Blogs and Articles

Parent Perspective: My Digital Parenting Transformation digital parenting Feb 04, 2018


AUTHOR: Joanne Cammish

I have developed a very recent interest in online safety and parenting. The interest in technology in general has stemmed from the beginning of my teaching career in 2000.

During my career, in and amongst other roles, I have always been drawn to Information Technology. I...

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Be a Digital Parent Role Model digital parenting Feb 04, 2018

The key to digital parenting is communication.

A  digital parent . . .

  • Talks with their children openly and regularly
  • Knows that there is a time and place for tech - and is able to explain that to their children
  • Searches online for anything that they don’t understand
  • Appreciates...
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A Checklist to Consider Before Giving Tech Gifts parental controls technology and tech devices Feb 04, 2018

Internet of Toys and Tech Gifts: mind-boggling devices for the Digital Parent.

 The Internet of Things is relatively new, but the results are everywhere: intelligent heaters that warm up your home before you arrive, refrigerators that order juice and eggs when you've run out; fitness...

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Mixing-up Offline and Online Activities screen balance Feb 04, 2018

When school is out, there is a tendency to take lots of digital breaks.

With long weekends or school vacation my boys are ecstatic, but I am a little bit less so.  What begins as good intentions - "we'll go to museums, we'll do arts and crafts, we'll play board games as one big, happy...

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Reasons Why It's Cool if Your Children Learn to Code coding digital citizens Feb 04, 2018

Okay so first let's address the big elephant in the room.  No, I do not know how to code.

No, I'm not a programmer, but I do know my way around Wordpress (nod to Alannah Moore, DIY website building guru). No, I don't think coding is CRUCIAL to become a good digital citizen, but I like the...

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Understand the Consequences of Sexting sexting sexuality Feb 03, 2018

I'm feeling nostalgic for the days when we crammed into a photo booth and took silly photos.

Or we pulled out a Polaroid to get wild.  Yep, those days are long gone.

Today teens are using their smartphones with integrated cameras in ways that would make parents cringe.  So get ready,...

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Parenting in the Digital Age: Are You in the Know? digital citizens digital parenting Feb 03, 2018

Digital natives, digital immigrants, digital parenting, digital, digital, digital.

Just what does all of this stuff mean anyway?

Digital natives are children who are born in the digital age, this age of technology.  They are children who spend a few minutes holding a tablet and smartphone...

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Recapture Quality Family Dinner Time screen balance Feb 03, 2018

Tech Tale: How does a family who loves technology manage tech-free dinners?

Nathalie is the mother of an 8 year old boy and a 13 year old girl. Her children love technology and since they do their homework and household chores with minimal yelling, Nathalie hasn't imposed any strict limits.

But...

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Sanity, Screen Limits and Sitting Less screen balance Feb 03, 2018

I think the question I am asked most by parents is “How can I set screen limits – that work?”

Sometimes the parents explain further in no uncertain terms: “How the hell do I get my kid away from that gaming console?” or “I want my iPad back and I’m sick...

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Educational Apps for the Summer apps screen balance Feb 03, 2018

I know what you're thinking: "But what a minute - she's been advocating screen limits for summer, extracurricular activities so the kids won't reach for their tech and now she wants them to play with apps?"  No I haven't been out in the sun too long, but I do think that technology - in the...

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Teens, Beaches, Selfies - Oh My. digital footprints and identity Feb 03, 2018

 Your teenager is advancing to the next class level, life is good and summer is here. Pat yourself on the back and give your teen a high five.

Now before you start dancing that summer jig, thinking about frosty blue drinks with paper umbrellas in them (or my personal favorite, an icy glass...

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Should I Buy an Apple Watch for My Child? technology and tech devices Feb 03, 2018

I didn't stand in line to buy my Apple watch, but I admit that I ordered it online on the very first day.  Almost 6 weeks later, I pulled it out of the gorgeous Apple box and I sighed with pleasure. The watch was fabulous looking.

But being an eSafety expert is serious business, so I shook...

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