3 Reasons to Host a Dig Cit Family Event

Now, more than ever, we are all using technology to work, learn, entertain ourselves, and connect with others! This increased use of technology gives teachers, students, and family members a lot to think about!

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Learners of all ages may be wondering:

• How much screen time is right?
• Am I advancing or hurting relationships through social media?
• What is proper etiquette for the new tools I'm using?

​That's why this just may be the perfect time to consider hosting a family night specifically focusing on tech and social media use!

​Here are three reasons to host dig cit family event!

​1. Help families get on the same page about tech & social media use
Parents may feel uncomfortable about the amount of time their kids are connected, and have questions about who they're interacting with and how. Kids can feel frustrated when they feel they're using technology responsibly, and technology rules & limits seem unnecessary. A digital citizenship family event can be a powerful way to promote dialogue and build more understanding among family members as they explore and discuss their digital experiences and values.

2. Strengthen school & home partnership
The benefits to building a strong community are countless! When parents feel connected to their child's school, teachers, and administrators... when they are engaged in school activities they find meaningful and supportive, they are better equipped to support learning. And since so much learning is happening at home (with and through technology), strong school-home partnerships become even more important! Hosting a dig cit family event gives you the opportunity to forge positive relationships with your community.

3. Foster a CULTURE of digital citizenship
Many schools recognize the importance of digital citizenship. Some may have a speaker come in to talk about responsible tech use; some may even include digital citizenship lessons as part of classroom learning. But if the goal is to help students grow as positive and empowered digital citizens, we want to find ways to embed it into the culture. When you give students and their families an opportunity to think critically about their digital lives, you help instill a culture of digital citizenship.

How can I get started?
In partnership with my friend and digital citizenship colleague, Dr. Kristen Mattson, I have developed a simple, yet powerful concept that promotes reflection, dialogue, and sharing among family members, focusing on aspects of digital life. We present this family night concept in this FREE guide.

Get the Guide (PDF)

​Please use and share this resource with colleagues.

And when you host your digital citizenship family event, I hope that you will reach out and let me know how it goes. Together, we can figure out the best ways to support our students and their families to become more informed and confident digital decision-makers! Let's continue this conversation!

And as always, thank you, educators, for all you do.


Cheers,
LeeAnn

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