Happy New Year to you and your families! I hope your holiday season has been filled with moments of joy, connection and relaxation. For many of our students, this time of year brought something particularly exciting: shiny new devices and access to new apps. These gifts open doors to connection, learning, and creativity – but they also come with challenges that we, as parents and educators, need to tackle together.
As a parent myself, I know how thrilling it is to see your child light up when they explore new technology. I also know the sinking feeling that can come with trying to stay one step ahead of them in the fast-paced digital world. Let’s be honest: “Being smarter than a fifth-grader” when it comes to social media sometimes feels like a tall order! That’s why I wanted to reach out and share some practical tips and thoughts as we step into 2025. Together, we can ensure our children grow into responsible, thoughtful and safe digital citizens.
Privacy, Safety & Setting Boundaries
One of the best gifts we can give our children is the ability to protect themselves online. If your child is navigating a new device or social media platform, sit down together and explore the privacy settings. Show them how these tools keep their personal information safe and talk about the importance of guarding passwords – even from their closest friends.
As parents, setting boundaries around technology can feel like a daunting task, but it’s also incredibly empowering. Consider creating a “family media plan.” Whether it’s keeping devices in shared spaces, setting tech-free times during meals, or turning off screens before bedtime, these small actions can foster healthy habits. The American Academy of Pediatrics has a family media plan tool that might help you tailor these guidelines to your home. Remember, every family is different, and your approach should reflect what works best for you and your child.
Helping Students Pause & Reflect
In the rush of a moment, it’s easy for children to act impulsively online. That’s why teaching them to pause before posting or sending a message is so important. Encourage them to think about how their words might be received and whether they’ll still feel good about what they’ve shared tomorrow – or years from now.
The "WWGS?" rule – What Would Grandma Say? – is a great way to make this lesson stick. If they wouldn’t want their grandparents to see a post or text message, it’s probably a good idea to keep it offline. This simple habit not only builds responsibility but also helps children understand the lasting impact of their digital footprint.
Fostering Kindness
Kindness is a cornerstone of our school community, and it’s just as important online as it is in person. Encourage your child to approach social media, text messaging, and any form of online communication with empathy. Remind them to think about how their words will make others feel, to treat others with dignity, and to avoid anything that could hurt or embarrass someone.
When our children know they can come to us if they encounter unkindness online, it reinforces a culture of trust and support. Together, we can create an environment where every child feels safe, valued and seen.
Your Role as a Model
Our children are always watching us, even when we do not realize it. The way we engage with technology teaches them more than we might think. When we model thoughtful, kind, and balanced online behavior, we set the tone for how they approach their digital lives.
So, as we guide our children into this new year, let’s also challenge ourselves to reflect on our own habits. Are we modeling the balance and boundaries we want them to adopt? Are we showing them that technology, when used thoughtfully, can be a tool for connection rather than distraction?
Asking the Big Question
As we move into 2025, I’ll leave you with this thought: Are you smarter than a fifth-grader when it comes to social media? The truth is, we don’t have to be perfect or know everything. What matters most is that we’re learning and growing alongside our children, staying involved and showing them that we are in this together.
Thank you for your partnership and trust in our school community. I am confident that, with your support and the values we cultivate together, our students will continue to thrive – not just as digital citizens but as kind, capable and thoughtful individuals.
Wishing you a happy, healthy, and connected New Year!
