When I think back to my childhood, I was riding bikes, playing games, going for bush walks, and having a lot of fun face-to-face with my friends. I then look at my own children today growing up in a society full of digital technology, social media, and multiple ways to chat online and consume content. Is it all bad? Do we need to completely get rid of it?
Late last term, we were privileged to have Chuck Hagele visit our school from the United States to speak with our students and parents about learning how to 'own' technology, rather than becoming slaves to technology. He discussed the addiction to technology today in society and the presumed need to binge content. He shared that up to an hour a day of gaming, social media, or Netflix etc. can be relaxing, however, more than that amount of technology can come with negative consequences.
Our children don’t need more time online; they need more time with us, their parents, and their friends. That’s not always easy in a world that thrives on busyness. Real life is harder than online life for our kids. They get to do things over without any real consequences in the online world. Chuck suggested a number of questions our kids should ask themselves before and after using technology.
These are great questions for self-reflection, and they can open up communication with our children.
In a world full of technology, here are some alternative activities we can pursue:
It’s a challenge for children and adults alike, but I want to learn how to 'own' technology rather than be a slave to technology.
Mr Nathan Hill
Director of Learning and Innovation
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