The popular Eagles song, “Hotel California” was written in the 70’s. One line in the song states, “We are all just prisoners here, of our own device.” This lyric resonates with our society in modern times.
The word “device” is a substitute for addiction. The Eagles wrote the song about over indulgence, excessiveness and addiction.
As an educator, I have seen children and adults that have addictions. In actuality, we are all probably addicted to something negative and/or positive. Today’s thoughts will focus on our children/students.
In today’s society, we are pushing one-to-one technology on students of all ages. Their future jobs will most certainly require technological skills. I love technology and would not be writing this blog without it. However, in recent times educators of young students are seeing some changes in our students that we need to think about.
Ask any elementary teacher about the biggest struggles in education right now. Many will say the social skills of our incoming students. Big meltdowns and huge emotions including fits of anger, screaming and tantrums are not uncommon.
Part of the blame is the pandemic and the lack of social interaction with peers. My heart goes out to the single working parent, especially during the school shutdowns. Parents had to work, students did school online and the interaction with peers was minimal.
It’s plain and simple, people need people. Children learn so much by engaging with other children. How do educators and parents increase social time with peers? How can educators use the technology effectively and still promote social interaction? These are certainly some areas to think about.
Recently, we had a 5 year old student that had a cell phone at school. The student used the phone to play games during his ride to and from school. Everyday the student was afraid to go to recess. When the teacher investigated, she discovered the child was playing an excessive amount of games on his phone. In addition, the game the student played was about this really cute character that turned into a stalker of children during outdoor playtime. The game seemed like it was geared toward young children, but it was not.
Thankfully, after some teacher conferences and video previewing, the fears of the child subsided. It’s so important to know what your child is viewing and how much time is spent playing games.
How can we help our children with peer engagement and creative thinking while we reduce their online time if it is excessive?
Listed below are a few ideas that might be helpful:
1) Awareness and parent controls on devices. For young children, it is necessary to sit beside your child and monitor usage and age appropriateness. Set boundaries up and communicate them with your child. Children like to know rules and procedures. It helps them feel more secure!
2) Digital Citizenship Training is now required for our students in Texas. Your children are learning how to be responsible. But don’t leave it up to schools, because you are your child’s first and most important teacher. There is a website that I have used called smartsocial.com. It’s really good. If you have a site that helps you, please share in the comments. There are some great resources available for parents and educators.
3) Practice MODERATION. For example, for every hour a child plays outside, give 15 or so minutes of technology. That is, if your child needs help breaking excessive use.
A guideline is illustrated below:
4) Help your child develop a hobby such as painting, building or creating. Maybe join a sports team or a club. Summer is a great time to go swimming, get outside, partake in a camp. The local library might be a good place to start, The ideas are endless.
5). Eat one meal a day together without phones. If conversation is null and void at first, start with an open-ended question to get the conversation rolling. I promise you, this will make a huge impact on your family.
These are just a few thoughts or ideas that may help you as a parent. If you or your child have an addiction of any kind, talk to someone and please seek help.
May you cherish special moments of time with your loved ones! I hope you have a PEACEFUL EASY FEELiNG kind of day!
Hugs from kl
Educational Consulting by Kelly 
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