Jenna Ashkenazie
Keeping up with new technology can be a real challenge for parents. However, it is important for parents to understand all the new technology and policies being integrated into their child’s day-to-day learning. Schools use websites or apps, and make these accessible to parents to facilitate tracking students’ attendance, grades, disciplinary actions, and more.
The good news is that following what is going on in your child’s school life has never been easier.. Having information as to how your student is doing in school is as easy as knowing the school website password. Since most websites require a password, it makes sense to have passwords saved together in a logical place. Keep a small notebook near the device you use most often. Even easier, have a list of passwords in the notes app on your phone. You can easily lock a specific note in the app to keep it more private and secure.
Some elementary schools require students to use laptops or tablets, so create a device charging routine early. As devices are being integrated into learning more and more, a student not having a charged device could prevent them from participating in lessons. Every night before kids go to bed, have them charge their device, and make sure they put it in their knapsack the next morning.
Online Safety
Technology is becoming more integrated into daily life, so it is important to teach children about online safety. The National Cybersecurity Alliance is a non-profit organization that promotes cyber safety, data privacy, and digital education. According to the NCA, some of the most basic ways to stay safe online include using strong passwords, keeping all software up to date, and most importantly, being very aware of scams. Scams can come through emails, phone calls, text messages, or even social media messages.
“Phishing remains the most common online threat. Criminals send fake emails, texts, or social media messages to trick you into revealing sensitive information or clicking malicious links. These messages aim to get you to click before you think by playing your emotions. Be highly skeptical of unexpected messages, especially those urging immediate action or asking for personal details. Phishing emails can light up positive emotions (“You’ve won our sweepstakes!”) or negative ones (“You’ve been hacked!”).
“Don’t click suspicious links or download unexpected attachments. Report phishing attempts to your email provider, social media platform, or IT department. If you’re unsure if a message is legit, ask a friend, coworker, or family member. A second set of eyes can be invaluable in spotting scams.” If an email or text message seems like a scam, block the number or email address immediately. Do not engage or click on any links. If you receive a call from an unknown number, it can often be a scam. Do not answer. If it is someone who is legitimately trying to get in touch with you, they will leave a voicemail or message you.
Teach children not to click on any unknown links, and not to engage with anyone unfamiliar.
Using AI Responsibly
It is important that we teach our children how to use AI responsibly. Most importantly, AI should be treated as a tool, not as a cheat code, or a way to get out of actually doing work that was assigned. According to the NYC Public School’s Guidance on Artificial Intelligence, it is important to remember that “AI is not a replacement for your child’s teacher, counselor, or school leader.” AI lacks human judgment, empathy, and consciousness. Know that AI is also not always accurate. Every teacher will have different rules regarding the use of AI. Students should adhere to those guidelines. It is becoming nearly impossible to completely avoid AI. It exists in nearly all the technology that we use. However, it is up to parents and educators to teach students how to use AI properly, without becoming solely reliant on it, as so many already are.
The National Education Association (the largest labor union in the US, which represents public school teachers and faculty and staff at colleges and universities) notes that it is up to the educators to ensure that AI is used without compromising ethics (such as data privacy or transparency), while always ensuring that human interactions and human education is the first priority. However, it is not solely up to teachers to show students how to properly use AI. It is also the parents’ responsibility. Parents need to ensure their children are not using any forms of AI to do their assignments. It is reasonable to use AI as a tool to study, such as having AI make flashcards. However, parents should make sure that their children recognize that while AI can be an incredibly useful tool, it should be used as a tool and not as a crutch to do their work for them.
Kids’ Mental Health
Beyond all the digital readiness that is required for the new year, parents need to be on the lookout for signs of their child struggling with mental health issues. In the new age of social media, and media in general, it is easy for children to begin to compare themselves to what they see online, or to see or hear things that could negatively affect their mental health. Mental Health America is a leading community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting mental health, preventing mental health conditions, and advocating for those living with mental illness. MHA has compiled a list of signs to look out for, including problems with concentration, changes in appetite, changes in sleep, angry outbursts, and more. It is often difficult for children to express how they are feeling. They may be led to believe that these changes are simply due to growing pains, and parents may believe that as well. Although this might be true for some, it is not true for all. Keeping an eye on your child’s mental health, and getting help when needed are necessary steps to allow children to thrive. Beyond spotting the signs, children need to know that they are not alone, and that their feelings are valid. Sweeping mental health issues under the rug and not taking advantage of the many resources available is, in a way, setting up a child who needs help to fail.
While all of this information may seem overwhelming at first, these are all ways for parents to not only keep on top of their child and their child’s education, but these are also ways to help parents help their children thrive. Afterall, isn’t that every parent’s goal?