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WEEK 2

Mel Crosbie —

Term 4 here we go!!

Time is flying by as we have already reached the end of week 2. Our tamariki have started the new term eager to learn and have some fun. At this busy time of year we ask that you keep checking the communication from school as there are lots of events and activities planned.

CYBER SAFETY

This afternoon I shared a short video with you all about how I am struggling as a parent to keep my children safe online. This reflection upon my own parenting came about after attending Rob Cope's information session held at the College last night. It opened my eyes up to what I have allowed to accept as 'the norm' for my children and how I need to be the responsible adult and put tighter expectations and rules around device usage in my home.

Here is a checklist of what Rob suggests:

Educate yourself

Connection & Family Plan

  • Discuss your family online usage & reasons behind any changes you make

  • Set boundaries & consequences in place around device use

  • Enact the 'No devices in bedrooms & bathrooms' rule

  • Plan in place for alternative family activities to reconnect

Filters/Monitoring Apps

  • Research/buy Filter & Monitoring Software - www.ourkidsonline.info/filters

  • Set up Apple Screen Time or Google Family Link to turn your kids smartphone into a safe phone

This link below particularly struck a cord with me in regards to how our children's self esteem and self worth can be so hugely effected by social media:

Dove Commercial

Rob also shared lots of information around the negative effects of gaming and how our children are losing the ability to manage their emotions as we are no longer giving them the real life opportunities to interact with each other, instead it's all happening online. Gaming time needs to be strictly limited.

FREE ACCESS TO THE PARENTING GUIDE

To access the Parenting in an Online World 101course, please click on the following link: Parenting in an Online World

This will take you to the main page for you to enrol in the course.  Click ENROL NOW.  This will then take you to the enrolment page.
 
Step 1 On the left side of the page put in your email address
Step 2 On the right-hand side of the page click on Add Coupon Code then copy and paste WHANGAPARAOAFREE
Step 3 Then click on apply 
Step 4 Click on get it for free 
 
This will then take you to a new page for you to:
Step 5 Add your name 
Step 6 Create a password

This topic is massive and forever-changing, so lets work together to keep our tamariki safe.