Putting a Halt to Unlimited Screen Time

Putting a Halt to Unlimited Screen Time

We all know our kids spend too much time looking at their phones. The question is how does it affect them over time, and what do we do about it? Studies show that the average teen spends a whopping 6 hours and 40 minutes in front of a screen per day. That’s right, per day! In this study, screen time included phones, TVs, computers, and tablets. Did you know that as much as half of that time is spent on more than one device at a time? How often do you see your kid in front of the TV, yet they have their phone in hand, scrolling through social media or watching a video on YouTube? Let’s face it, we’re probably guilty of the same thing!

This large amount of screen time is bound to do some damage. Obesity rates rise, time spent socializing with family and friends decreases, as does the mental health of our teens. On the flip side, when a child’s screen time is monitored and regulated, there are improvements in physical activity levels, social interactions, and academic performance. Knowing those facts, it’s clear to see that it will be worth your time to come up with a plan on how to set screen time limits.

Here are some ways you could begin to limit your child’s screen time (and not be met with great resistance):

Be a good role model.

They watch our actions more than they listen to our words so be a good role model. Set the tone of the household when it comes to electronics and their usage. It’s hard to tell them not to be on their phones all the time when you are always on yours.

Let them know your rules about screen time and stick with them!

Read that again. You could draft all of your rules regarding screen time but if you don’t follow through and enforce them, what good are they?

Educate your teens.

Let them know what the dangers are with too much time spent in front of a screen and share with them the benefits. After all, how are they supposed to make wise decisions if they don’t have all of the facts?

Screen time is earned.

Having a hard time enforcing your new screen time rules? Then take it all away and make them earn it back. Perhaps they need to do their chores before they get an hour of screen time. Maybe they need to get an A or a B on a big test to earn some screen time. You set the goal and you set the reward time.

No screens at meal time.

A lot of families implement this rule. It’s a simple one: no TV, tablets, phones, etc. during meal times. Instead, encourage the old-fashioned pastime of talking to one another face-to-face. Share your day and ask them about theirs. It’s wonderful!

Skip the screen.

Have a certain day or two of the week where you “skip the screen.” This can make people anxious at first, but then they’ll love it! It’s so nice to unplug once a week.

You may go into this battle of reducing screen time with your guard up, anticipating the worst outcome but you may be pleasantly surprised after they get into the groove of the limited times. Your family will grow stronger because of it and your child will benefit academically. Stay strong and get over any initial push back because it will get easier and setting boundaries will be good for everyone.

If you have a 5-12th grader that is struggling a bit in school, why not try something different than the traditional education setting? As a student at My Virtual Academy, your child would get to work from the comfort of their own home, at their own pace, at times that best fit their own schedule. Who wouldn’t thrive with that way of learning? Please click here to visit our website or give our Enrollment Specialists a call at 800-297-2119 to have our program explained in detail and to have all of your questions answered! We hope to hear from you soon!

Positive Adult Role Models Make All The Difference

Positive Adult Role Models Make All The Difference

Teenagers are forced with life-changing decisions each and every day. Pressures to smoke, drink alcohol, do drugs, and have sex are coming at them left and right during these formative years and having positive adult role models in their lives will help your teen make the right decisions and stay on the right path.

Teens might not realize it, but their behavior and the decisions they make can have consequences that last their entire life. At that age, teens don’t have a total understanding about how their actions today can affect their later years. This is where having a loving, guiding, nurturing adult comes into play. Conversations adults have with teens can motivate them to do the right thing when faced with these decisions and give them the tools they need to get themselves out of sticky situations. Adult role models also lead by example so lead the best life possible and the teens around you will notice.

There are many ways adults can be positive role models in the lives of teenagers. We’re going to give you some ways you can be a positive presence and help encourage those around you starting today!

Modeling Positive Behavior

As an adult, you can have a MAJOR impact on the lives of those around you, and that can be a positive impact or a negative one – it’s up to you and the behavior that you model. When you set a positive example and lead a life of integrity, honesty, and self-worth, are diligent, hard-working, honest, and are kind toward others, those around you (including teens) will learn from your example. If you help hold open the door for an elderly person or a mom who is struggling to push her stroller into a store, this models to others around you the polite, caring, and thoughtful thing to do. If you notice someone struggling and don’t hold the door because you are in a hurry and only worried about yourself, that teaches those around you a lot too. Do the right thing and lead by example. Others are watching your actions more than you might realize.

 Quality TimeModeling positive Behavior

Show the teens around you that you care and are interested in them by spending good, quality time with them. Studies have shown that spending time with your teen can help boost their self-esteem and give them a greater feeling of self-worth. It’s a great time to bring up their strengths and encourage them to put them to good use. For example, if you notice that your teen likes shooting hoops in the driveway and is pretty good at it, this would be a great time to tell them that you noticed their passion and excellence in basketball and encourage them to try out for the local basketball team. Does your teen have a passion for helping others? Spend some quality time together helping the community by volunteering at a local soup kitchen or shelter. Show your teen that you are really focused on them by actively listening. This let’s your teen feel more connected, shows that you care about what they are talking about, and reinforces social skills.

The Benefits Are Abundant

The more positive adult role models a teen has in their life, the better. Research has proven that those with three or more positive role models directly relates to how likely they are to succeed, resist using drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, and those teens typically have a higher rate of graduation. It is thought that teens with multiple good role models are equipped with the skills to effectively refuse what is being offered to them and Non-Parental Role Modelsstand up for what they think is right. These skills can help get teens out of tricky situations. Teens with positive role models have also decided to pursue more challenging careers. This is likely due to the fact that they feel they have the support backing their decision.

 Non-Parental Role Models

Role models come in many forms; they don’t have to be limited to the teen’s parents. Often times, non-parental role models can “get through” to teens when their parents can’t. While parents are still the main role models in their children’s lives, it’s important to welcome other supportive, positive adult role models into the fold as well. There are many great options out there but make sure the role models you welcome into your teens lives are positive, encouraging, and lead by good example. Older siblings, teachers, coaches, older relatives, pastors, and trusted neighbors are all examples of people who could be excellent role models for your teen. Everyone brings different perspectives, skills, and outlooks to the table so appreciate them and the influence they have. You never know who might light a fire in your child and encourage them to lead their best life!

Adults have the important task to inspire, motivate, and encourage teens and those around them to persevere and strive to reach their goals. These role models also encourage teens to lead a positive, contributing life. It’s not always an easy task, but the rewards are worth it! How do you act as a positive role model for your teen? Leave a comment below and head over to our Facebook page to share your thoughts with other parents and role models in the My Virtual Academy community. We’d love to hear from you!

Teens and the Internet Exposing Hidden Dangers

Teens and the Internet Exposing Hidden Dangers

When kids are little, you can count on every parent having the conversation about “stranger danger” with their little ones. Kids are taught from a young age to never go anywhere with a stranger. Never take candy from a stranger. Don’t so much as make eye contact with a stranger. Parents talk until they are blue in the face about this topic when their kids are little, but many don’t talk with the same sense of urgency (or at all) about the dangers lurking on the internet as their child gets older.

Many parents have the FALSE notion that if they had “the talk” with their kids as littles, they will know to stay away from strangers as they get older.

The problem is that strangers look a lot different and appear in different forms as kids get older. True, there are still strangers that could physically approach them, but as times have changed, so has the way predators prey on their victims and often times it’s done anonymously online.

The dangers of the Internet

The reason this should be so scary is because as parents, you aren’t overseeing every site that your kids visit. You aren’t on their apps acting as them. You don’t know who they are talking to. We assume it’s their friends but that term is used loosely online and a “friend” isn’t someone they necessarily ever met.

Sometimes, kids take friend requests or strike up conversation with someone that they think is someone of the same age when in actuality, it’s a 50 year-old man who lives in another state or country. They end up sharing pictures with this person, not realizing they aren’t talking to who they think they are. It can get dangerous, especially if they try to meet up with them to hang out. A situation that your teen thinks is innocent can take a turn for the worse in a flash.

This is why it is so important to have a grown-up version of “the stranger danger talk” with them. They need to have their eyes open to the dangers that live on the internet and how to use it safely. Teens are notorious for living on the edge and feeling invincible so having this conversation with them in a serious manner is important.

In addition to having a serious talk with them, there are things you can do to empower yourself and keep a better eye on your teen and their internet behaviors.

Get Informed

New technology seems to come out daily so it can be overwhelming to stay on top of all of it, but you have to try. Even if you see no reason to personally be on Facebook or have an Monitoring your kids onlineInstagram account, get one! You actually do have a personal reason to be on social media – because your teen is! Familiarize yourself with them at least a little bit and start following your child. You will be able to see what they post and monitor their friend list just by being on there.

Staying informed isn’t just about keeping up with social media. Knowing the devices they are on is also crucial. Do you know how to work a smart phone? How about their tablet? These handheld devices are always at their disposal and are most likely the way they will be accessing the internet so you should be familiar with them.

Parental Controls

Parental controls are your friend! These can be set up on most devices ranging from TV’s to phones. These controls allow you to regulate which content they are allowed to view, what they can download, what times they can use the device, the list goes on and on. Use these to your benefit. You should also update your password every so often. Kids can be sneaky and they will at some point figure out your parental control password. Keeping it fresh and new will keep them from overriding the limitations you put on.

Hidden Apps

Did you know that you can hide apps in plain sight!? That’s right! There are actually apps that allow you to download icons that are used to mask the original icon as a way of making the app look harmless to the naked eye. A simple Google search will yield tons of results on the various apps that provide these icons as well as things to look for to see if your teen is using them.

Shopping

Public Profiles

Public profiles are a huge no-no, especially for a teen because they mean just that – the public can see them and everything they post. People usually post pictures of things they are doing, trips they have been on, them hanging out in their room. They even post where they are in real time by “checking in.” These are things that are ok for their friends to see (and by friends, we mean people they actually know) but you wouldn’t want these pictures or information out in the public. It’s back to the whole stranger danger thing. You don’t want the wrong info getting into the wrong hands.

Ways to Monitor Activity

Many parents don’t want to feel like they are spying on their teens but when it comes to their safety, there’s nothing wrong with monitoring their online activity. It doesn’t need to be secretive. Be open and honest about why you are concerned and how you will be monitoring them. Let them know that it’s for their benefit and to keep them safe. They will probably be mad at first but if they have nothing to hide, they’ll get over it. There are many different types of monitoring software out there and it would require some research on your end to determine which one fits your needs best. Monitoring isn’t the right option for everyone but we want you to know that it is a possibility.

Let’s face it, kids these days are going to be online. They will have a social presence. They almost have to in order to succeed in today’s virtual world. It’s better to have a handle on their activities now while you still can and teach them the ways to be smart and safe online. Preparation and knowledge are key. Talk about safety and the dangers out there before they are venturing out on their own and into adulthood.

Anxiety: The Signs May Be Hiding in Plain Sight

Anxiety: The Signs May Be Hiding in Plain Sight

Every person on this planet of ours has anxiety. Some people can handle stress and anxiety with no problem, while others may show signs of more severe anxiety, which is actually a signal they might have an anxiety disorder. You may be wondering just what exactly is anxiety? Well, anxiety is a normal Anxiety drawingreaction to stress. Our bodies typically respond to stressful events or situations by giving us a rapid heartrate, sweating, and a feeling of jitter or nervousness. That’s all perfectly normal and are healthy responses to stress that we encounter.

Some teens have anxiety that goes to the next level. For some, their anxiety symptoms get so bad that they actually interfere with their daily living. Their friendships, relationships, school work, and extracurricular activities all take a hit because their anxiety makes it impossible to live life in a “normal” way. During the teen years, signs that your teen may be struggling with anxiety can be very hard to spot. Think about how their behavior has changes since hormones came into play. There’s a good chance that the kid you once knew is flipping their behavior and attitude on a dime, and it can be very hard to distinguish when anxiety has gone to the next level.

All hope is not lost! There are some warning signs to keep an eye out for. If you notice your teen displaying any of these signs of anxiety, it is a good idea to bring it up to their doctor.

  • Increased irritability
  • Lack of concentration
  • Avoiding social situations
  • Isolating themselves
  • Restless
  • Frequent outbursts
  • Wanting to spend time alone
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Reoccurring headaches
  • Stomach issues
  • Overall ill feeling
  • Inability to fall asleep or stay asleep
  • Lack of appetite or insatiable appetite
  • Nightmares
  • Sudden drop in grades

After reading all of those symptoms, it’s clear that having an anxiety disorder would be no fun to live with. If your teen is having a hard time and you think they may have an anxiety disorder, please seek help from a mental health practitioner. There are a variety of treatments for anxiety disorders ranging from simple breathing techniques to medications in more severe cases.

Does your teen suffer with anxiety? They are not Teen with anxiety talking to a therapistalone! At My Virtual Academy, students come to us for a variety of reasons, one of which is bad anxiety that makes it impossible to function in a traditional classroom. Once enrolled with My Virtual Academy, students are able to do their schooling from the comfort of their own home, without the stressors that a typical classroom can give. Students are able to carve out times each day to do their school work that best fits their unique schedule. If your teen struggles to keep up with the rest of the class and feels as though they are being pushed along, they’ll be happy to hear they can work at their own pace. Best part of all is that we are a tuition-free program! If your 5-12th grader would benefit from virtual learning, please visit our website to learn more or give us a call at 800-297-2119. Hope to hear from you soon!

What’s Got You Down? Depression in Today’s Teens

What’s Got You Down? Depression in Today’s Teens

You probably noticed that around the age of 12, your child became moody, temperamental, rebellious, and wanted to spend more time alone in their room. Adolescence is always a trying time for parents and for their kids! It’s perfectly normal for kids this age to feel a bit down from time to time, but what happens if your once happy-go-lucky teen is now down-in-the-dumps-Debbie?

Think back to a recent time when your teen asked what was for dinner. Did they overreact and get upset when they found out it was something that they didn’t like? Now think to a time when they were looking for a shirt to wear for school. Even though they had 12 shirts hung up in their closet, did they break down and overreact because their favorite shirt wasn’t ready to wear? Teens tend to overreact and get dramatic over little things – it’s just in their nature at that age. Teens also get stressed out easily and stressors at school, things going on with their friends, breakups with boyfriends, failing a test, can all weigh on their shoulders heavily and send some teens into a downward tailspin.

How do you know if your teen is showing typical teen behavior or if they are showing signs of a more serious problem, like depression? When their behavior and moods stop them from living a normal life on a daily basis, that’s when you know it’s a problem and it’s time to seek some help. There are ways that teens can effectively deal with their moods, so it doesn’t turn into depression and take a lifelong toll on them. We’re going to share with you some tips that they can use to try and ease them out of the funk they are in and assist them in accepting themselves and their situation.

Make sure they talk to a trusted adult.

Sometimes just venting your problems to a trusted person can be enough to put the situation in perspective or help a teen realize that what they thought was a terrible situation isn’t actually all that bad. A teen may feel they can be more open about themselves with an adult that is not their parent so don’t take offense if they open up to an aunt or grandparent.

teen playing basketballEncourage them to make new friends.

The people your teen hangs out with are either going to build them up or tear them down. Make sure they are surrounding themselves with people that help them be a better person. Positive relationships can improve a teens self-esteem and provide them with a better sense of who they are and what they have to offer the world.

Foster the love of hobbies, sports, and other organizational activities.

Teams help instill a sense of pride, accomplishment, and drive in our teens. Whether they join a soccer team, cheerleading squad, or a church group, they will have a sense of belonging and a group of other people counting on them to show up and contribute. Having a strong feeling of self-worth helps to combat depression because you feel like what you do and who you are matters to the world.

Depression is an illness and should be taken serious at any age. If your teen struggles with depression and doesn’t seek treatment, it can worsen to the point of being life-threatening. Therapy can be extremely beneficial and can help discover why your teen is depressed. If your child struggles with depression, a therapist can teach them how to deal with stressful situations, so they have the tools to deal with them. Sometimes, if a teen is in a deep depression or struggling really bad with anxiety, medications may be prescribed. That is nothing to be ashamed of. Just as some people have to take medication for high blood pressure, some need to take medication for depression. The important thing is that your teen gets the help they need.

Teens struggle with enough things, school shouldn’t be one of them. If you have a child in 5-12th grade that fell behind and is feeling there is no way out, we’re here to say that there is! My Virtual Academy helps students every day realize their dreams of graduating high school. Students that join our tuition-free program learn from the comfort of their own home, at a pace that is just right for them. They have flexibility in choosing what time of day they wish to do their schooling and they have access to lessons 24/7, so the choice really is theirs. If you feel that your teen would thrive in this type of program, please give us a call at 800-297-2119 or visit our website. Hope to hear from you soon!

Worried About Your Teen’s Behavior: Signs Of A Troubled Teen

Worried About Your Teen’s Behavior: Signs Of A Troubled Teen

It seems like every time you turn on the news, they are reporting on another school shooting. Everyone always talks about the warning signs and how people should have investigated further or reported unusual or scary behavior. Every teen gets moody from time to time – it’s just the nature of their hormones at that age. Every teen is different but you know your teen. You know their behavior. If you are unsure if your teen is simply “being a teen” or if they are showing signs that intervention may be needed, please continue to read this article.

Parenting a teen can sometimes leave you at your wits end, but if they exhibit the signs below, you may be faced with a troubled teen that needs additional help beyond what you can give.

Mood extremes

As we mentioned, teens are moody creatures. Their bodies are full of ragingTroubled teen or normal teen behavior? hormones and changing moods is part of the package deal during the teen years. However, if your teen has extreme changes in moods (extreme anger, extreme sadness, and hatred towards family members or others), this may be a sign something deeper is going on. Try to determine what the triggers are for their mood swings. If the moods continue despite the removal of those triggers, it may be time to seek help from a counselor or psychiatrist. They can meet with your teen and dig deeper to find the root of their problem.

Obsessions with new friends

Whenever your teen totally switches up friends, it could be a sign that something has changed in their life. They are bound to make new friends throughout their life, but when they completely cut off their old friends and start changing their appearance to fit in with new friends they made, that could be a signal that trouble is looming. Make sure that those new friends are not into dangerous or reckless behavior.

Harming themselves

Have you noticed that your teen is suddenly hiding parts of their body? Are they insisting on wearing long sleeve shirts even on warm days? If you notice that your teen is mutilating their body in any fashion, get help immediately. This behavior commonly exhibits itself before other violent or suicidal behavior. Definitely don’t push this behavior aside because it’s very serious.

Unearned Money

If your teen suddenly seems to have money that has appeared out of nowhere, it’s time to do some digging. If they are all of a sudden coming home with new electronics, clothes, or jewelry and are showing signs of being withdrawn, something bigger is going on. They could be into the selling of drugs or are stealing. Both are unsafe situations that need to be dealt with.

Mood ExtremesLying

Do you feel like your teen is lying to you? Small white lies are one thing, but lying all the time about their whereabouts or who they are with is another. They obviously don’t want you to know where they are or who they are with, and that’s a warning sign they are up to no good. Try to get to the bottom of what they are hiding.

Lack remorse

If your teen lets you down, gets caught doing something they shouldn’t, or makes a mistake, do they show remorse? Teens that show no remorse when they are caught doing something they shouldn’t be is playing with fire. If your teen has no respect for you or others and is constantly defying you and showing no remorse, it’s time for some action.

Is Your Teen at Risk?

Some teens have certain factors that may put them at higher risk for developing the dangerous behaviors we discussed. Risk factors include teens that have been:

  • Sexually or physically abused.
  • Victims of bullying.
  • Dealing with a stressful life at home.
  • Exhibiting a past of violence and anger.
  • Abusing substances.

If you feel that your teen is a threat to themselves or others, please seek help. Your local mental health offices help teens on a daily basis and could work with you to help yours too. Please don’t take the warning signs lightly and get your teen the help they need.

Looking for more helpful information on various things that may affect your teen’s behavior? Check out our recent post on positive role models for teens.

Head over to our Facebook page and give it a “like.” Our staff is always posting great information on our page!! if you have any questions regarding your teens education feel free to call 800-297-2119 or head over to the Contact Us page on our website.