It was really great spending the time during Parent Teacher Interviews discussing my role at Wyvern and Lindfield and also the conversations around the effective use of technology. After all the conversations it got me really thinking about the effect that technology has on our students’ lives and also the effect it has on our own lives. 

#Parentech is an incredible resource put together by the Australian Parents Council. It aims to provide a space for parents to access information about technology usage, screen time, conversational resources and also a space to have your say about what you are finding difficult. You are able to access this website by heading to parentech.com.au. 

An interesting finding that comes out of the research done by Dr Ruston, director of the film Screenagers, is around the mounting pressure that is placed on the whole family when it comes to the usage of technology in everyday life. As this pressure mounts, decisions need to be made to help guide and assist our students and children in using technology effectively. This is where the analogy that it takes a village to raise a child applies once again. As a collective support mechanism for our boys, we need to ensure that we are promoting positive use of technology and guiding them in making correct and ethical choices when engaging online or using digital devices. 

Dr Rushton also explores how to get the balance right at home when it comes to using technology. She investigated how her own family aims to maintain a healthy relationship between technology, school and home. You can view a trailer of her film, Screenagers on YouTube or if you head to parentech.com.au you will find more information about Dr Rushton and her work.

With the help of websites like Parentech it makes having these informed conversations a lot easier. As a parent, you can feel more supported and in control of guiding your children in making those right choices.

If you would like to discuss this more or have any questions regarding navigating the difficult conversation around technology usage please do not hesitate in contacting me.

Tony Cross
eLearning – Wyvern House and Lindfield Preparatory School