COUNSELOR’S CORNER with Ms. Patty:

A Healthy Relationship with Screens

It’s hard to believe it was 2 years ago this month that ISY first closed its campus due to Covid and began online learning.  Students needed to access and use digital tools and many had little knowledge of how to  use them before the pandemic.  With the increased use of digital media, students learned to access other screen entertainment.  Recently, Common Sense Media published their research confirming that media use by older elementary children has grown faster since the start of the pandemic than it did in the four years prior to the pandemic.  It’s not reasonable to expect children to avoid all screen time, but how can we help our children to find a healthy relationship with their screens?

• Model a balanced relationship with screens.  Balance your own media use with exercise, connecting with family and friends and healthy sleep habits.  Put your own screen down to listen and engage with your family.
• Show an interest in what your child is doing online.  It is easier to guide and support your child to develop healthy media habits if you understand how they are spending their time.
• Inquire about their well-being.  Online platforms can influence your child’s social and emotional health.  Ask them how they feel about their screen choices and the content they are viewing.  Do they feel supported online?  Can they recognize unhealthy influences?

If you are interested in reading more about Common Sense’s Report on Media Use, it can be viewed here.

Ms. Patty has had the pleasure of serving the ISY community for the past 9 years.  She is available to support students and families.  You can reach her at escounselor@isyedu.org

Patty Amundson-Geisel

Pre-K to Grade 6 Counselor