EDITOR’S Note
Parent
BERMUDA
PUBLISHER & EDITOR
Katrina Ball
BUSINESS CONSULTANT
Vic Ball
ADVERTISING SALES
Wanda Brown
[email protected]
333-1925
Alicia Resnik
[email protected]
236-9218
DESIGN & PRODUCTION
Picante Creative
WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS
Alicia Resnik, BELCO, Tiffany Dill,
Open Airways, Department of ICT,
Bermuda Centre for Creative
Learning, Danielle Cross,
Buffalo Seminary
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Zeudi Hinds Photography
Bermuda Parent Magazine is
published four times a year. Reader
correspondence, photo submissions
and editorial submissions are
welcome. We reserve the right to
edit, reject or comment editorially on
all material contributed. No portion
of this magazine may be reproduced
without express written consent
of the publisher. The opinions
expressed by contributors or
writers do not necessarily reflect
the opinions of this magazine.
Distribution of this product does
not constitute an endorsement
of the products or services herein.
C onnected
BEING
Nowadays we can literally say ‘everyone is so connected’, yet
we can also be just as disconnected at the same time.
Social media has its positives. Giving a voice to many who have traditionally been
without a voice. Or even a few years ago I was able to find and connect with my biological
father. It’s also an inexpensive and effective tool for small businesses to promote themselves
and their services. And yes, it’s a great way to keep in touch with friends, sharing photos, and
saving money on long-distance phone charges.
But the technological age we live in, should make us wonder, how all this online
connectivity affects our children. Are they missing out on developing crucial social skills?
The in-person, real-life kind? Do they have more friends online than they have in real life?
Are they more concerned with likes, shares and followers and concern for those who are
physically in front of them? Do they know the difference between emotions and emojis
and how to handle themselves? And how does social media affect discussions and even
arguments with friends in real life versus friends online?
There are a few downsides of social media. We probably see our friends online more
than we do in person. And we’re constantly on and thinking about what’s happening in
the world. The brain never gets a break, constantly scanning through news stories, the
mundane or exciting details of other people’s lives, or even what people had for dinner the
night before.
So, at the risk of sounding old fashioned, I would encourage you to plan ‘phone free
times’ at home and allow fun, laughs, and great conversation to come naturally to help your
kids develop communication skills. Purpose within to get outside and connect with nature
and what’s happening in the real world.
We may not yet know the long-term effects of being constantly connected, but it’s not
too late to reconnect with what really matters. I’d like to hear your thoughts on social media
and how it affects you, your children, and your family.
Happy Holiday Season
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Publisher & Editor