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Digital Citizenship Corner
Raising Kids in a Digital World
I recently had a rich discussion with parents at a parent information session regarding social media, technology
and parent and child readiness. Our world is changing so fast that we as adults cannot keep up with what is
happening in the digital world. For kids, however, this is their world and they love exploring anything new in
social media and technology.
Questions asked by the parents at the information session included:
1. Is it okay if we join Facebook and “friend” our children?
2. Should we know our children’s passwords to their accounts?
3. Why are their age restrictions on social media?
4. When should the cellphones be shut off during the day?
These were some of the many questions addressed during our time together. Here are our responses:
1. Parents should absolutely join Facebook and “friend” their children. Some parents say they are too busy
to learn the new technology. While this may be true, it is very important to monitor what your children
are posting. My rule is, keep it positive, or don’t post at all.
2. Parents should know the passwords to all their children’s technology accounts, and know what accounts
they are using. Facebook is being noted as getting old. Instagram, Kik and Snapchat are the newest
social media apps.
3. Age restrictions on social media apps may appear like a disclaimer to cover the developer’s back, but
there is more to age restrictions on social media. I have seen very inappropriate language and content
that children can access on these apps, including Instagram and Facebook. Children are becoming more
exposed to foul language and porn online at a young age. Age restrictions look at maturity and parents
should take this into consideration when allowing children to sign into a social media account with a
fake age.
4. Cellphone use late in the evening can cause sleep deprivation, leading to tired students who have
problems in school. The parents I spoke with suggested that it may be a good idea for a family location
for cellphone placement in the evening. The time to put cellphones away can depend on age.
My comments and suggestions come from four years of speaking with students, teachers and parents regarding
the rapid change technology is having on our lives. My opinions are mine, but not without hours of research,
dialogue and professional development regarding Digital Citizenship. In the end, it is very important for you as
parents to communicate with your children. Don’t let technology be a barrier to the relationship with your kids.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at tim.johnson@sd76.ab.ca or call me at 403-528-6700, ext.
6988.