected by Federal agencies is limited to that which is legally authorized and necessary and is maintained in a manner which precludes unwarranted intrusions upon individual privacy.” Source That means, anytime a ‘company’ asks for your personal information (identification, financial, geographical, etc), they are required to have a Privacy Policy that you can view; that specific Privacy Policy will inform the registrant of how their information will be collected, used, and protected. Information collected will depend on who is collecting it and what it is for (ex: bank and personal information for credit cards or loans; name and email for an account on a website). Have you ever wondered…
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Modern Media Speaker (Parent’s Day)

Events
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=licInxlu6DQ "Media and Children: How the World is Changing" Presentation by Peter Komendowski, Executive Director of "A Partnership for a Healthy Iowa" February 14, 2020 at Netherlands Reformed Christian School, Rock Valley, IA
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HBD or Happy Birthday?

HBD or Happy Birthday?

Guidelines
HBD or Happy Birthday? Which of the above greeting would you prefer on your birthday? Netiquette or a texting abbreviations?  Netiquette is simply using proper etiquette while using digital devices.   Most of us are familiar with some texting abbreviations/acronyms.    There is a social norm we should follow with digital interaction to maintain proper work correspondence & ethics, as well as personal relationships.  There are some guidelines to keep in mind or it may be soon be a thing of the past, as much as addressing letters to “Dear Sir” or “Dear Mrs. Smith”.   Be respectful. Everyone has different feelings and opinions and it is important to respect this online. You may wish to comment on something someone has shared but always remember that behind every account is a real…
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“Sticks and Stones…”

“Sticks and Stones…”

Hazards
“Sticks and Stones…” We are most likely familiar with the phrase “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”.  However, is this really true? For anyone who has been on the receiving end of bullying, or even a scathing reproach, know how deep words can cut and  hurt the heart. Bullying in the ‘Sticks and Stones’ era, typically started when a child stepped onto the bus, endured during the school day, ended as the bus pulled back into the driveway.  For today's teens, or older ones, bullying has broadened its aching wounds. It can now be a constant bullying via electronic devices that can be left on 24/7.  Cyberbullying or cyberharassment is a form of bullying or harassment using electronic means, also known as online…
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Benefits and Dangers of Facebook

Benefits and Dangers of Facebook

Apps, Reviews
Facebook is the biggest social network in the world.  It has been about 15 years since Facebook came into existence. Its popularity has skyrocketed in the decade after its launch, although the network's growth has flatlined in the last few years. Here are a few statistics published in 2019 by the Pew Research Center that give some indication of the huge impact Facebook has had on the world. View the article.
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Social Media Safety

Social Media Safety

Guidelines
Most teens use some form of social media and have a profile on a social networking site. Many visit these sites every day.There are plenty of good things about social media — but also many risks and things kids and teens should avoid. They don't always make good choices when they post something to a site, and this can lead to problems.So it's important to talk with your kids about how to use social media wisely.  kidshealth.org/en/parents/social-media-smarts.html
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WhatsApp Safety

WhatsApp Safety

Apps, Reviews
WhatsApp safety: a how to guide for parents - Internet Matters WhatsApp is a common app used for communicating on smartphones.  Does this mean it is as safe as phone conversations? What do you need to know about the ins and outs of this app? What are some pros and cons? The link below delineates some common matters.  https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/whatsapp-safety-a-how-to-guide-for-parents/
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Android vs. Apple

Android vs. Apple

Guidelines, Reviews
This article is meant to give a recommendation for choosing a device that allows the safest environment for children.  It is meant to compare an Apple iOS device with a Google Android device. Through the research process I have developed the opinion that the Google Android may offer more control of features and points of concern to a parent.  The downside will be that it requires some technical ability and determination. If you want to allow more popular apps and websites while being able to control more features inside of them, Google Android may be the safest decision.   Apple devices may allow for an easier setup / configuration and afford as safe of an environment without the granular control.  With Apple you will want to spend some time to understand…
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