Hi
I realised I haven't sent a newsletter in a while as the months have seemed to slipped by ! A few days ago as I was walking to get a coffee I walked past two ten year old girls who were walking to school. It was refreshing to see that children were allowed to walk to school independently but then my heart sunk as I saw they both had their heads down completely engrossed in their smartphones. They no idea of their surroundings and were not talking to each other. I actually felt an incredible sense of helplessness wash over me seeing what this technological society has done to our children.
Firstly, no child in primary school needs a smart phone. If they have to have a phone, then a simple dumb phone will suffice that allows them to just make calls if necessary. Secondly they don't need social media. Not only do they not need it, but it is actually doing incredible harm as I am sure you all know.
I have just finished reading Jonathon Haidt's book -'The Anxious Generation'. It has to be one of the best books I have read in years. Finally all the research in one place showing clearly the damage social media and smartphones are doing to our teens. There doesn't seem to be as much research around the primary years yet, however logically we can make those links to the harm it would be doing to them too. And as Jonathon Haidt puts it - phones are an experience blocker if nothing else. He suggests no social media until at least 16 - Wow finally experts are coming out and showing why this is vital and how this is backed by research.
It has been promising to hear our government talking recently about bringing in more restrictions around this for our children following on from Florida's recent restrictions on social media for teens. Hopefully our country will follow suit soon.
Georgie :)
In this issue you will find:
- Article: Mindfulness belongs in the classroom
- Recommended Reading: The Anxious Generation
- Video: Dr. Richard Chambers - Defeating distraction and amplifying awareness
- New professionally printed 5 Card Set available now
- Upcoming training workshop dates (New Melbourne, Sydney & Brisbane dates!)
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