What does this mean to us as adults? It doesn't just mean to teach this to young people but it also means practice it. This takes us WAY back to the old saying, "Practice what you Preach!"
As a technology coach I work with our team to help develop resources to enforce the importance of good digital citizenship for students. As a parent, it is also my responsibility to reinforce these types of lessons at home AND to demonstrate the same.
Recently I noticed a post on Facebook, actually many times but this time it hit home more, that shot negative accusations at an individual. To me, this is not setting a good example for the children involved and it is also promoting that showing disrespect for this adult is okay. How do adults expect children to learn appropriate ways to handle difficult situations if they can't themselves.
Okay, so I am on a rant I suppose. It is so important for us to always remember a few simple things when using electronic technology:
- be respectful
- online outlets are not the way to solve conflicts, talking it over is always the best
- be truthful
- don't say anything unless you know all the facts to back up what you are saying
- people are the users of technology
- people have feelings
- technology does not have feelings
Let's make it a point to practice what we preach - lead a good example for our children. Don't use electronic technology to hide behind your emotions.
