SEEC principals engaged in conversations and learning on tech use, social media, and cell phones in schools at the October 10th SEEC Principal Connect Meeting. SEEC staff work to support school leaders by researching and bringing forward resources that address current and critical needs in our schools, such as those produced by The Social Institute (TSI). The Social Institute is at the forefront of helping schools equip students to make high-character choices online and offline – as students, families, and educators deal with modern day problems at school.
During the meeting, principals reviewed data from TSI's 2024 Insights Report, discussed efforts being made in SEEC schools to foster healthy online habits, and watched a recent webinar focused on the book "The Anxious Generation," that modeled how to engage students and families in conversations around tech and social media.
Additional FREE resources from The Social Institute can be found HERE. Resources include blogs, TSI Insights, webinars, technology in the press, parent resources, and information on the student ambassador program. All educators would benefit from subscribing to the TSI newsletter, The Huddle: Cringe-Tested Discussion Prompts on the Trending News Impacting Students - to stay current and feel supported through this trusted partner.
Here is an example of the kind of information included in the newsletter: California has joined the growing number of states and provinces in banning cell phones in schools, reflecting a trend of new legislation aimed at reducing distractions. Regardless of school policies on phone use, learning to navigate digital distractions is an essential modern life skill for all students.
Recommended resources to support student learning & well-being this school year:
“The Anxious Generation” Unpacked: Insights from a child psychologist and K-12 students about the book’s recommendations and best practices to navigate tech and social media positively: Watch our on-demand Huddle Up Episode, where we lock arms with Dr. Jessica Anderson, a Child Psychologist, and TSI Student Ambassadors to amplify student voices and bring them into the conversations that impact them.
Creating a Classroom Technology Policy to Avoid Digital Distractions: Whether or not your school is implementing a phone ban this year, educators face the challenge of delivering strong learning experiences while digital distractions are everywhere. So how can we empower and equip students, instead of scare and restrict? Download this Classroom Technology Policy to help your students manage their relationship with tech in class.
Family Standards Agreement – Rookie, Varsity, Pro Edition: With 91% of students having a smartphone by age 14, families are looking to huddle with their children about navigating tech in positive, high-character ways (Child Mind Institute). By easing them into technology —think Rookie, Varsity, Pro — we can prepare students to develop healthy habits for navigating social media and tech. Download this Family Standards Agreement to help your students manage their relationship with tech.
On-Demand Webinar: How Families & Educators Can Partner to Build Essential Student Skills for a Tech-Fueled World: Watch now for an interactive webinar featuring experts Dr. Emily Weinstein, an adolescent psychologist and co-director of the Center for Digital Thriving at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and Dr. Jacqueline Nesi, a clinical psychologist, professor at Brown University, and author of the parenting newsletter Techno Sapiens to discover how families & educators can partner to build essential student skills for a tech-fueled world. Those who attend live will get 1 hour of CEU credits.
On-Demand Webinar: AI at School with an ISTE Author: Tools, Tips, and Trends: Watch now for an insightful webinar with Laurel Kirchhoff, an ISTE Author, educator, and digital learning specialist, as we explore how K-12 educators and school leaders can navigate AI and tech this fall. Together, we’ll provide proactive and positive strategies that educators can implement immediately, helping to launch the start of the school year with confidence.
This is just an example of ONE topic covered during the October SEEC Principal Connect Meeting but a great one that demonstrates how our SEEC Principals and SEEC staff work together to learn, collaborate, lead, and grow in supporting our learners and educators!
By Jen Glasheen, SEEC Director of Teaching and Learning