We encourage families to explore these sites and additional resources we have collected for tips on monitoring internet safety, asking questions about the safety and risks associated with the latest apps, and when (& how) parents should get involved if they have concerns.
For Information on Internet Safety, visit your schools website. A link to the Internet Safety policy for the district is also found on many schools webpage.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reset Your Child?s Brain |
A 4 week program to end meltdowns, raise grades, etc.? by Victoria Dunckely ? reserving the effects of screen time |
|
Get Off That Game Now: The Essential Guide to Healthy Screen Behavior |
by Kevin Roberts |
|
Glow Kids: How Screen Addiction is Hijacking our Kids & How to Break the Trance |
by Nicholas Kardaras, PhD. |
|
Reclaiming Talk: The Power of Conversation in a Digital Age |
by Sherry Turkle |
|
Wise Minded Parenting: 7 Essentials for Raising Successful Tweens & Teens |
by Laura Kastner |
|
Cinderella Ate My Daughter |
by Peggy Orenstein |
|
|
|
|
The Screenagers movie website has many resources for parents including screen time contracts, parenting apps, digital citizenship, cyberbullying, internet addiction along with other topics. Plus they have a weekly blog you can subscribe to called “Text Talk Tuesdays” to give your ideas for family discussions around screen time. Visit www.screenagersmovie.com. The following apps came from the Screenagers resource section:
|
OurPact |
Mobile guidance for your family, available for iOS and Android |
|
Screen Time |
Parental controls for iOS, Android and Kindle devices |
|
Circle with Disney |
Parents can filter content, limit screen time and set a bedtime for every device in the home. |
|
Curbi |
Parental controls for Android and Apple mobile devices |
|
ParentKit |
Control and schedule what is on your child's iPod, iPad or iPhone |
|
|
|
Net Nanny |
Parental controls for Android and iOS |
|
Mobile Fence |
Parental controls and GPS tracking for Android devices |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Moment |
(Cost: Free version or Pro for $3.99 per month) Tracks how much you use your phone during the day, Sets screen time limits, Gives usage reports |
|
Checky |
For both iOS and Android, Checky lets you track and geographically map your phone use. |
|
unGlue |
(Cost: Free version or premium for $9.99 per month) Set limits on screen time, set a recurring device schedule, Get usage reports, Remotely turn off the internet to an individual device or to all devices |
|
Circle with Disney WiFi router |
(Cost: $99) Set daily limits for each device, Set a bedtime and an awake time for when devices will disconnect from the Wifi then reconnect. Set filters for each family member or use Circle?s 4 preset age levels, Pause internet access, See usage reports |
|
iPhone Settings |
(Cost: Free) iPhone users can see the time they spend on apps by going to Settings>Battery then click the clock in the upper right hand corner of the menu. You can see how many hours are spent on what apps in the last 24 hours or the last 7 days |
|
Pocket Points |
(Cost: Free) A great app for students. Gain points by keeping your phone locked when you?re on campus. Use points to get discounts and coupons to businesses near you. Pocket Points is popular among college students and is trying to grow their high school presence. You can request a high school or university on the app. |
|
|
If you need more information about internet safety or assistance setting up a family media plan contact Gals Institute at gals.ocommunity@gmail.com or call 262-337-9770. We are a leader in prevention and healing in the Lake Country area.
|
- Pinpoint your digital “time sucks”. Use apps like RescueTime & The Moment.
- Ask yourself “Am I truly enjoying my online activity?” Are your online diversions providing you as much joy as your real-life experiences?
- Put yourself in “airplane mode”. Use a real alarm clock instead of your phone to avoid interruptions while you sleep! Keep digital devices and phones out of kids’ bedrooms during sleep times.
- Practice a weekly “digital Sabbath” and go one day without digital devices.
- Manage your email, don’t let it manage you!! Remove email from your phone, set dedicated times each day to check emails, set up separate emails for family only and work only. Manage your texts as well. Use “do not disturb” function to manage text messages.
- Get a “digital babysitter”. Apps: Freedom, Digital Detach, StayFocusd, SelfControl
- Try “phone stacking” when out with family & friends – put all phones in center of table.
- Don’t carry your digital devices everywhere. Give yourself permission to unplug!
- Swap one digital habit for FUN! Get outside, exercise, do yoga or tai chi, try mediation.
- Use a central “charging area” for all family members’ devices. Set a time for everyone to “unplug” in preparation for healthy sleep!
- Create a family mission statement and screen contracts for all family members. Be a great digital role model for your children.
- We don’t multi-task as well as we think we do! Have kids put cell phones away when studying.
Mindfulness Resources
- “Unplugged: How to Live Mindfully in a Digital World” by Orianna Fielding
- “Conquer Cyberoverload” by Joanne Cantor
- “Design Your Day” by Claire Diaz-Ortiz
- Mediation Apps: Headspace, Calm, Buddhify, Whil, Insight Timer
- “The Mindful Moment” on You Tube for guided meditations
|
|
|