"It's complicated" can describe many of our relationships with others, both romantic and otherwise. Add digital devices and social media to the mix, and things get complicated even further. Help your kids take the first step toward building healthy and rewarding friendships and romantic relationships, both online and off.
In this video, kids listen to other teens' thoughts and feelings about having and maintaining boundaries in friendships online, in a world of being constantly connected.
Video Link: bit.ly/olyRCv2
Reminder! Today from 3:00 - 4:30 PM there will be a Mobile Food Distribution from at Olympia West Elementary in Minier IL. There are no eligibility requirements, and one box will be distributed per family via curbside pickup.
Reminder! Tomorrow there will be a Mobile Food Distribution from 3:00 - 4:30 PM at Olympia West Elementary in Minier IL. There are no eligibility requirements, and one box will be distributed per family via curbside pickup.
Family Tip #4 (Secondary): Develop their instincts
Help kids learn to trust their guts so they can suss out creepy, risky, or otherwise unsafe online situations. Playact a few scenarios: What if someone asks to take a conversation private? What if someone asks for your phone number? What if someone invites you to a private chat room? Be aware that some kids (even "good" kids) will explore iffy stuff online out of curiosity. But the minute they feel uncomfortable, they need to shut things down.
It's natural for teens to be curious about their emerging sexuality. But most children aren't prepared for the risks of exploring this in the digital age. Help your kids think critically about self-disclosure in relationships and practice how they'd respond to a situation where sexting -- or a request for sexting -- might happen.
In this video, kids can hear other teens' honest -- and sometimes frank -- thoughts about the pressures and risks that come with sexting, then consider how they might react in similar situations.
Video Link: bit.ly/olyRCv5
The middle school track meet scheduled for Saturday April 24th at Bloomington Junior High has been postponed to May1st at 3:00pm.
Family Tip #3 (Secondary): Empathize with the pressure to overshare
Tweens and teens might feel pushed into sharing a sexy photo for different reasons: a dare, fear of damaging a relationship, or just because "everyone else is doing it." But this one is nonnegotiable. Tell them that you understand how bad it can feel to disappoint a friend. Then help them imagine how much worse it would feel if a private picture were shared with their whole school.
For most middle schoolers, being on social media can mean connecting with friends, sharing pictures, and keeping up-to-date. But it can also mean big-time distractions, social pressures, and more. Help your kids navigate the different feelings they may already be experiencing on social media.
In this video, kids hear what other teens have to say about using social media to connect with friends, consider the complications and distractions that can happen, and think critically about how social media affects their own relationships.
Video Link: bit.ly/olyRCv6
The middle school track meet scheduled for today April 20th at Eureka has been cancelled.
OMS Track & Field will be practicing this week only Wednesday-Friday from 3:45-5:30. Shuttles will be running after practice.
Family Tip #2 (Secondary): Learn about their worlds
Tweens and teens have unique communication styles -- especially online. As much as possible, keep an eye on what they're saying and doing online to understand the norm in their worlds. Don't police everything they say, but keep an ear out for aggressive trash-talking, hate speech, rude images, or anything hurtful. If you see stuff that crosses the line, speak up. Kids need to understand that their words have consequences.
Games, social media, and other online spaces give kids opportunities to meet and chat with others outside the confines of their real-life communities. But how well do kids actually know the people they're meeting and interacting with? Help students consider whom they're talking to and the types of information they're sharing online.
In this video, kids hear from teens about the benefits and drawbacks of presenting themselves differently (or even anonymously) to others online, and consider what it means to "be yourself" in digital spaces.
Video Link: bit.ly/olyRCv3
When we talk about our personal beliefs and politics, passions can run high -- especially when we're online. These intense moments can often lead to tit-for-tat insults, or worse. But, if addressed calmly and coolly, they can be an opportunity to find common ground and deeper understanding. Teach your children to keep disagreements civil so their ideas will be heard and so they can advocate for positive change.
In this video, you will hear from Cameron Kasky, Parkland school shooting survivor and March for Our Lives activist, on what he learned about civil discourse online and how to foster common ground with others, even in disagreement.
Video Link: bit.ly/olyRCv7
Video Discussion Activity: bit.ly/olyRCda2
Family Tip #1: Give them the right words.
Kids learn about appropriate verbal and physical communication from watching you. But online conversations can be invisible. Occasionally, narrate as you're writing texts or social media comments when your kids are in earshot.
OMS students engaged in collaborative discussions on whether online shopping is helping or hurting America. Strong feelings were shared from both sides!
**Help Kids Make Friends and Interact Safely Online: Secondary**
So much of kids' social lives happens online. Whether they're texting with their study group, flirting on social media, or voice-chatting on game platforms, middle and high schoolers can learn to communicate in safe and healthy ways. These skills will help kids -- and the people they're communicating with -- have positive experiences online.
1. Give them the right words.
2. Learn about their worlds.
3. Empathize with the pressure to overshare.
4. Develop their instincts.
Mr. Jones and Mrs. Litwiller put together an Easter egg hunt for OHMS staff: The Easter Bunny stopped by a little early this year, to bring our staff some fun and cheer. Begin the hunt and look around, there are eggs that need to be found. You should find the eggs before the day is through. Yes, it may be silly, but it will be fun, too! You might find some candy, or a treat, whatever you find, it's yours to keep! Congratulations to our winners!
5 Myths and Truths About Kids’ Internet Safety
Help keep your kids' online experiences positive and productive by learning the truth (and ignoring the rumors) about what really makes them safe. Article by Caroline Knorr
bit.ly/olyDSA5
How to Talk to Teens About Dealing with Online Predators
We might not want to think about our kids dealing with creepy people online. But for many parents, it's the scariest thing about our kids' digital lives. Use this script to kick off a conversation with your kid. Article by Christine Elgersma
bit.ly/olyDSA4
Parents' Ultimate Guide to Parental Controls
Do you need parental controls? What are the options? Do they really work? Here's everything you need to know about the wide array of parental control solutions, from OS settings to monitoring apps to network hardware. Article by Caroline Knorr
bit.ly/olySDA3
