What’s New? – Page 9 – Siouxland Modern Media Committee

10Feb 2020 by nrcmmc

“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…

06Jan 2020 by nrcmmc

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.

06Jan 2020 by nrcmmc

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

06Jan 2020 by nrcmmc

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/

09Dec 2019 by nrcmmc

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…

09Dec 2019 by nrcmmc

Instagram: The Rinsta’s and the Finsta’s

Apps, Reviews

The Rinsta’s and the Finsta’s As harmless as the app called ‘Instagram’ seems on the surface - a photo and video editing platform - many dark areas loom around any corner. When not set up with proper privacy settings, the user needs to be extra vigilant to protect their eyes from the content that can pop up within a few clicks or swipes. Despite the creator’s efforts to keep inappropriate content out of it’s app, and safe for “13+” to use, images inappropriate for any age of eyes can still be found. Users are allowed to ‘Block’, ‘Report’, and ‘Unfollow’ accounts that they are not interested in or believe are not appropriate. In its simplest form the app is not harmful, though the psychological effects of any social media…

09Dec 2019 by nrcmmc

Bark App

Apps, Reviews

Billed as the “Smart Way to Keep Kids Safe Online”, Bark is a highly-rated, award-winning monitoring tool. A few of us Siouxland MMC Members have been trying it out, and would like to share our experiences with our audience. “Bark” is designed to be like a watchdog. It may not stop an intruder, but it’ll bark loudly to alert others about a problem, so that problem can be dealt with. Here’s what Bark is NOT. NOT a filter. Bark does not restrict any content that a device can access. NOT a time-restriction app. You cannot set up time limits or off-hours for your child’s device. Since Bark does not prevent a child from accessing impure content on the Internet, we cannot recommend it as the only tool you should use…

04Nov 2019 by nrcmmc

I trust my child

Editorials

I trust my child….even with a phone Do you trust your child? Raised from your knees, learned to crawl, walk, talk. Started Kindergarten, learned to read and write. Helps with the chores and housework. For sure each has their personality, but we all have some faults; nobody is perfect. They do respect me and do as told, most of the time; especially my oldest child. He/she is always with me. So yes, I do trust them. We have many good discussions about how bad things can be today; the world with all its influences, television, and today the internet, and all that is on it. After all, at 14 years old, they are becoming quite responsible! Driver education now starting, and they have a driving permit. Hard to believe they…

04Nov 2019 by nrcmmc

Sexting

Guidelines, Hazards

A recent survey found that at least one in four teens receive sexually explicit texts and emails. At least one in seven teens send "sexts." Why do they do it? To show off, to entice someone, to show interest in someone, or to prove commitment. Or even as a joke. Teens' developing interest in sex, an impulse to experiment, and apps that make sexting easy -- and acceptable -- create an environment that some teens find irresistible. The attached article and video highlights these common causes of sexting and gives parents some advice on how to handle this potential problem with your children. At a minimum, the Modern Media committee recommends the following: Communicate with your children, early and often, about the sin and dangers of sexting Don’t allow apps…

07Oct 2019 by nrcmmc

15 Apps Parents Should Know About

Apps