This document discusses teens' use of technology and offers advice for parents. It notes that most teens have cell phones and send about 100 texts per day. It emphasizes that balance is key and parents should set clear rules while preparing children for their digital future. The document also highlights common worries among parents and recommends addressing technology use through education and open communication.

1. Teens, Tweens, and Technology What Every Parent Needs to Know Kirsten Adams Tim Fish Merritt Livermore January 2010

4. Why... are you here?

5. 4 take-aways 1. It is our job to “prepare our children for their future, not our past.” - Dan Pink 2. Balance is the key. 3. We are the parents, we make the rules. 4. There is no single right way to manage technology in your home.

6. Teens, Tweens, and Tech A McDonogh continuum - Merritt Livermore

7. Cell Phones and Texting Majority have phones and unlimited texting Primary mode of communication is texting rather than email or IM Several issues each year about inappropriate messaging Primary mode of communication is texting Cell phones used more for texting and web use than for phone calls Smartphones on the rise…fast! Majority have phones; more 6 th graders than 5 th graders Appears monitored by most families – limited plans, hours, etc. Several issues each year about inappropriate messaging Approximately ¼ have phones Limited texting and seems well monitored by parents A few issues arise each year Grades 3-4 Grades 5-6 Grades 7-8 Grades 9-12

8. Social Networking and Web Use Facebook accounts start Friending is common with people one “barely knows” Almost every US student has a Facebook account Great for asynchronous communication with friends in and out of school Has become a “pictorial documentary of events” Growing out of WebKinz, etc. Aware of Facebook, but very few have accounts Favorite sites: miniclips.com, youtube.com, more diverse exposure WebKinz, Club Penguin, MoshiMonsters, Zhu Zhu Pets Favorite sites: addictinggames.com, youtube.com, miniclips.com, espn.com Grades 3-4 Grades 5-6 Grades 7-8 Grades 9-12

9. Email FirstClass for academic and social communication Can email teachers, classmates, and out of school accounts FirstClass is required and “crucial” for academics Social conversations have moved away from email FirstClass accounts provided by school for academic communication Can only email teachers and class conferences Only a few issues per year as they learn FirstClass Only out of school accounts (gmail, comcast, yahoo) Can access FirstClass through the web system for teacher postings Seems well monitored by parents Grades 3-4 Grades 5-6 Grades 7-8 Grades 9-12

10. Technology Access Laptops are on the rise Smartphones, laptops, and wi-fi makes life “easier” and “less of a hassle” Majority of kids have some form of ipod (nano, touch, etc.) Download apps, music, and videos independently More have computers in bedroom; most in common spaces Most families have some kind of game system at home Majority of kids have handheld devices (ipods,DS, DSi, PSP) Very few have computers in bedroom; most in common spaces Grades 3-4 Grades 5-6 Grades 7-8 Grades 9-12

11. Now what...

12. Top Three Worries Ubiquitous access particularly on cell phones, ipod touch, DSi, psp Tips for parents Know what you are buying Set Boundaries #3

13. Top Three Worries Constant Connectivity we are never alone Tips for parents Set Boundaries Require regular social interaction without technologyModel appropriate behavior #2

14. New York Times January 20, 2010

16. Teenagers send an average of 100 texts per day. Review monthly texts: number, time of day and content

18. Top Three Worries Online life vs. “real” life Tips for parents Educate Monitor #1

19. How does McDonogh address technology concerns? Education and Conversation Clear Policies/Boundaries Gradual Introduction

20. FirstClass Email Upper School Full access to email and internet Lower School 5th 7th 8th No access to email. Use system via the web Allowed to email teachers and class conferences Allowed to email other students Allowed to email people outside of McDonogh

21. Don’t Let Technology Get Ahead of You!

22. Talk to the other adults in your household to the parents of your children’s friends to the school and most importantly, to your child

23. Inspires Communication and Creativity Technology

24. Project 20/20 Mission Emmanuel Once a fan, always a fan... Lifelong learning Communication

25. Photomaxwell.com Architecture club Music video Creativity

26. Where are we headed?

27. Everything is everywhere forever.

28. Everything does everything

29. Angst-o-meter 0 = No Stress 10 = Extreme Anxiety