Our older two teens are close to finishing high school, and we’re starting to think about moving them into the adult phase of their lives. That means managing their own online presence and technology, and making sure they have full ownership of their profiles.
And that led to the big password talk.
Author: Matthew Johnson, Director of Education, MediaSmarts
Level: Grades 7-9
Lesson Length: 60-75 minutes
Subject Area: English Language Arts, Visual Arts, Ethics and Religious Culture
Lesson Link: https://mediasmarts.ca/teacher-resources/mixed-signals-verifying-online-information
Our youngest is about to turn 14, and that means it’s time for the last member of our family to get her own cell phone.
We decided back when our oldest was heading off to high school that age 14, Grade 9, is cell phone time for our family. We’ve been happy with that decision – it seemed like the right time in terms of maturity, and also it became clear that having a phone to use in class at high school was beneficial and even expected.
For most of us, digital devices like phones, tablets and computers are a big part of how we keep in touch with our friends and families. It’s important to know that some relationships we have online may not be good for us.
Most of the time, young people use digital tools like smartphones and platforms or games and social networks to communicate with friends and family. Teens may also use online spaces to find support, community and mentorship. All of these are healthy ways to use technology, but it’s important for them to know that some online relationships are unhealthy.
7.0 use library and electronic research tools to collect information on a given topic [GCO 2]
8.0 select and integrate information from various print and electronic sources or from several parts of the same source
[GCO 2]
26.0 work cooperatively with team members to develop and carry out a plan, and troubleshoot problems as they arise [GCO 2]
9.0 use library and electronic research tools to collect information on a given topic [GCO 2]
22.0 synthesize information from multiple sources or from complex and lengthy texts and make inferences based on this information
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