Healthy Digital Relationships July 21, 2011

Proprietary Learning About Multimedia Project, Inc The LAMP is a non-profit organization that teaches youth, parents, families and educators to think critically about media they engage with everyday, like advertising, news, mobile media and the Internet. This is achieved through hands-on media literacy workshops that take place in schools and community organizations all over the city.

Let’s work together Digital media use is not going away. With rapid change, it’s natural that we focus on children and adolescents. Their “expertise” feeds a feeling of helplessness. We tend to fixate on the negative. Ultimately, focusing on the possibilities and implications – to build healthy digital relationships – is the key. Proprietary Learning About Multimedia Project, Inc. 2011

How do our youth use digital media? School  Research  In the classroom  Communicating with their teachers, posting assignments online, etc. Social relationships  Social networking sites  Texting/IM (Instant Messaging/AIM) Personal entertainment  Video games  Online videos, TV shows, movies, etc. Creative  Art, writing, music, etc. Proprietary Learning About Multimedia Project, Inc. 2011

Common concerns Some young people don’t always demonstrate the best behavior  They need guidance – from you Some young people spend too much time with digital media  They need boundaries – set by you “Cyber bullying”  What to do when it happens TO your child? FROM your child? Some young people are exploring their identity on and off line  They want support – from you Some young people become lazy, uncritical thinkers  Help them understand that they need to INQUIRE Proprietary Learning About Multimedia Project, Inc. 2011

What can concerned adults do for them? Show a strong personal interest Talk with them Share your own favorites/interests; Let them teach you Watch TOGETHER DON’T USE SPYWARE. EVER. Open communication Give them time and space Set rules – that EVERYBODY follows Encourage them to be critical of the information they encounter in ALL media Give them a safe place to talk to you about problems Proprietary Learning About Multimedia Project, Inc. 2011

Put the emphasis on the positive Digital media  Helps ease social transitions  Online support groups for different needs  Allows for easier communication (peers, penpals, relatives, etc.)  Lets them experiment creatively  Online conversation: an avenue to address tough issues  A world of information at their fingertips (MLK – On Demand!)  Prepares them for their education and future careers Proprietary Learning About Multimedia Project, Inc. 2011

Don’t forget Digital media are re-shaping how we communicate  Our access to the world is shifting Don’t let young people become scapegoats for the “unknown”  They don’t know a world without it You cannot lead/teach if you don’t know yourself  Dive in, take the plunge. Become curious yourself. And share. Work on bridging the gap, not separating with fear. Proprietary Learning About Multimedia Project, Inc. 2011

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Proprietary Learning About Multimedia Project, Inc