Got Common Sense?

Riding on the popularity of the "Got Milk" slogan, I want to introduce parents to an excellent resource for all things digital.  Common Sense Media is a tremendous resource used by the district librarians, technology integrators and teachers for lessons and guidance on navigating the digital landscape.  My hope is that after reading this blog post that parents will begin to use this resource as well.

My first piece of advice is to scroll to the bottom of the page on the Common Sense Media website and locate the area for subscribing to their newsletter.  Now, important new information will come directly to your inbox.  The articles are well written and offer excellent advice.

This is the Mission Statement for Common Sense Media:

"Common Sense is the leading independent nonprofit organization dedicated to helping kids thrive in a world of media and technology. We empower parents, teachers, and policymakers by providing unbiased information, trusted advice, and innovative tools to help them harness the power of media and technology as a positive force in all kids’ lives."

The Common Sense Media website has a full section dedicated to Parents.  The Parent section has a range of topics including reviews of apps, movies, and games.  It also has a Family Guides section that includes information on topics such as Device-Free Dinner, Essential K-5 Guide, Essential Apps and Special Needs Apps.

The Parent section also has a comprehensive Parent Concerns section that includes information on Youtube,  Character Strengths & Life Skills, Technology Addiction,  Screen Time and Cyberbullying to name a few.

What I love most about this information is the positive nature of the website.  Common Sense Media recognizes (as we do at Kearsarge) that technology is important to the life of the 21st-century learner and worker.  The goal is to educate learners and workers on the best practices and safe use of technology.  The goal is not on blocking and withholding access.

Technology allows learners and workers to innovate, create new ideas and products and communicate with a globally connected world.  Technology represents an amazing collection of tools that when used safely and appropriately can truly improve the world.  Education is key and Common Sense Media is a go-to source for timely information that is practical, unbiased and appeals to our common sense!

If you find a resource on Common Sense Media that resonated with you, please share this in the comments section below for others.