Using Media and Technology
5 Lessons for Parenting in the Digital Age
How much screen time is too much? How should parents decide when and why to limit technology use for their children? At what point is it unhealthy for children to use technology? Read this blog and related stories by Soren Gordhamer
Texting Acronyms Every Parent Should Know (USA Today)
As a parent, do you know what PAL or MOS mean in a text your son or daughter might send a friend? It turns out that young people use many acronyms that they may not want parents to understand. MOS means "Mother Over Shoulder." PAL means "Parents Are Listening." This article from USA Today offers a list of these acronyms and gives their meanings.
YouTube Kids App
YouTube is going to release a Kids App that will only show video clips suitable for young children to help parents control what their kids are watching on the internet.
Common Sense Media
Advice for families in a 24/7 media world. Check out some highlights:
Faith and Safety: Technology Safety Through the Eyes of Faith
The Communications Department of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America (GOA) have launched a resource for adults to help children safely navigate online. The website and complementary social media channels (http://twitter.com/faithandsafety and http://facebook.com/faithandsafety) address safe use of the Internet, mobile devices and other technology, emphasizing the positive use of technology to support children's faith.
Coping with Online Dangers (Covenant Eyes)
A very helpful resource to aid parents in dealing with the variety of online dangers that maybe be finding their way into a child or adolescent's computer tablet or phone.
Taking Back Facebook
Are you concerned about Facebook and other internet outlets? The amount time that young people spend on Facebook and where it might lead them can be alarming to parents. Check out this article on how to limit the use of the internet with your children and even how to use Facebook to your advantage. Also the Common Sense Media website is a great resource for help in making sure the internet is a positive influence in your child's life.
Three Simple Rules for a Healthy Media Diet for Families (Common Sense Media)
How to maintain a good media balance.
How to Scout Worthwhile Movies for Your Kids (At Home With Our Faith)
How to Use Technology (Jonathan Sullivan)
Often parish leaders find it difficult to make use of technology to communicate, evangelize and catechize the people in and beyond their parish. How does one get started? What are the best resources? How do I get into this without spending a great deal of time? Is it worth the effort? A good resource for parishes is the website of Jonathan Sullivan. He offers free webinars to help you get started.