3 minute read
LAST BYTE UP FOR THE CHALLENGE
UP FOR THE CHALLENGE
Dr Phillip Moulds
Headmaster
Digital Parenting has written about digital detoxing, strictly limiting screen time and other methods to reduce our reliance on screen time. Is it working? My experience is yes and no. It is a bit like a yoyo. Or a diet. The benefits may not be long-lasting.
Digital Nutrition, developed by a Sydneybased psychologist, suggests we consider a different perspective on our consumption of bytes.
Jocelyn Brewer, who is associated with Sydney University, says that we really need to be “thinking beyond screen time limits and restrictions, and doing the deep and messy work of understanding our relationship with technology.”
In an article for the Family Online Safety Institute (www.fosi.org), Breyer encourages families to do a few things to shake-up their digital experience:
Diversify your digital diet by skipping a lot of the algorithm-generated links, advertisements and push notifications. She advocates broadening the range of games played, for example, by exploring some options available at Games For Change – a site dedicated to meaningful and positive game play. Create some time to share digital moments with your family. It could provide some insight on each other’s experiences and attitudes.
Don’t snack on empty calories. In other words, skip the crisps – the mindless, frequent checking of your digital media and accounts. Set fixed times to check-in.
Try to find your “sweet spot”. Determine the right amount of ‘connection’ time every day for you. She says that is important.
Brewer advocates mindfulness, meaning, and moderation and that we approach our digital life in ways that align with our individual goals and values.
The theory is that healthy engagement maximizes the benefits of technology and enables us to stay calm, considered, and conscious.
PUBLICATION INFORMATION
The Rockhampton Grammar School takes seriously the challenge of preparing students for today’s world. We treat each student as a whole person through a balance of academic, sporting, co-curricular and social activities. Our School motto is Macte Virtute et Litteris or Grow in Character and Scholarship.
Capricornus Quarterly Digital Parenting is published by: The Rockhampton Grammar School Archer Street, Rockhampton QLD 4700, Australia www.rgs.qld.edu.au (+61) 07 4936 0600 ISSN 1839-4663 ©2019 The Rockhampton Grammar School
The views and opinions stated in this document are the authors’ own and not necessarily those of The Rockhampton Grammar School. The advice and information contained in this document is general in nature and does not take into account personal circumstances. The Rockhampton Grammar School accepts no responsibility for the results of any actions taken on the basis of information in this document.
Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the information contained in this document, The Rockhampton Grammar School disclaims all liability for any error, inaccuracy, or omission from the information contained within.
Dr Phillip Moulds, Headmaster 07 4936 0615 headmaster@rgs.qld.edu.au
Enrolment enquiries 1300 GRAMMAR
The Registrar, Mrs Marissa Holloway 1300 GRAMMAR or 07 4936 0700 registrar@rgs.qld.edu.au Editorial & Advertising Ms Sue Moloney, Acting Director Communications and Development 07 4936 0668 smoloney@rgs.qld.edu.au
Mrs Rachael McDonald 07 4936 0776 rmcdonald@rgs.qld.edu.au
Mrs Ashleigh Harvey 07 4936 0667 aharvey@rgs.qld.edu.au
Contributor: Simon Harding
About the contributor
Simon Harding writes for some of Australia’s largest companies on communications projects, marketing campaigns, technical documents and more. He has published two novels and is a frequent contributor to CQ Digital Parenting.
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