Raising children in this digital age can be a daunting task if not handled properly. We have two daughters, ages 15 and 11 who are tech savvy, own smart phones and tablets and are allowed limited online time to their favorite social sites just like their peers. However, before any of these privileges were granted, ground rules were established. My husband and I talked privately before we started a conversation with our daughters so that we were on the same page. The last thing we wanted to do was scare our kids about being online or worse, come off old and preachy! Making safe choices, both on and offline are important topics in our home, so joining the digital advocacy campaign sponsored by National PTA and LifeLock was an easy choice for us.
The National PTAhas partnered with LifeLockto share useful ways for families to have open, ongoing and evolving conversations about safe, positive decisions using digital tools.
The #ShareAwesome campaign seeks to build an understanding among parents and students that no matter the device, the app or the networking site- making smart choices on what we shareis just plain smart and asking first before sharing is awesome!
For instance, I asked my daughter first if she would mind if I shared this picture of an awesome moment in our lives.
This is a loving moment captured by my husband. I’m so thankful he got a picture of a beautiful, happy moment right after a stellar choir concert had ended. If she had said no, this picture would not be here. Mutual respect of privacy goes both ways parents, and #ShareAwesome is here to help us too.
There are several ways parents can get involved. I suggest taking the How awesome are youquiz to see if you know what kind of online and mobile apps your child uses and then take the #ShareAwesome pledge.
Now for some fun for students!
Snap a photo of an awesome moment in your day and share it on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the #ShareAwesome hashtag! Students who enter the #ShareAwesome contest from September 15-November 30, 2014 will have a chance to win fantastic prizes, including tablets and a $2,500 scholarship. Please visit Shareawesome.org to learn more.
The #Shareawesome campaign celebrates students and families who use digital media and tools for good. Good for themselves, their family, friends and beyond!
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
Barb Webb. Founder and Editor of Rural Mom, is an the author of "Getting Laid" and "Getting Baked". A sustainable living expert nesting in Appalachian Kentucky, when she’s not chasing chickens around the farm or engaging in mock Jedi battles, she’s making tea and writing about country living and artisan culture.
It is important to ask before sharing. I’m super careful about sharing things with my grand kids photos on social media because what I think may be a cute photo may cause them embarrassment to them with their friends. Respect does go both ways and I like that this org. is supporting that.
I agree that mutual respect of sharing needs to go both ways. I never share anyone’s photos without permission. I have a friend that shared some of my family photos and I wasn’t happy with her. I think that everyone has a right to privacy and it is their personal decision to share or not. You are right on that you have to respect both ways.
I think it is more important than ever to have these open communication about Internet usage within families. It allows parents to monitor what kids are doing online.
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It is important to ask before sharing. I’m super careful about sharing things with my grand kids photos on social media because what I think may be a cute photo may cause them embarrassment to them with their friends. Respect does go both ways and I like that this org. is supporting that.
I agree that mutual respect of sharing needs to go both ways. I never share anyone’s photos without permission. I have a friend that shared some of my family photos and I wasn’t happy with her. I think that everyone has a right to privacy and it is their personal decision to share or not. You are right on that you have to respect both ways.
I think teaching our kids to use social media for good is so important. I also think it encourages them to look for positive things to be a part of.
I think it is more important than ever to have these open communication about Internet usage within families. It allows parents to monitor what kids are doing online.