Welcome to Te Wiki o te Reo Māori week. What challenge have you set yourself to improve your reo this week? We have a variety of things happening in the classrooms such as calling the roll in te reo, kahoot games, stick (rakau) games, te reo whakapakari tinana in daily fitness games, te ahu reo Māori lessons with from whaea Felicity and whaea Amanda (Ngati Tahu Ngati Whaoa), new karakia and new waiata. Our tamariki love their te reo and are enjoying these lessons. Learning a new language is proven to be excellent for brain development. It’s a win/win!

Last week I sent a letter home to all parents of our year 6 students. I would like to thank those parents who have had conversations with me and implemented some rules at home around gaming and social media. I have to say, I have already noticed a difference! For that reason, I think it is helpful for other parents to read and understand the dangers of screentime in general:

• Increased Fatigue and Decreased Focus which directly impacts their ability to concentrate during lessons. Students who spend extended hours on screens often struggle with disrupted sleep patterns, leading to diminished attention spans and difficulty staying engaged in class activities. Where are your child’s devices when they should be sleeping?
• Rising Anger Issues and frustration among our students. Exposure to intense or competitive gaming environments can lead to increased irritability and a shorter temper. This change in behaviour is evident in increased classroom disruptions and conflicts with peers, effecting the overall classroom culture and learning environment.
• Behaviour Problems and Disrespect – a correlation between the students who are allowed to game and use social media and an increase in disciplinary issues. These students are more frequently getting into trouble for talking back, being disrespectful to teachers, and engaging in disruptive behaviour. The influence of online interactions and competitive gaming can lead to a lack of respect for authority and a diminished understanding of appropriate behaviour.
• Addiction to Dopamine —a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in the pleasure and reward system of the brain. Many games and social media platforms are designed to trigger frequent dopamine releases, which can create a cycle of immediate gratification and compulsive behaviour. This addiction to dopamine can make it difficult for children to engage in less stimulating, everyday activities, focusing on schoolwork and can add to their overall dissatisfaction and frustration. This often results in difficulty getting them off their device and negative attitudes and behaviours towards parents, teachers, siblings, and peers.

Strategies for Monitoring Screen Time

To help manage these issues, here are some strategies parents can use to monitor and control their child’s screen time:

1. Set Clear Limits: Establish daily or weekly limits on screen time and ensure that these limits are consistently enforced. Use tools like parental control settings on devices to help manage usage.
2. Create a Family Media Plan: Develop a plan that outlines when and where screen time is allowed. Designate specific times for homework, family activities, and recreational screen use.
3. Encourage Alternative Activities: Promote activities that don’t involve screens, such as reading, playing outside, or engaging in hobbies. Balancing screen time with other interests can help reduce dependency.
4. Monitor Content and Interactions: Regularly check the games and social media platforms your child is using. Be aware of the content they are exposed to and their interactions online to ensure they are engaging in appropriate and safe behaviours. Expect online activity to occur in a family area, not the bedroom.

5. Establish Screen-Free Zones: Designate certain areas of the home, such as the dining room and bedrooms, as screen-free zones to encourage more family interaction and better sleep hygiene. Don’t allow screens in the bedroom at sleep time.
6. Be a Role Model: Demonstrate healthy screen habits yourself. Children often mimic their parents’ behaviour, so setting a positive example can reinforce the importance of balanced screen use.

At Reporoa Primary we are committed to supporting our students in achieving their best, both academically and socially. By working together and implementing the strategies above at home, we can all help our children develop healthy habits and positive attitudes that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Thank you for your continued support.