Three simple commitments we make as a community to keep our kids safe.

#1 No smartphones until high school.

  • Opt for an option that does not allow internet browsing and access to download applications, such as:

    - Smart Watches >>
    - “Dumb” Phones >>
    - GPS Tracker >>
    - Landlines

#2 No social media until high school.

  • This refers to any internet connected application or program that allows kids to 1) Engage with user generated content AND / OR 2) Encounter strangers via the internet.

    - Content Sharing Apps (YouTube, Instgram, TikTok, etc.)
    - Encrypted Messaging Apps (SnapChat, WhatsApp, etc.)
    - Internet Forum Platforms (Reddit, Discord, Facebook, etc.)
    - Online Gaming

  • There is ample and growing evidence shedding light on the harm social media has on children.

    - Social media encourages constant comparison and limits in-person communication, often leading to increased feelings of depression, anxiety and loneliness and poor body image.

    Recent Example:
    Tweens are obsessed with skin care. As parents, should we be worried? >>

    - Social media provides predators direct access to our children, opening them up to emotional and physical harm, identity theft and various kinds of nefarious grooming.

    Recent Example:
    On popular online platforms, predatory groups coerce children into self-harm >>

#3 Require education before digital independence.

  • This refers to the ability to engage with connected devices and the internet without being supervised.

    High Schoolers might be “ready” to take this step when they have achieved the following developmental milestones:

    Ability to:

    • Reason

    • Make educated guesses

    • Sort fact from fiction

    • Think abstractly

    • Deal with hypothetical situations

    • Set their own goals

    • Make educated decisions

    • Understand the consequences of actions

    • Develop a strong sense of right and wrong

    • Make decisions based on following their conscience

    • Recognize personal strengths and challenges

    • Analyze their own feelings and try to find the cause of them

    • Voice emotions (both negative and positive)

    • Find solutions to conflicts.

  • 1) Age appropriate internet and device parental control settings that is checked and adjusted on a regular basis.

    2) Direct age appropriate oversight while your child is in digital spaces.

    A digital space refers to any on screen experience with internet browsing access, which can include:
    - Smart Phones
    - Tablets
    - Laptop + desktop computers
    - Televisions + video game consoles

  • Think of digital independence as a milestone similar to a drivers license. It requires formal and intentional study and practical application.

    The Good Guard is working on bringing educational courses to the community. In the meantime, there are a lot of great online content:
    - General Conduct >>
    -     Safety from Predators >>
    -     Cyber Protection >>
    -     Social Media Safety >>

    As children learn skills to navigate digital spaces, they should demonstrate responsible habits during a probationary period, until they are developmentally ready to be in the drivers seat.

We can do this.

Three simple choices can have a huge impact for all our kids. Are you ready to commit?