Our Blog

Although as a community we have been addressing digital citizenship and the importance of tech boundaries with our students for many years, these weeks of Shelter in Place have shown us that we must stay the course. 

In this blog, Mrs. Hendricks, Director of Educational Technology, reminds us of tools, resources, and boundaries which will help us develop healthy tech habits for our students and in our homes.

Why must we teach digital citizenship and tech boundaries?

For some great insights, you can read this blog called Teaching Kids to Cross the Street. It was written several years ago, but the words in it still ring true as our culture relies so heavily on technology. 

“We need to teach our kids to be good digital citizens.  Even more importantly, we need to teach our kids to be great digital leaders."

Creating a Partnership

SAN JOSE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Will…

• Teach, not Ban - Technology is part of our world. SJCS works to prepare our students to be responsible citizens and effective communicators in their technology use. 
   
• Enforce boundaries at school - Technology is a tool, not a master. When your student is at school, teachers hold loving limits for tech use. 
  
  From Love & Logic, “Adults set firm limits in loving ways without anger, lecture, threats or repeated warnings. We set limits using enforceable statements, regard mistakes as learning opportunities, and resist the temptation to nag.”
   
• Abide by the SJCS Tech Agreement
   

PARENTS, Please...

• Set boundaries for your student at home - Device Contract & Family Media Agreement & Circle with Disney
   
• Keep devices out of the bedroom at night. Over and over, studies have proven how crucial sleep is to our overall health
   
• Set a positive example. 
   
• Educate yourself & talk with your student(s) - Common Sense Media Parent Resources & Reviews can help.
   
• Share with other parents.
   
• Allow for flexibility - we are not in normal times, so it is okay to be flexible with the amount of screen time. For reference, take a look at this 2 minute video from AAP or their online family media tool.
   

STUDENTS, please…

• Respect the boundaries your parents put in place.
   
• Choose honesty. Your tech habits matter. Discipline yourself to be honest with yourself and your parents about your tech habits and choices.
   
• Talk to your parents and teachers about how the pandemic is affecting you. Discuss how you can work together to address what is going on.
   
• Turn on Night Shift - it is much easier on your eyes!