WMS Newsletter - March 2024

I wanted to take this opportunity to focus on technology and our students.  As you know, technology is quickly changing and is becoming easier and easier for students to manipulate.  Since we have a no-phones-at-school policy, we expect students to keep their phones and ear buds inside their backpacks the entire school day.  However, we still feel the repercussions of social media.  Students are crushed when they see or hear that something has been posted about themselves or their friends.  Something small can get big quickly.  Also, with the daily advancements and money to be made in getting students on apps, our students are becoming increasingly vulnerable.  If your child has a cell phone or is around others with a device that is connected to the internet, please be aware of these potential issues:

• Your student’s location may be tracked by people you don’t know. 

• Your student may have followers you don’t know. 

• Your student may be creating profiles using their friends’ devices and then checking them when possible.

• Your student may be creating fake profiles of other students and sharing them.

• Your student may not be honest about their device activity because they are afraid of losing access.

• Algorithms are designed to increase traffic to the highest paying apps and sites regardless of age of user.

• Algorithms are designed to addict humans and make it difficult to focus on other things.

• Young people are tech savvy and are able to bypass restrictions put on devices. 

It’s understandable that students want devices, but we do need to consider what we are handing them, especially at this age.  We know middle school students are dealing with many emotions.  Making good decisions when under even a small amount of emotional stress is very difficult as their brains are not yet fully developed.  As the adults in their lives, we can help by limiting their exposure to devices.  Not everyone has a cell phone at this age.  Not everyone is allowed to have their cell phone or device 24/7.  It is completely normal to monitor devices and limit when they are allowed to use them. 

As adults, we know how the internet works to funnel us into certain storylines, opinions and advertisements.  It’s important we consider what students are being exposed to on a regular basis.  Even if your student doesn’t have a device, they are still exposed second hand.  These are good opportunities to talk about the business and real purpose associated with the internet and cell phones with your students. 

Please reach out if you have any questions.

What I’m reading now:  Every Connection Matters, Michael Creekmore & Nita Creekmore 
What I’m still reading:  The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store, James McBride

Stephanie Page

Woodward PTO President

woodward.president@bainbridgeptos.org