CO-WRITTEN BY DR. TIM WIENS

"The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles, but to irrigate deserts." — C.S. Lewis

Technology is playing a more significant role in the education of today’s student. More specifically, the teaching and learning taking place within our classrooms, in many regards, is becoming more dependent upon technological innovations that historically have not been necessary to produce well-rounded, holistic students. While technology does not answer education’s great questions, we know that our students’ abilities to thrive in the 21^st century are dependent upon their aptitude to think deeply and logically and to apply modern methods of problem solving that are accessible due in part to greater technological innovation.

For children today, social media is not a passing phase — it is part of their daily lives. What can parents do to protect their children in the new social media culture? In order to help protect our kids, we need to remain current in an area that is constantly changing. Here are some resources that parents may find helpful in learning how to best keep teens and pre-teens safe while navigating the online world.

"We should keep on encouraging each other to be thoughtful and to do helpful things." —Hebrews 10:24

"Hatred stirs up trouble; love overlooks the wrongs that others do." —Proverbs 10:12  

Cyberbullying is an ever-increasing issue among teens. In context, bullying is generally defined as habitually badgering and intimidating someone deemed weaker. A bully's behavior includes repeated, willful attempts to cause injury, harass, or embarrass. Cyberbullying utilizes similar actions through electronic transmission of threatening, intimidating, or defaming material. 

What exactly is a digital footprint?

A digital footprint is used to describe the trail of information or “footprints” a person leaves in online settings. Any information shared online can possibly live on the world-wide-web forever, even if the user removes the post. It is now a common practice for colleges, coaches, and employers to search social media and the internet for information on potential prospects prior to offering acceptances or making hiring decisions.

In Matthew 16:26, Jesus said, "What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?" In today's social media culture, people tend to focus on the excitement of sharing their life experiences with everyone without thinking about exactly how that affects their personal privacy. For that reason, it is important for all users to set up privacy settings on their devices and social media apps in order to protect themselves from exposure to the "world." 

People of all ages enjoy sharing photos and life updates via social media. It is a platform to communicate with family and friends about our daily lives. Many social media users post activities every day, not always thinking about who might be watching. Privacy settings may give a false sense of safety. There may be more at stake with every post.

Proverbs 5:21 - For your ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all your paths.  

As we guide our children through an ever-changing digital world, it is our job to help them learn to be strong digital citizens who act in a godly, Christian manner. Being a good digital citizen is more than being a safe Internet user. We need to unite in support of our children as they learn to be responsible and cautious in their use of technology, and show respect for themselves and others. Due to constantly evolving technology, parents tend to allow children to have access to various technologies, apps, and websites without knowing if they are appropriate. Mount Paran Christian School wants to partner with parents to ensure the safety of our children in this digital world. To this end, we are sharing this blog series in hopes the information will make you more aware of how children are using various websites and apps and how you can monitor their activity.