with people face to face .
Ease Into It - As mentioned above , the ideal disconnect would last three to five days . Starting your digital detox with that goal in mind may be perceived as a major shock to your environment . It does not have to be though . Start small by limiting usage at during dinnertime a few nights a week . If your busy schedule prevents family mealtimes , look for other opportunities to restrict tech usage for an hour or two . Parents should consider using this strategy a few times before pulling the plug for several days .
Outcomes
Students who have taken part in a digital detox appreciated the disconnect once they get past the initial smartphone withdrawal . Teens said they felt happier , slept better , were more relaxed , and could be more focused during the downtime . Additionally , kids interacted with their friends in face-to-face settings more often when virtual communication was not an option .
The reality is that most teens will go right back to their old ways when given the opportunity . Don ’ t get too frustrated by that though . Social media is a mainstay of how Generation Z communicates and interacts with the world . The goal of this disconnect is to make them aware of how technology can change your thinking , mood , and behaviors . Take a few minutes to reflect as a group before you reinstate technology access .
Additional Tools
The team over at Bark has created a suite of tools parents can use to monitor their digital devices . Bark for Parents can monitor 25 social media platforms , email , and text messaging . Bark takes advantage of artificial intelligence and machine learning to scan for issues related to cyberbullying , self-harm , sexting , and other concerning behaviors .
When the system detects a problem , it will alert parents via both email and text . Bark will give a detailed description of the problem along with recommendations for the best next steps to take . Teens and young adults often struggle to make smart decisions when it comes to technology use . A digital disconnect can quickly bring out some sneaky behaviors as kids try to find a way to beat the system . Bark would be a great tool to ensure your family indeed takes a break if you are considering a digital detox .
Mike Daugherty is a husband , father of three young children , author , speaker , Google Innovator , and possible Starbucks addict . He is a certified educational technology leader who has served in a variety of roles through his eighteen-year career in public education . Currently , Mike is the Director of Technology for the Chagrin Falls Exempted Village School district in Northeast Ohio . As an IT director he has developed creative , well thought out solutions that positively impact teaching and learning .
PARENT PREVIEWS continued ...
heartedness . The characters grow and evolve in positive ways . And Peter and Thomas eventually learn to be honest with others and themselves .
Put these good messages with fun music and extraordinary animation , and you end up with a film that is likely to charm families — even if we are still unsure about Beatrix Potter ’ s approval .
TALK ABOUT THE MOVIE WITH YOUR FAMILY …
Are you a fan of Beatrix Potter ’ s tales ? If so , how many of her characters from other stories did you notice in the menagerie presented here ? I spotted Pigling Bland , Jemima Puddle-Duck , Mr . Tod ( the fox ), Tommy Brock ( the badger ), Mr . Jeremy Fisher ( the frog ), City Mouse and Mrs . Tiggy-Winkle ( the hedgehog ). Which of these characters are your favorite ? If you aren ’ t familiar with her work , it might be time for a trip to your local library .
Peter quotes his father as saying : “ You can ’ t out clever a fox , but you can use his cleverness against him .” What does he mean ? Who is he trying to outsmart ? Does he succeed ? What important things does he overlook in his competitor ? How does recognizing his own motives change the way he feels about their feud ?
The movie tells us , “ You are only as big as your dreams .” Which characters have big dreams ? Do you think most people do ? What things might hold us back from pursuing such goals ?
Peter Rabbit knowingly causes his nemesis to have a severe allergic reaction . Parents should discuss this behavior with their children and help them understand the consequences of severe allergies and the proper methods to both prevent and handle these dangerous situations .
VIDEO ALTERNATIVES ... Alvin and the Chipmunks is another movie about mischievous creatures that uses animation and live action . The life of the author of The Tale of Peter Rabbit is dramatized in the movie Miss Potter .
OFFICIAL SITE : http :// www . peterrabbit-movie . com
June 2018 WNY Family 21