Heitner returned to GPS to discuss her most recent book, “Growing Up Public.” Her presentation guided adults in helping young people, who have a digital reputation/footprint, develop healthy boundaries and safeguard privacy in an increasingly screen-centered world. She offered tips that encourage young people to generate content that is constructive and sensitive to the feelings of others.
Heitner is a media technology specialist and founded Raising Digital Natives. Her first book, “Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in their Digital World,” was written for parents and educators seeking advice on how to help children flourish in a world of constant connectedness.
Take Away
Marquardt School District 15 Communications Coordinator Lindsay Diehl co hosted the event and shared the following takeaway:
Dr. Heitner's incredible research in online media shows us how important it is to encourage positive content, healthy boundaries, and open conversations with our children about their digital reputation. Since the pandemic, technology has trickled down to younger ages. During this time of learning about their own digital footprint, we should allow our young people "do-overs", while we as adults model doing the right thing. Friends are a real, two-way relationship, but social media followers are not. Knowing that there is someone on the other side of the screen is an important lesson in empathy. Stay calm and give grace during this heavily digital age. It's critical that we show compassion to them and to ourselves.
Resources
Digital Families Podcast: Managing Your Child's Screentime with Dr. Heitner (2021) HERE
