What’s New?

03Apr 2023 by Martin Van't Foort
NetSmartz

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…
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06Mar 2023 by Martin Van't Foort
Best Phones for Kids:  The Ultimate Guide

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…
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10Jan 2023 by nrcmmc
Time to BeReal

Time to BeReal

Apps, Guidelines, Reviews
“Strip[ping] away all of the unrealistic expectations social media has put on us all” says one reviewer of the popular new app ‘BeReal’ (source: BeReal App Review). Solely looking at that fact, one may think the new social media app is a breath of fresh air compared to the other ‘big 4’. It requests filterless, unedited photos from users at varying times of the day - with only 2 minutes to get it submitted. A few caveats to the positives: If the two minute time frame is not achieved, the app notes it; and users can’t see others’ content unless they post their own for the day. Also, users are encouraged to report immoral content to the company, but the company itself is not required to monitor the content. The…
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05Dec 2022 by nrcmmc
Technology Addiction

Technology Addiction

Cell Phones, Devices, Hazards
Click here--> Technology Addiction | First NRC Modern Media Committee *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.
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12Sep 2022 by Martin Van't Foort
Bark App Review 

Bark App Review 

Apps, Cell Phones, Devices, Filters, Hazards
Get details about your child’s digital activities. Bark is able to monitor content 24/7, limit access to inappropriate and distracting material, set healthy boundaries with custom screen time limits and location updates.  Learn more about this filter by clicking on this link:   https://www.safewise.com/blog/bark-parental-control-app-review/ *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.
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11Jul 2022 by nrcmmc
Public Library Pitfalls

Public Library Pitfalls

Hazards, Resources, Reviews
Modern Media Articles | First NRC Modern Media Committee *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.
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06Jun 2022 by nrcmmc
All Sides

All Sides

Resources, Reviews
AllSides is an American company that presents viewers with multiple versions of similar news stories from different perspectives to show readers news outside their filter bubble.  It exposes people to information and ideas from all sides of the political spectrum to increase their understanding of the world and each other.   AllSides portrays the day’s top news stories from the Left, Center and Right of the political spectrum side-by-side so you can view the whole picture.  Each article is reviewed and labeled left, left leaning, center, right leaning or right.   Knowing the political bias of media outlets allows you to consume a balanced news diet and avoid manipulation and fake news.  Media Bias Ratings are provided for over 800 media outlets and writers, so you can easily identify different perspectives.  https://www.allsides.com/media-bias …
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02May 2022 by Martin Van't Foort
Google Family Link

Google Family Link

Apps, Cell Phones, Devices, Guidelines, Resources
Google Family Link is an app used to regulate usage of a child’s phone. Google Family Link’s purpose is to “help your family create healthy digital habits.” Key features of Family Link: It lets you view your child’s phone activity; which apps they’re using, and how much time they’re spending on each app.Whitelist for websites.  Start by approving a website like Google for search results and phone numbers.  If your child requests to visit a website, the parent must Approve or Decline before the child can access that website.You can decide if they can download apps from the App Store, and if they’re allowed to make in-app purchases.You can set limits on the amount of Screen Time they’re allowed to have each day.  You can also set a bedtime for…
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