When it comes to technology, balance is best

When I was employed as a sales person, I was presenting a pitch to an important client when a video game theme song interrupted our conversation. I tried to ignore it, but it was really disruptive. I don’t play video games and don’t have any on my phone, so I was waiting for him to turn off the noise. I finally pulled out my phone to check it, as more of a gesture than anything. It turns out, my grandchild, who was 5 years old at the time, had downloaded a video game on my phone unbeknownst to me and my pocket had inadvertently engaged it.

When I was 5, I was still learning to write my name. Five year olds today can navigate a digital device like it’s an extension of their bodies.

Like anything else, balance is needed when using technology. Unfortunately, there can be some drawbacks and dangers of digital communication platforms. Technology changes so fast, and it seems that our kids are able to adapt much more quickly than adults can. This puts young people at a higher risk of developing an imbalanced, or even dysfunctional, use of digital platforms. How can we get in front of the technology in order to protect our kids from developing bad habits or stumbling into dangerous online situations?

Last week, we discussed some of the negative effects of digital addiction (which is not a clinical term, but may become classified as a psychological disorder in the future according to the 2013 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). This week’s article is about how to make sure those things don’t happen to you or your kids. Without further ado (and in the spirit of keeping these articles within your attention bandwidth), here are a few tips:

1. Pay attention to the time you and your kids spend online. Some families place restrictions on their online recreation, even setting an alarm to remind them to unplug.

2. Pay attention to what sites your kids are spending time on. It is okay to randomly ask what they’re looking at or check their search history. You are probably already doing that.

3. Pay attention to changes in behavior. That can apply to all of us, but it is easier to see it in someone else than ourselves. Maybe, as a family, you can encourage each other to look for signs of digital addiction: social isolation, being deceptive with others about your use, fidgeting or discomfort when not able to check or use your device, or using your device as a diversion to avoid conflict or interpersonal engagement.

4. Be where they are. Join the social networks they are on. “My teenager told me she wasn’t on Facebook anymore because that’s where I am. So, I joined Snapchat,” a friend told me. Sometimes it involves a learning curve and a time investment to be where they are, but it is time well spent.

5. Allow for curiosity. If a random question pops into our heads, we search it or ask Alexa for the answer and we get one (it may be the wrong one, but it quenches our curiosity). We don’t have to always go online and get the answer. Maybe someone else knows the answer. Maybe have a... I don’t know, conversation with someone.

6. Attend our Safe Tech program on June 5th. If you have teens, bring them with you. Presented by investigators from the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, it will help us to deal with the very real dangers of cyberbullying, exploitation, human trafficking, and other scary situations that our local kids are facing. Because of the sensitive nature of the content, the program is intended for parents and kids 13 and older.

Since our phones, iPads, and other digital devices are not actually an extension of our bodies, we can learn to use them responsibly, setting a good example for young people. Technology has its place in work, relaxation, and learning. You can explore some emerging technologies at The Library when we celebrate the near-completion of Your Library Transformation at our Grand Opening event on Saturday, June 2.

- Saturday, May 26 — Organic Seed Saving, 1-3 p.m. Come and discuss organic gardening and seed saving. Bring food and seeds to share if you can. If you can’t, come anyway! Information: 263-6930 ext. 1243.

- Monday, May 28 — Closed for Memorial Day

- Tuesday, May 29 — Mother Goose & Preschool Storytime – Canceled so that our Children’s Librarian can visit local class rooms about the Summer Reading Challenge! For details visit ebonnerlibrary.org. Next week’s Story Times will take place in the new children’s area! Info: 263-6930 ext. 1211.

- Wednesday, May 30 — Clark Fork Stories & More. 10:30 AM at the Clark Fork Branch. Story time, crafts, prizes, and snacks for kids ages 3-8. Call 266-1321 for information.

- Wednesday, May 30 — Make It at the Library. 2 p.m. at the Clark Fork Branch. Kids make a variety of age appropriate STEAM (science, tech, engineering, art, math) projects. Info: 263-6930 ext. 1245.

- Wednesday, May 30 — STCU Teen Money Workshop – My Life, My Money. 2 p.m. at the Sandpoint Teen Center, 104 S. Division. This free, 1-hour workshop is open to students grades 6–9 (ages 11–15). Join us for a high-energy, snack-packed workshop for students who want to learn about: Spending “needs” and “wants.” Amassing piles of money. Building awesome credit. Info: Morgan 263-6930 or morgan@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Saturday, June 2 — Your Library Transformation grand opening, noon to 4 p.m. at the Sandpoint Branch. The transformation is nearly complete. Join us to celebrate what our community has built; the remodel and expansion of the Sandpoint Branch Library. Enjoy a few brief presentations, a special announcement from Library Director Ann Nichols, cake, entertainment, tours, and demonstrations. For more information, visit ebonnerlibrary.org or find it on our Facebook Events page.

- StoryWalk. A partnership of partnership of the library, Kaniksu Land Trust, city of Dover, and city of Ponderay. In May, at Dover City Park, read “The Perfect Nest” by Katherine Friend. At McNearney Park in Ponderay (behind Panhandle Animal Shelter), enjoy “Kitchen Dance” by Maurie J. Manning. For more information, visit ebonnerlibrary.org or call Suzanne Davis 208-263-6930, ext. 1211, or email suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

Marcy Timblin is in charge of public relations, marketing and community development for the East Bonner County Library District. She can be reached at 208-208-263-6930, ext. 1204.