Parents Play Key Role in Helping Students Navigate Appropriate Technology Use

Like it or not, personal electronic devices have become mainstream, leaving 21st century students, along with their parents, to balance the benefits and negative effects of using smartphones, tablets, and social media.

SCASD recognizes the importance of technology in today’s society and in the classroom. Not only do personal devices provide access to online homework resources, enable easy communication with teachers and peers, and increase student collaboration on projects and assignments, they prepare students for technology use in college and in the workforce.

However, the district works hard to educate students on the pros and cons of utilizing technology, said Tanya Anderson, State High counselor for the class of 2019. “It is important that they find balance between their personal devices and everyday life,” she said.

Connecting to College in the Digital Age

In addition to assisting in the classroom, devices can help students prepare for their futures through sites that help them explore career interests and compare colleges.

“Having a personal device can help students research college and career opportunities, find job openings, and apply to a college or job,” said Anderson.

But, she says, students must be cognizant of their online footprints when going through the college application process, especially their social media use. Many colleges scan applicants’ social media accounts to see what information appears. If a student posts inappropriate content, a college may choose not to admit this student. In fact, a recent Kaplan study reported that 12 percent of college admission applicants were rejected because of what was observed on social media.

“Colleges and employers are looking for students with strong character, goals, and a commitment to their academics and work,” said Anderson. “Therefore, keeping social media interactions positive is a great way to be responsible online as well as for future college admissions or gaining employment.”

The Drawbacks of Devices

Undoubtedly, devices offer numerous educational and personal benefits to students. But where is the line between devices serving as educational tools or becoming addicting distractions?

“In the last five to eight years, the number of family meetings regarding the negative consequences of excessive technology have drastically increased for me as a counselor,” said Alice Wechsler- Ball, counselor for the class of 2019 at State High. She has seen students struggle with insomnia, mood swings, cyber bullying, and self-esteem issues due to addictive or inappropriate use of technology and social media.

When a student is addicted to technology, she says, other areas of their life begin to suffer.

“Some examples include family relationships, values, homework, self-care, and other responsibilities being pushed to the back burner,” said Wechsler-Ball. “This results in more family arguments, or a change in personality such as becoming defensive, angry, and just plain moody. Parents often feel they have lost their child or will say they feel they no longer know their child.”

Unhealthy use of social media could also lead to distraction in the classroom or personal life, stunted social skills due to lack of face-to-face interaction with peers, and posting inappropriate content that may be hurtful to their own reputation or to a fellow student.

How Parents Can Help Children Navigate Social Media

Parents play an important role in their child’s online presence. Both Wechsler-Ball and Anderson share tips they’ve learned from the American Academy of Pediatrics for parents to help their children navigate the appropriate usage of technology— including knowing your child’s friends, both online and off, creating tech-free zones in your home during family meal times and overnight, and being a good role model with your own use of social media and personal devices.

SCASD's Straight Talk series for parents next month will focus on apps, devices, and social media, and their impact on youth. Instead of the normal monthly session, there will be two events, on Jan. 12 and Jan. 17. Read more here.