TikTok Safety Tips from Common Sense Media

The wild-and-wacky short videos of TikTok continue to gain popularity among kids, adults, and even celebrities. But the app has had some problems, such as illegally collecting data on users under 13, notoriously inappropriate comments, and kludgy settings that can leave you with unwanted followers. Still, its viral "challenges," creative tools, and just-plain-fun features mean your kids are probably going to want it.

Read more:
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/tiktok-safety-tips

Gaming Disorder

 If you know someone who spends hours playing video games, it could be more serious than you think. In fact, the World Health Organization has officially listed gaming as an addiction. FGCU Professor Dr. Russell Sabella discussed how to recognize video game addiction and what to do about it.

Source: https://www.winknews.com/2019/06/17/gaming-disorder/

Gaming Disorder

Dr Vladimir Poznyak, expert of the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse of the World Health Organization, responds to questions relating to gaming disorder.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJ71KAO0mtc

FOSI Releases New Video Series and Digital Parenting Toolkit

The video series is a way to bring to life the  7 Steps to Good Digital Parenting: In Episode 1, viewers watch a young family navigate Steps 1 (Talk With Your Kids) and 2 (Educate Yourself). By talking about online safety early and often, parents are able to establish healthy digital habits sooner. In Episode 2, viewers watch a family discuss Steps 3 (Use Parental Controls) and 4 (Set Ground Rules and Enforce Consequences). By setting family rules and enabling parental controls, family members gain clarity on technology privileges and how to use devices and services safely. In Episode 3, viewers watch a family with older kids navigate social media with Steps 5 (Friend and Follow But Don’t Stalk) and 6 (Explore, Share and Celebrate). By respecting your child’s online space and encouraging thoughtful interactions on social media, families can learn from each other and have fun online. In Episode 4, parents showcase ways in which they follow Step 7 (Be a Good Digital Role Model). Parents agree that taking their own advice on online safety benefits everyone involved.

“It’s critical that parents not only understand the challenges their children might encounter online, but also how to then address those issues in a constructive way,” said Diana Graber, author of Raising Humans in a Digital World and founder of Cyberwise. “FOSI’s new tools help parents tackle difficult conversations head-on and ensure that the entire family is on the same page.”

The online toolkit includes: 7 Steps to Good Digital Parenting Family Online Safety Agreement Digital Reputation Checklist Three Teachable Moments Talking With Your Kids About Online Safety Understanding Cyberbullying Managing Screen Time Unlocking Video Games Navigating Social Media Device Online Safety Cards

Start Your Summer Screen-Time Rules Now!

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/start-your-summer-screen-time-rules-now

What is Squad?

Squad is a social networking app that lets users make video calls and share photos and other content remotely through screen sharing. Find out how teens are using it and what to watch for.

Dr. Sabella: Cybersecurity for Kids

FORT MYERS, Fla. – Summer is here and kids are getting comfortable in front of screens. But whether it’s a computer or phone, there are a lot of dangers that come with the technology. Florida Gulf Coast University Professor Dr. Russel Sabella discussed what you and your kids to can do to have a fun and safe summer break.

https://www.winknews.com/2019/06/03/cybersecurity-for-kids/