What’s New? – Page 2 – Siouxland Modern Media Committee

08Jan 2024 by nrcmmc

Media and the Mind: Pediatricians guide to screen time.

Devices, Guidelines, Hazards, Resources, Reviews

Like the snowflakes that fall from the sky, no two people are exactly alike. Psalm 139 tells us of God’s craftsmanship and knowledge of each individual He created. The psalmist praises,”I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Each person's needs vary from one another. And our children are no exception. In fact, a child's brain needs guidance and instruction from caring adults at all ages. Screen time and media usage is an area of attentiveness adults must be aware of when raising children. In an article covering this major topic, Mayo Clinic guides parents and caretakers on digital literacy, problems, developing rules, and teaching good behaviors with screens. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/screen-time/art-20047952 In a general Q & A article, the American Academy of Pediatricians reiterates the previously mentioned topics. They have also included a…

11Dec 2023 by nrcmmc

Saturn Time Together App

Apps, Guidelines, Hazards, Privacy

Saturn is a scheduling app which targets high school students as their users and markets itself as a way to “control the chaos and live in the now.” After creating an account, students select their school and can take a picture of their schedule or manually enter their schedule into the app to get a personalized calendar. The app helps students to feel connected by sharing their schedules with each other and being able to make comments on the school bulletin board. Saturn also has a feature that allows students to privately message each other. When Saturn originally launched, there were limited safety features. Recently, more safety features have been added, such as needing a verified school email address to privately message other students and access other features of the…

07Nov 2023 by nrcmmc

Human Connections / Relationships vs. Tech Connections

Reviews

The human body is remarkable in how all of its systems are intertwined into the composition of each individual. Some people are more outgoing and bubbly while others are content with being more solitary. Despite these differences in character, all humans need some interaction with others. This became very clear with Covid. The main theme during Covid was to isolate yourselves to prevent the spread. A side effect of that was an increase in depression, suicide, alcoholism etc. This was largely due to the feeling of being isolated. We all need someone to connect with to fulfill our lives. Today, human connection is being lost due to the invention of technology, which more and more isolates us from actually talking face to face with another person. Technology is always changing…

07Oct 2023 by nrcmmc

ChatGPT

Chatbot News, Guidelines, Resources, Reviews

I Didn’t Write This Article; ChatGPT Did Title: The Pros and Cons of Artificial General Intelligence: A Parent's Perspective on ChatGPT Introduction Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) has long been a topic of fascination and concern. AGI, unlike narrow or specialized AI, possesses the ability to understand, learn, and apply knowledge across a wide range of tasks, much like the human brain. ChatGPT, a prominent example of AGI, has garnered significant attention, sparking both excitement and apprehension among parents. In this article, we will delve into the pros and cons of AGI with a specific focus on ChatGPT from a parent's viewpoint. Pros of Artificial General Intelligence: 1. Education and Learning Enhancement: AGI systems like ChatGPT have the potential to revolutionize education. Parents can use such tools to supplement their children's…

06Sep 2023 by Martin Van't Foort

The Great Smartphone Debate

Cell Phones

When is it a good time to let your child have a smartphone? When do you know if your child is ready? What are good rules to enforce? Is it a want or a need? https://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/the-great-smartphone-debate/ Please note, that although we have found valuable information from an external web page for our blog post, we do not endorse all information, religious views and opinions posted on these third-party websites.

26Jul 2023 by nrcmmc

Locket & LiveIn Apps

Apps, Editorials, Reviews

Back in the day, a locket was a necklace given as a sentimental or romantic gift that one would cherish for years. It held a photo of a loved one that could be opened and remembered as often as desired. Today, there is a new “locket”– an app downloaded to your device. This Locket app is also a way to express sentiment. The Locket app is a photo sharing app, in which one can send photos somewhat similar to sharing a photo on Snapchat or WhatsApp. However the differences are as follows: - The photos automatically appear on the other person’s home phone screen as a widget–you do not open an app to see the picture. It’s a bit like a private social media platform right there on your home…

03May 2023 by nrcmmc

The Appetite for Man’s Heart

Devices, Guidelines, Hazards, Privacy

On Feb 10, 2023, Elder Klein presented a topic in Rock Valley at the NRC School, called The Appetite for Man's Heart. Watch Elder Klein's presentation here. https://www.loom.com/share/7e1ac2383dcb4a15978b485d6429e2ba How to guide our children with the dangers of social media What is the aim of modern media? -Missing -Evolving -Deceiving -Individualizing -Addicting We are empty/naked without our phones We can be blackmailed if we have ever shared something vulnerable online Exposed us to dangerous content Loss of Privacy. *Please note, that although we have found valuable information from an external web page for our blog post, we do not endorse all information, religious views and opinions posted on these third-party websites.

10Apr 2023 by Jason Spaans

Workshop: Apps That Parents Should Know

Filters

Looking to Learn More About Apps Children Use? This video covers YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram! We explain how the apps function and give direction on how parents can be aware of their children's activites.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iF5TVi0hvQs

03Apr 2023 by Martin Van't Foort

NetSmartz

Editorials, Filters, Guidelines, Hazards

NetSmartz is the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s (NCMEC) online safety education program. Their goal is to help children become more aware of the potential dangers that surround them when they are online. NetSmartz provides numerous resources that parents and educators may use to help educate their children/students. Topics for elementary aged children include telling parents/guardians if something makes them feel uncomfortable online, saying “no” if somebody asks them to do something inappropriate, following rules set by parents and teachers, and many other things as well. Topics for high school students include stories from victims of sexting/sextortion, distinguishing real vs. fake profiles and messages, avoiding posting inappropriate things online or via texting, not saying something online that you would not say in person, and other things of that…

06Mar 2023 by Martin Van't Foort

Best Phones for Kids: The Ultimate Guide

Filters

Click Here: https://protectyoungeyes.com/best-phones-for-kids-ultimate-guide/ As we struggle to manage modern media in our homes, a common question is “when should my children first get a smartphone?” Our Synodical Modern Media Guidelines suggest that children shouldn’t receive a smartphone before age 16. But are there options to provide a phone to kids before this age? Thankfully, just in the last few years, several companies have developed devices that look like smartphones and in some ways perform like smartphones, all while keeping the more serious dangers of smartphones out of our children’s hands. Protect Young Eyes has put together an excellent guide to the options. We highly recommend you consider these alternatives rather than smartphones for your pre-teen and teenage children. *Please note, that although we have found valuable information from an external…