October 20, 2020
Remember: The Children Are Watching
Digital Citizenship Week, (Oct.19-23)
The pandemic has required us to communicate more than ever from behind our devices. Periods of quarantine and fewer events on our calendars also mean that we are more frequently turning toward our phones, tablets, desktops, and other electronics for information and interaction. Unfortunately, as we become less and less engaged in interpersonal communication, we tend to forget that there are actual people on the receiving end of our messages. As we enter Digital Citizenship Week, I urge you to remember our shared humanity and set an example for communicating civilly and respectfully – especially because our children are watching.
Here are some ways we can all work on Digital Citizenship together:
Think before hitting ‘send’ or ‘enter’
With the political season upon us and the COVID-19 pandemic still present, the emotional reactions we have to news are often exacerbated, and understandably so. When you consume information – especially information that’s not completely in line with your own opinions – please pause and think before sharing a response. Don’t let your emotions get the best of you. Yes, technology enables us to issue an immediate response, but that does not mean it will be an effective one. The words you use may, instead, offend someone whose opinion you seek to change and ‘turn them off’ to receiving your message. So, first, think about your purpose. If that’s to engage in a conversation that may lead to meaningful change, then decide who you should communicate with and how you can reach out in a way that will lead to the productive, back-and-forth exchange of ideas.
Draw a line between venting and toxicity
Sometimes, our emotions bubble up, and we just need to vent. That’s healthy! We should, however, remember the important difference between venting frustrations appropriately and responsibly, versus hurling baseless commentary that hurts those on the receiving end or creates a toxic culture. We need unity now more than ever to get us through uncharted waters, and we need to lift up our teachers and administrators as they work tirelessly to adapt to new schedules and formats. But constructive – not cruel – criticism is best. Again, that’s done by addressing the correct person with the appropriate frustration. So, for example, do not send angry emails to teachers when a learning platform isn’t working for you. It’s also done with an understanding that when you are emailing, calling, or posting about a staff member, they likely have their own children … who also are listening and watching.
Focus on facts, or don’t bother sharing
As we operate our schools in a pandemic – and look ahead to hopefully adding more in-person instruction and activities – we must be especially conscious of how we share information about COVID. Please do not share hearsay or speculate as to who may have tested positive. We must create an environment this year where people feel comfortable sharing with us if they have symptoms or test positive for this contagious virus. Our health officials rely on that information to keep us all safe and keep our doors open. Also, accurate information is one of the best defenses against the spread of COVID. We should make it a habit to always check facts (which means checking sources before sharing information), but that’s especially important this year.
Within the Ramsey School District, we pride ourselves on our ability to communicate often and thoroughly across multiple channels, including social media. We recognize the value of social media by including Digital Citizenship in our curriculum and by expanding our Parent Academies to help parents deal with the very complex issues associated with today’s very connected world.
Here’s another example: Our amazing Media Specialists have developed 5 important tips and packaged them in daily doses. Their 1-minute video previews all of them, including the concept of a digital footprint, the reminder to “think before you post” (because it’s permanent!), and the savvy skills of media literacy. To get their daily tips, follow them on Twitter @RamseyHSMedia, @SmithLibraryMed, @DaterITC, @HubbardReads, and @TisdaleReads. Go beyond one-way communication to share your own tips and experiences, using the hashtag #DigCitRam20 to search for all mentions across all those accounts.
This has been an incredibly difficult year for everyone, and I couldn’t be prouder of how we have continued to move forward, over each new hurdle in our path. I ask our families and community members to continue to help lift up our schools. Please use the megaphones you have through social media and your communications with our administrators and staff to spark new ideas and collaborations to make us stronger. We have an incredible community and school district!
Very truly yours,
Matthew J. Murphy, Ed. D.
Superintendent of Ramsey Public Schools
