Parents Learning About the Net iPLAN SERIES North Glenmore Elementary Parents as Partners

iPLAN: Session #2 Our Challenge To come together as parents and educators to develop our skills and knowledge in supporting our children in being both positive and safe on the internet.

Goals for Today’s Session When it comes to supporting our children in being both positive and safe online… we will 1)Continue to develop our philosophy 2)Understand the connection between mental health and technology use 3)Learn some useful strategies to support our children at various age levels

We must learn to ride together Our Philosophy – we must support our children in using the internet the same way we’d support them in learning to ride a bike.

Mental Health

CREATE your child’s world AGE 2 Instill confidence when separating Positive reinforcement Engagement with others Develop trust by following through

CREATE your child’s world AGE 3 Social engagement opportunities Model proper social behaviors

CREATE your child’s world AGE 4 Teach your child how to solve problems Increase your young ones vocabulary by helping them to correctly identify how they feel Acknowledge mistakes and encourage trying again

CREATE your child’s world AGE 5 Show interest in your child’s creation Build their sense of self-pride Present your child with challenges

CREATE your child’s world What does this mean when it comes to your child and technology? Little to do with tech (basic intro) First place children learn these skills (creativity, problem-solving, social engagement, etc…) should NOT be online Establishing balance and habits (critical in these early years) Be intentional (ex. using technology in an education way and taking the time to be there every time your child uses technology)

BE your child’s world AGES 6-9 Create a rhythm for your child Be their biggest fan- constant love & support Your behavior and mental health affects them

SHAPE your child’s world AGES Take time to get to know your child Model healthy living Encourage your child to branch out and try new things

STAY IN your child’s world Middle School Years Know what’s happening in all their spheres Check in often Observe major changes in mood/behavior Set boundaries to keep them safe Connect them with other positive role models

TRANSITION your child’s world High School Years Help them become more independent Ensure they have a support system in place Stay connected to them even after they leave

TRANSITION your child’s world What does this mean when it comes to your child and technology? -Ensure your child knows when and how to come to you for help o And that you will be there not in judgment, but as a support first o Be calm, your reaction will dictate whether or not your child will come to you again if they need support o Be solution-focused and empathetic (listening without being judgmental)… reflect later… you will always have the opportunity to deal with the “after-math” of a problem -Ensure they also know positive friends they can reach out to -Transition ownership of schedule and routine with tech in a healthy fashion (you will definitely have to model this as your children will call you on it if you don’t model healthy tech use) -Concentrate learning conversations around the perception of who they are online and who they are in real life

Learning Together iPLAN 30 Day Challenge

Goals for Today’s Session When it comes to supporting our children in being both positive and safe online… we will 1)Continue to develop our philosophy 2)Understand the connection between mental health and technology use 3)Learn some useful strategies to support our children at various age levels

Our next iPLAN session… is a Community Event! Internet and Social Media Safety Jan. 27 th from the Rotary Centre of the Arts Presented by Darren Laur (Staff Police Sergeant)

Ticket Out The Door On a YELLOW QUESTION/COMMENT SLIP, please share any topics that you would like to hear more about in future iPLAN sessions