The beginning of the year is a great time to think about how we can help our students develop healthy technology habits. Many teachers use a version of “the first twenty days” model to set expectations and routines for the classroom. As your child gets into the swing of the 2023-2024 school year, take a moment to review these tips and help build a foundation of healthy and safe habits for you and your family.

1. Create a family media use plan. This plan should include guidelines for how much time family members should spend using technology and what activities are appropriate. The plan should be flexible and age-appropriate, adapting as children get older.  
   • For examples, check out the Common Sense Media family tech planners at https://www.commonsensemedia.org/family-tech-planners. 
   • Or try the family media plan wizard from the American Academy of Pediatrics at https://www.healthychildren.org/English/fmp/Pages/MediaPlan.aspx. 
2. Model healthy technology use. Children often learn by observing grown-ups' behavior. Be mindful of your technology habits and demonstrate healthy practices. Consider establishing a common overnight charging spot or setting all devices to do-not-disturb during dinner.  
   • The Screenagers blog discusses the myths about modeling screen time around kids: https://www.screenagersmovie.com/blog/myths-around-modeling-screen-time. 
   • The Digital Wellness Lab from Boston Children’s Hospital offers suggestions for role models:  https://digitalwellnesslab.org/asktheexperts/how-do-i-model-good-digital-media-and-tech-habits-for-my-kids/. 
3. Monitor student Chromebook use. Promote responsible internet use and online safety by discussing digital citizenship and potential risks with students. Carmel Clay Schools uses ContentKeeper filtering for student devices at school and home, but since no filtering solution is perfect, teachers and families play an important role in monitoring online activity.
   • We use the Common Sense Media Digital Citizenship curriculum with students. See the lessons and get more information at https://www.commonsense.org/education/digital-citizenship. 
   • For more information about internet filtering on student Chromebooks, see our website at https://www.ccs.k12.in.us/services/technology-data-solutions/safety#fs-panel-40578. 
4. Get technology support. Technology doesn’t always work the way we expect. If you’ve tried basic troubleshooting and you’re still struggling, we can help with CCS devices and accounts.
   • Canvas Support & FAQs: https://www.ccs.k12.in.us/services/technology-data-solutions/canvas 
   • Chromebook Support & FAQs: https://www.ccs.k12.in.us/services/technology-data-solutions/chromebooks 
   • PowerSchool Support & FAQs: https://www.ccs.k12.in.us/services/technology-data-solutions/powerschool 

By establishing healthy technology habits, we can create a positive and enriching learning experience for our students throughout the school year and beyond.