Parents,
Let's face it, there are a lot of apps out there that are not appropriate for our children. Some of them should be banned altogether! That's why I decided to put this blog together. I have been astounded at the number of parents who tell me on a regular basis that they know "nothing about technology". They don't know anything about Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat or Instagram, or any of the other apps out there that are being used by their children and teens. Over 56% of children between the ages of 8-12 have cell phones and it's growing exponentially each year. In a survey, 70% of pre-teens say they hide their online activities from their parents. Want more statistics? Visit this site http://www.growingwireless.com/get-the-facts/quick-facts for some awesome information. The point I'm trying to make is this, you MUST understand the technology your children are using. If you don't it is no different than sending your child out into the world alone, to interact with strangers who may or may not be who they say they are, and probably don't have your child's best interest in mind. You wouldn't drop your 10 year old off in the middle of NYC and just walk away would you? I hope not! Even an older teen would need some guidance.
I've worked in educational technology for over 12 years now. I've seen it all. Trust me. I hope to include tips and information to parents to help you understand the clear and present dangers associated with unsupervised access to the internet and the world of apps. To get you started, take a look at this post from the Blount County District Attorney's Office about an app that appears to be a calculator...but is in fact something altogether different.
Let's face it, there are a lot of apps out there that are not appropriate for our children. Some of them should be banned altogether! That's why I decided to put this blog together. I have been astounded at the number of parents who tell me on a regular basis that they know "nothing about technology". They don't know anything about Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat or Instagram, or any of the other apps out there that are being used by their children and teens. Over 56% of children between the ages of 8-12 have cell phones and it's growing exponentially each year. In a survey, 70% of pre-teens say they hide their online activities from their parents. Want more statistics? Visit this site http://www.growingwireless.com/get-the-facts/quick-facts for some awesome information. The point I'm trying to make is this, you MUST understand the technology your children are using. If you don't it is no different than sending your child out into the world alone, to interact with strangers who may or may not be who they say they are, and probably don't have your child's best interest in mind. You wouldn't drop your 10 year old off in the middle of NYC and just walk away would you? I hope not! Even an older teen would need some guidance.
I've worked in educational technology for over 12 years now. I've seen it all. Trust me. I hope to include tips and information to parents to help you understand the clear and present dangers associated with unsupervised access to the internet and the world of apps. To get you started, take a look at this post from the Blount County District Attorney's Office about an app that appears to be a calculator...but is in fact something altogether different.
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