December 9

Advent

Lord, as we continue our Advent preparations, we ask for Your gift of peace. This week we reflect on the words of John the Baptist crying out in the desert: “The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth.” Fill us with Your peace as You straighten and smooth the paths of our lives, Lord, as we more closely follow Your way. Help us to be peacemakers in the places of our world that are still rough and winding, in our schools, families, and communities. May we continue our preparations for Your coming not from a place of busyness and chaos, but from Your peace and Your peace alone. We make this prayer through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

GENERAL SCHOOL CALENDAR

Adopt-A-Family

The Christmas Present That Can Should Wait

There is a reason why top Silicon Valley executives are saying no to the smartphone until at least 14 for their children.

It is the Christmas item that many parents are asked to add to their list, but they should consider its implications. While the decision of whether or not to give a child a smartphone is a personal one, parents should weigh the potential risks carefully and make a decision they believe is best for their child. Smartphones are distracting and potentially dangerous for children, yet they are widespread in elementary and middle schools due to social pressures, immediate gratification and unrealistic expectations.

Potential Negative Ramifications of Smartphone Use:

• Increased Risk of Anxiety and Depression: Excessive screen time has been linked to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
• Addiction: Excessive smartphone use can lead to addiction, negatively impacting children's mental health and well-being.
• Cyberbullying: Children may be exposed to cyberbullying, which can have serious emotional consequences.
• Distraction: Smartphones can distract children from schoolwork, hobbies, and social interactions.
• Privacy Concerns: Children may not fully understand the privacy implications of using social media and other online platforms.
• Sleep Disruption: The blue light emitted by smartphones can interfere with sleep patterns, leading to sleep deprivation and other health issues.
• Reduced Attention Span: Constant notifications and the fast-paced nature of digital content can shorten attention spans, making it difficult to focus on tasks.
• Impaired Problem-Solving Skills: Excessive screen time can limit opportunities for hands-on, creative play, which is crucial for developing problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Isolation and Loneliness: Overreliance on digital interactions can hinder the development of strong, in-person social bonds, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
• Emotional Regulation Difficulties: Constant exposure to curated online content can distort perceptions of reality and make it harder to regulate emotions.

Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac Catholic School fully supports and endorses the Wait Until 8th movement and pledge. We hope to help parents make informed decisions and feel empowered to take control of their child's potential phone usage. Alternatives are available to smartphones. With the growing dangers of social media, innapropriate texting and many other nefarious aspects that directly affect children's brain development, we call on Saint Jeanne families to take a stand and WAIT!

Are You Aware of the Risks?

Online gaming platforms, no matter how inocent the game may appear, that host chat rooms can pose significant risks to children, especially adolescents, by exposing them to harmful content, predatory behavior, and social challenges. These environments often lack proper moderation, leading to encounters with offensive language, sexual discussions, or references to drugs and violence. Predators can exploit these platforms, using trust-building tactics to manipulate children into sharing personal information or engaging in unsafe actions.

Cyberbullying is a frequent issue, where children may face harassment, threats, or exclusion. The public nature of chat rooms can magnify the problem, as others may join in or encourage negative behavior, leaving the child feeling isolated and emotionally vulnerable. Privacy risks further exacerbate the situation, as children may inadvertently share personal information or fall victim to scams and fraud.

Adolescents, in particular, face additional challenges due to their developmental stage. Online gaming platforms often become spaces for culture signaling, where players promote specific identities, trends, or beliefs to fit in or gain social validation. This can create pressure for adolescents to adopt or conform to certain behaviors or values, even if they contradict their own upbringing or Catholic/Christian beliefs. The rapid exposure to diverse or conflicting ideologies can also increase confusion during a critical time when adolescents are forming their self-identity.

The social dynamics within these platforms can foster stress, anxiety, and feelings of inadequacy, as adolescents may struggle to keep up with the expectations or cultural norms they encounter. Combined with the potential for gaming addiction and exposure to unhealthy interactions, these experiences can negatively impact their self-esteem and overall mental health.

To address these risks, parents and guardians must play an active role in monitoring gaming activity, limiting chat functions, and fostering open communication. Educating children about the dangers of oversharing, teaching them to critically evaluate the influences they encounter, and encouraging them to report harmful interactions are crucial. By emphasizing safety, boundaries, and critical thinking, parents can help adolescents navigate these platforms while protecting their well-being. Although research supports this simple fact, common sense should also...kids who play outside, regularly read books, learn to or play an instrument, or even play boardgames are far less likely to engage with or be affected by online gaming and online chat rooms. Parents need to become fully aware of the risks, no matter what their child(ren) tell them about online gaming.

Resource Link: Cyber Safety Cop 

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