Over the past week, I grappled with writing this Head’s Corner piece. I aimed to spotlight the topic of this morning’s parent coffee,“The Social Institute – Helping Your Child Positively Navigate Media and Technology, and Maintaining Healthy Self-esteem,” but encountered challenges in articulating my thoughts.
Approximately 75% of our discussions regarding social media lean towards the negative aspects—concerns about time wastage, the pervasive FOMO factor, mindless scrolling, and the inundation of advertisements by algorithms.
When we bring children into these discussions, the negativity seems to multiply exponentially. Social media is linked to increased high-risk behaviors, depression, self-esteem issues, and the promotion of bullying.
While all the aforementioned concerns hold truth, dwelling solely on them proves counterproductive. It overlooks the reality that social media is an integral part of our children’s lives, and its presence is enduring.
So, how can we guide them through this digital landscape? If you attended this morning’s coffee session, you likely have an answer. Employ a positive and constructive approach that resonates with children. This is precisely why The Saklan School is collaborating with The Social Institute—to redefine the narrative in navigating our digital world.
We acknowledge that solely emphasizing the negatives, imposing restrictions, and dictating what children should avoid online is ineffective. Instead, our focus should shift towards amplifying the positives, offering education, and empowering students. By coaching them to comprehend their digital world, we equip them with the knowledge needed to make informed and positive choices.
The partnership between The Saklan School and The Social Institute reflects our commitment to reshaping the conversation surrounding digital engagement. By focusing on the positives, providing education, and empowering students to understand their digital environment, we strive to foster a generation capable of making informed and responsible choices in this ever-evolving landscape.
Want to know more?
Got to https://thesocialinstitute.com/parent-toolkit/ and use the access code 280cEADD98258B
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