This week Lex Mawson visited from Parenting Place to talk about the safe use of Technology.

Technology has come and it’s here to stay - but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Our young people need us (at school and at home) right there with them as they figure out how to live in this ever changing technological age. Lex talked to the Tall Poppies and then later to our community about online safety, gadget addiction, boundaries, and the effects of technology on brain development.

Some of the tips Lex shared:

Smart phones are a great tool, however they can cause us to lose connection to those closest to us.  Just have some good rules for yourself: choose to not answer the phone if you are already talking to someone and don't check notifications if you are hanging with your friends. Give those close to you your attention.

Social Media has had a big impact on us. There are some great uses for it, however we do need to make sure our accounts are private. This is a smart move and helps to keep us safe.

YouTube & Online Videos Our contribution to the online world can affect not only ourselves, but other people too. We need to make sure we are careful about what we share.

Watch out for the obvious dangers but be aware of the subtle dangers too: keep it fun, keep it useful and make sure it doesn't cause anyone harm.

Digital Footprint: What goes online, stays online. This is your digital footprint and it can't be undone. We can make the choice as to what is right and what is wrong. Take ten seconds before you do anything online and think:

1. Would you do this is all of your class knew this was you doing it?

2. Would you do this is all of your school knew this was you doing it?

3. Would you do this is all of your family knew this was you doing it?

If you answer no to any of these, don't do it!

Digital Communication: (Anything communicated using a device.) Digital communication can be done well if used correctly. Messages can be very easily misunderstood as the receiver can't hear intonation or see facial expressions. There are different levels of messages. To help to get the right message across:

Level 1: Use the right words and/or emojis in a digital message.

Level 2: Call them!

Level 3: Face-to-face.

When in doubt, talk it out!

Bullying: Bullying is worse than ever as it can follow you home.

If ever bullied, the first thing you must do is tell someone. If it is on a phone, Blacklist the bully. Take a screenshot and don't reply. The only exception is if you reply to stay 'please stop messaging me'. Do not ever turn it into a conversation.

Digital Friends: Never share personal info, passwords, cell phone numbers etc. The same principles from real-life friendships apply to friends met online: be friendly, be positive, be yourself.

www.attitude.org.nz