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Surf Your Values
This step can include important decisions like moving to high-speed
Internet access,20which will likely change the protections you put in
place. While ongoing computer training is always helpful, I am refer
ring to significant jumps or changes in the way things are done.
Besides major upgrades, what o ther events m ight flag a re
examination of technology in the Lohrmann household? At least
annually, something really new emerges in our family of six. High-
tech Christmas toys get plugged into the home network, a daughter
gets her first cell phone, or a family member starts using the Internet
in very different ways. This prompts a jump back to Step 1, where
we research a n d /o r train those involved.
These technology steps may seem like a burden, but you can turn
these activities into a fun training opportunity. Kids naturally want to
know what you’re doing online, especially if a new box of software or
some cool new device hasjust arrived in the mail or from Best Buy or
Staples. Seize the moment, and explain what’s happening. I’ve found
that those teachable moments often become instant impromptu family
gatherings and opportunities to reenergize good Internet ethics.
Habit #5: Balance Online and Offline Life
In February 2008, The National Institute on Media and the Fam
ily website delivered this message: “From MySpace to Facebook
to Xanga: The promise and peril of ‘hanging out online.’”21The
website urged parents to download their free guide to social net
working, as well as their helpful guides to cell phones, online
gaming, advertising, and more.
In her online resource, “Raising Digital Kids,”22 Robin Raskin
answers a myriad of parenting questions and identifies healthy
activities for children of all ages to grow mentally, socially, and
physically while balancing online and offline life. If only things
were as straightforward for adults.
Technology has so transformed our home and work lives over
the past decade that many are tempted to never disconnect. While
the benefits of unplugging may not seem obvious, consider this
research:
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