Parents are worried about screen time in your lessons. How can you address their concerns effectively?

Everything has its pros and cons, and when handled properly, can lead to remarkable results. To address the issue of screen time for children, parents can monitor and limit the time spent on screens, as well as the content being consumed. Parents should also understand their child's interests and hobbies, and provide appropriate resources to keep them engaged when they are not using screens. Children may seek more screen time to fill a void, so parents should help them understand that screens are not a necessity, but just one of their activities.

Very insightful. We recently had a long meeting with parents who were complaining that students are demanding cellphones from them and they can not afford. Parents have really not find the importance of screens in lessons and emphasizing how important it is to them was the only thing that made the parents to node a yes to our idea.

Os pais também precisam saber lidar com o tempo de tela deles, visto que o exemplo é fundamental na educação das crianças e adolescentes. Na escola a tecnologia será utilizada como um recurso a mais no processo de ensino aprendizagem, fomentando as ferramentas de maneira assertiva.

Explain how, with proper application, technology can be an effective tool for learning. Provide examples of how virtual field trips, interactive projects, and simulations enhance learning. Explain how this is an effective research tool and means of communication for teamwork. Moreover, explain that this is also the best tool for expressing creativity in presentations, animations, and narratives. Finally, show parents examples of technologically produced student creations.

I'd recommend listening attentively and perhaps reflecting back what you hear, and then asking, "Does that capture your concerns?" Then, take a few moments to honor their perspectives. As I shared in a recent keynote address, increased screen time is a major factor behind a lot of the struggles that our youth are grappling with today, as books like The Anxious Generation and Stolen Focus make clear. After acknowledging their concern, emphasize the purpose behind utilizing screen time and illuminate how it will enhance learning and uniquely support the learning objectives. Finally, be clear on the length of time that screens will be used, as this could likely alleviate parents' concerns.

Setting limits is what recently infuriated the principal of our school. Teachers sometimes fail to set limits and that brings confusion and imbalance on screen time for students. It does discourage some as cellphones would be wrongly used by students in class.

There has to be a balance of media and interaction within the classroom. This past year, I taught Middle School ELA & Reading. In Reading, we actually read & discussed books. In ELA, we worked on grammar and vocabulary which we had physical books for each. I assigned homework assignments such as giving the student the choice of ten of their new vocabulary words and being about to create google slides. Each slide had to contain a sentence using the word correctly in sentence with a picture. If they wanted extra credit, they could add synonyms, antonyms, or definitions. Some of the students got really creative with their slides & they would then present the slides.

There are a couple of issues: one is that districts are purchasing programs that teachers are expected to use. I am somewhat old fashioned and although I love and appreciate technology, there’s nothing like a physical book. As we move forward with tech literate lessons, it is imperative to infuse some old fashioned techniques as well.

It's crucial to strike a balance for our children's health and development. In our lessons, we emphasize setting limits. By allocating specific times for screen use, we ensure that students engage in diverse activities, including outdoor play, reading, and creative projects. This approach helps in maintaining their focus and well-being. We encourage you to adopt similar practices at home, fostering a healthy and balanced routine for your children. Together (school and parents), we can create a supportive environment that prioritizes their overall growth.

I implement strict guidelines to ensure that screen time is purposeful and controlled. This includes alternating between online and offline activities, incorporating breaks, and diversifying learning methods to maintain engagement without over-reliance on screens.

As we increasingly integrate technology into education, educating students and parents about its benefits empowers them to use it responsibly for their betterment.

I empower students with the knowledge and skills to use technology responsibly. This includes teaching digital citizenship, online safety practices, and critical thinking skills to evaluate information found online.

That is very insightful for me as a teacher. In most cases teachers are failing to manage the way students use screens and as I once highlighted on my previous comment, this discourages even the parents to buy better devices for their children. It is forthwith paramount for the school to educate both parent and student.

Les professionnels de l'apprentissage sont bien formés et compétents pour soutenir toutes sorte d'apprentissage par le numérique et les ecrans.

This is so important! Reminders about monitoring screen time could be sent home in the learners' diaries; emphasised during parent-teacher conferences; dramatised at whole school assemblies; included in the class or school newsletter, if any; placed around the school or classrooms in form of artwork or posters... Just be a visible part of everyday school life. It's that important! Educating students and parents about using technology responsibly makes them understand that they also have a part to play. Parents should be given all the support they need to embrace the fact that technology has come to stay...

Reducing screen time is crucial for a healthier life. Embracing active lifestyles can make a significant difference. Engage in sports, outdoor activities, and physical hobbies to cut down on screen time and boost overall well-being. Activities like hiking, cycling, or even daily walks can improve physical health, mental clarity, and social interactions. By prioritizing movement and adventure, we can create a balanced, fulfilling life. Let’s inspire each other to step away from screens and enjoy the myriad benefits of an active lifestyle.

Beyond screen-based activities, I encourage hands-on experiments, group discussions, and project-based learning that foster creativity, problem-solving abilities, and interpersonal skills crucial for their holistic development.

Give physical punishment to make the kids fitter. And tell them to do some hard chores to build up some muscles. If neither works, maybe the parents are just too soft

Open communication with parents is crucial. For instance, addressing concerns about screen time with empathy and clarity fosters understanding. "I understand your concerns about screen time and appreciate you bringing them up. In my lessons, technology enhances learning through interactive activities, diverse information access, and personalized instruction. I balance screens with hands-on projects, discussions and outdoor learning. Digital literacy is vital for future success; educational apps, for example, make math engaging. I monitor and limit screen time for benefit. Your feedback is valuable; let's discuss to find the right balance for your child's well-being and educational success."

Open communication is vital. I welcome your feedback and concerns about technology use in our lessons. By fostering dialogue, we can collaborate to ensure your child's educational experience aligns with your family's values and goals.

While I'm all for supporting students' wellbeing, I'd hesitate to let parents get comfortable with thinking I monitor students for signs of excessive screen time (although I would); or that I'd adjust my lesson plans because I noticed their children's lack of focus or signs of eye strain. Every parent would probably want me to alter my lesson plans to suit their child! No, thank you. I'd flip the responsibility: ask them if their children spend too much time playing games on their devices. Could this be the cause of their eye strain or lack of focus (which I noticed)? I'm wondering, because screen time is controlled at school... This boundary needs to be set to reduce the pressure on educators. They can't be responsible for everything.

Awareness and responsibility- We are currently in an era where it is crucial to educate children about their online presence, as we cannot expect children to always be under supervision. Children who grasp how their social media use impacts their digital reputation, and how important that reputation will be to their future pursuits, will be more careful about what they say and do online. I have observed that students who comprehend how their personal information is collected and used to target them with ads, information, and sometimes misinformation, tend to become more savvy internet users.

To effectively reduce screen time, consider a variety of engaging activities. Create a daily schedule that includes designated screen-free periods, ensuring balance. Encourage outdoor activities like sports, hiking, or gardening to promote physical health. Introduce hobbies such as reading, painting, or playing musical instruments to stimulate creativity. Plan regular family activities like board games or puzzles to foster connections. Establish screen-free zones in the home, particularly in bedrooms and dining areas. Set a positive example by limiting your own screen use. Utilize apps to manage and monitor screen time, promoting a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.

To keep their eyes healthy, students could use protective eye glasses and/or screens for their devices. Medicated glasses also have the option of special lenses that shield the eyes from screen time hazards. This actually helps. Parents should be aware.