As the world observes Mental Health Awareness Month this May, Learning.com, a leading provider of digital literacy
solutions, is taking proactive steps to address a pressing issue: the need for
young learners to develop healthy relationships with technology. Recognizing
that banning technology isn't the solution, Learning.com is engaging educators
and parents in the conversation.
"As parents, educators and humans, it goes beyond mere awareness; it's
about taking action. We have an obligation to teach our kids how to live safely
in the world of technology," said Learning.com CEO Lisa O'Masta.
"We believe that by providing educators and parents with the necessary
resources and guidance, we can equip children with the skills they need to
navigate their digital world safely and confidently."
For O'Masta, the issue is personal. In an emotional video, she shared her story of experiencing a
parent's worst nightmare – her teenager attempted to take his own life
following a series of common and problematic online interactions. Similar
scenarios have played out for families across the country. In fact, the issue
is so pervasive that in 2023 the Surgeon General issued a mental health advisory on the dangers of social media for
young people.
Yet students must learn to safely and effectively navigate and leverage the
vast digital world in order to be college- and career-ready. As a leading
provider of digital literacy curriculum, Learning.com hosted a webinar
on "Helping Kids Create a Healthy Relationship withTechnology," on May 21, 2024. The panel featured the following experts:
- Cary
Perales, Director of Instructional Technology, Corpus Christi Independent
School District
READ MORE: Yes, you can raise healthy, smart, kind kids in a screen-saturated world
Additionally, Learning.com is releasing some of its popular educational
resources for teachers and parents to use throughout Mental Health Awareness
Month. The following video lessons and downloadable activities can be found at learning.com/mental-health-awareness-month:
- Grades K-2. In the video "Pearl's Private
Password" students follow Rocki and Pearl as they learn about
usernames and passwords, and gain an understanding of the basics of
internet privacy and safety. A downloadable workbook and printable templates
allow children to act out the stories and reinforce takeaways from the
lesson
- Grades 3-5. In "Cyberbullying: A Sticky
Situation" students follow Sal as he experiences cyberbullying.
Students learn to recognize different types of cyberbullying, and what to
do when they see or experience it. Downloadable discussion sheets and a
poster encourage students to think about cyberbullying from different
perspectives and foster empathy.
- Grades
6+. The "Dealing with Cyberbullying" video lesson teaches
students about the harmful effects of cyberbullying, and reminds older
students how to be good digital citizens. Downloadable case studies with
prompts to foster critical thinking and deeper discussion among students,
teachers and parents.
At Learning.com, we believe it's critical for K-12 students,
regardless of background or circumstances, to have a healthy relationship with
technology, resulting in improved academic outcomes, tangible life skills, and
more meaningful connections with one another. Founded in 1999, the company
partners with millions of students, educators, district administrators and
state legislators to bridge the digital learning gap and ensure every learner
has the skills to successfully navigate in and out of the classroom. Learning.com
has earned more than 30 industry awards including the Award of Excellence from
"Tech & Learning" and ISTE Best of Show.
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