USJ parents learn more about raising kids in a digital world
JACKSON, Tenn.– For parents who are concerned with their children’s use of technology and social media, one specialist has just the answers.
The University School of Jackson welcomed Dr. Devorah Heitner, the author of “Growing up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World,’‘ to speak to parents.
Devorah Heitner studied society and media, and has taken her knowledge on a tour while promoting her book.
“Having an opportunity to bring an expert in who is engaging and is able to have these conversations with our parents. Tomorrow she is going to have this conversation with our students and our faculty is tremendously important in helping us and our students navigate this digital world,” David Suver, upper school director for University of Jackson, says.
Heitner says her book was inspired by her son and students.
“Seeing it in the culture made me realize, we really need to support kids on this stuff. Instead of panicking, we need to mentor kids and not just monitor,” Devorah Heitner, author says.
She also says that the smartest thing parents can do, who are unsure about their child’s tech use, is to just ask them.
“Just talking to your kid and them just showing you. Like ‘hey I want to use this app,’ well show me what you’re going to do with it. Tell me about what your friends are doing with it,” she says.
Heitner also says it’s important to teach kids to know a healthy balance when it comes to tech.
You can do that by supporting them to use tech, or when its becoming unhealthy, teach them how to have a better experience.
“It’s really important that kids feel safe talking to an adult about the experiences they’re having and their games on social media and texting all of those,” Heitner adds.
She says that her book answers more questions that parents may have about their child’s tech use and how to mentor instead of monitor.
