Finding Balance with Devices Visual Aid

Since I'm a visual person I regularly utilize visual aids when teaching. Here is the visual from an earlier blog post that provides tips for your kids to help find a balance with Technology so it doesn't interfere negatively into their routines and life. 

You can find the original blog post with more information here: https://www.teachingdigitalliteracy.com

How to End Guided Access on an iPhone?

So I recently was locked out of my own phone after giving it to my son to use at a restaurant during a late dinner. I enabled guide access (like I usual do anytime my child has my phone) but when I went back to check my phone I was locked out with my code not working. After scouring the Internet with my husbands phone and trying every tip I could find off of Mac forums I found a solution that finally worked. Since I am sure this will not be the last time I'm locked out of my phone I figured I should write a quick post and share the tips I found. 

To get out of Guided Access you need to: 

-Triple-click the side button to unlock with a PIN; or

-Double-click the side button to unlock with Face ID.

*Now if you forgot your PIN and need to force a restart:

Press and quickly release the Volume Up button. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Then, press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.

On older models forcing a restart can be done by holding both side button and home button until the screen restarts.

In both scenarios once the phone restarts you'll be prompted to use your passcode and you'll have access again.

So friends I hope this helps if you've found yourself locked out of your iPhone. 


*Now for reference I have a iPhone 8 with the iOS 12 operating system.  

Creating a Positive Relationship with Technology:

As parents we need to set the standard regarding technology use. If we want our kids to develop a healthy online/offline balance, they need to see us as parents doing the same. 

How to create a positive relationship with Technology: 

• Sets boundaries regarding Technology use
• Set screen-time limits, downtime and screen-free times for yourself. This could include screen-free meals, screen-free zones in the house (like the bedroom or dinning room), and downtime (like before bed). I also like to include app limits (like on social media apps) so that I'm reminded when I've hit a certain time. Since I do need to use social media for blogging and growing my page by setting app limits I'm more purposeful when I am using the app and don't get sucked into the mindless searching or scrolling that sometimes occurs on these apps. This could also mean restricting device-use in bedrooms so that everyone can get a better nights sleep.
• Sets tech-positive environment 
• How do you look at technology? Is it a tool to make your life easier? Creating a tech-positive environment is about how you react and look at technology. If we can demonstrate that there our times for technology use and times (like family time or meal time) where we unplug we can help create a balance. Try not to judge what your child might be interested in. Certain apps, games and YouTube videos may seem odd to you but try and ask why your child is interested in them. Using curiosity instead of judgement will help foster a tech-positive environment and open communication. Creating a Family Media Plan and following it as a family will also help create a tech-positive environment. 
• Models acceptable and respectful online activities 
• When online we as parents should use positive language and show our kids positive social interactions. We can also demonstrate consent by asking our kids permission before posting images or videos of them. If we can model acceptable online behavior our kids will follow suit. 

Please follow us @TeachingDigitalLiteracy on Instagram for weekly quotes, inspiration and helpful information about technology. 

Setting Up Parental Controls in YouTube Kids

I have always had a love/hate relationship with YouTube and YouTube Kids. It offers a wealth of useful how-to videos and interesting clips but kids can easily fall down a rabbit hole of odd, weird and sometimes inappropriate videos. I have resisted setting up the YouTube Kids App on my 5 year olds iPad. With the onset of complaints from parents regarding inappropriate videos YouTube Kids has been updated with new parent safety controls that make me feel  more comfortable in letting my son use the app. 

How to Set up Parental Controls on YouTube Kids: 

Photo: YouTube Kids

1. Open Settings 
2. Select Child’s profile 
3. Go to “approved content only.” Add channels (like PBS Kids or Sesame Street) that you approve. *This turns off your kids ability to search for content and only will show them channels you approve. 

Some things to note about YouTube Kids’ New Features: 

• There is an older kids mode (geared towards age 8-12) which offers more content such as music and gaming videos. 
• You can add different children into the App so that each child has there own profile with safety setting and channels and search capabilities set to the specific child’s developmental ability. 
• Time Limits can also be set. 
• Block videos you don’t want your kids viewing 
• Check out what your kids are watching with ‘Watch History’

Photo: YouTube Kids

New Year ... Time to Reflect on Screentime and adjust your Family Media Plan

It's a New Year and that means you may have some new devices in the house. Now that the Holiday chaos has ended and we are resetting into 2019, it might be a good time to update those Family Media Plans or create one if you haven't already. Setting up parental controls and screen time rules and procedures and then be consistent with those rules. This will help your kid create a online/ offline balance. Cell Phones, tablets and gaming devices all have enormous power in connectivity and interaction and we want to makes sure our kids are developmentally able to handle the responsibility of the device they are using. We also want to be sure the devices aren't interfering in sleep, school-work and our kids emotional and social well-being. 

If you want to create a Family Media Plan, check out Creating a Family Media Plan Blog Post. 

If you want to learn more about Parental Controls, check out Utilizing iOS12 Parental Controls

Learn to Read Apps & Websites

Tech Holiday Gift Guide

Tech Holiday Gift Guide 

There can be a lot of pressure as parents to get the “it” gift for the Holidays but I’m here to encourage you to make sure your child is ready for the Tech/ device/ game you are considering gifting. The simple act of giving “access” (with parental controls) is a awesome gift in it of itself. Now I don’t know about you but I’m not handing over my iPad unless I have a kid-friendly, kid-proof case for my son. I’ve listed some of my favorites below as well as some amazing headphones (that meet OSHA recommendations of 80dB). Gifting a phone, gaming device or tech-enable watch or other Tech is a big responsibility and you want to make sure your child is 100% able to handle that responsibility. I also would recommend setting up a ‘Family Media Plan’ with the rules and consequences of using the device. We want to help our children have a healthy relationship to Technology and devices. 

Headphones:

2 features to look for: noise canceling and limited volume (under 85 decibels)  

iPad or Kindle Covers: