mvacql, Author at My Virtual Academy

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 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 Instagram 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.

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.

Take A Trip Back In Time This Summer At Mackinac Island

Activities, Creative Learning, Family Fun, History, Just For Fun | 0 comments

There’s nothing that can make you feel more like a Michigander in summer than feeling the breeze off of the Great Lakes, smelling fudge in the air, and hearing the clip-clopping of horses as you stroll through Mackinac Island.

For a lot of Michigan natives (and others, too!), summer isn’t complete without a trip to Mackinac Island. It’s a place of total relaxation. After all, you can’t engage in the hustle and bustle of city life when there are no cars allowed on the Island and you’re transported back to a historical time. Mackinac Island manages to have the perfect mix of history, nature, attractions, amenities, and old-time fun packed into an area that’s less than 4 square miles. It’s a true Michigan gem.

Here are some things to keep in mind when planning a family trip to Mackinac Island this summer:

Ferry Fun

Since cars are not allowed on the Island, you’ll have to park them on the mainland and board the ferry. You can catch a ferry from either Mackinaw City (Lower Peninsula) or St. Ignace (Upper Peninsula). Choose from Shepler’s Ferry, or Star Line Ferry for service to and from the Island. All the fares are comparable but keep your eyes peeled for coupons. Enjoy the 30-minute ride inside the lower deck or sit and enjoy the cool breeze and freshwater mist on the open-air deck. Regardless of where you sit, make sure to take in the spectacular view of the 5-mile long Mackinac Bridge. If you have overnight accommodations, your hotel may offer horse-drawn shuttle service to the hotel or luggage service, so be sure to ask when booking your reservation.

Accommodations

When looking for overnight accommodations on Mackinac Island, you will notice one thing: there are no chain hotels. You can stay anywhere from a quaint bed-and-breakfast to a full service resort. Some resorts have golf courses and other attractions. Others offer bike rentals and pools. Be sure to ask questions when booking your reservation because some hotels have dress codes while others might be more family-friendly.

Souvenirs

One thing that most visitors end up taking home as a souvenir is the Island’s famous fudge. There are a plethora of flavors to pick from and kids and adults alike will enjoy watching candy makers create all of the different flavors of fudge through their storefront windows. Each year, “fudgies” (as the locals warmly call fudge-loving tourists) take home thousands of pounds of the delicious, edible memento.

If perishable items aren’t your idea of the perfect souvenir, have no fear! There are plenty of t-shirt and souvenir shops that stock everything from locally crafted gift items to coffee mugs.

Bicycle Rentals

While you can certainly bring your own bike to explore the Island, there are many bicycle rental options once you are there. You can rent single rider bikes, tandems, trailers, and more. Mackinac Island is pretty flat and is a relatively easy 8-mile bike ride around the perimeter of the Island. If you are looking for a more strenuous ride, venture onto the trails that lattice the interior state park land. Pack a lunch and hit the trails for an awesome view of the Island!

Pristine Views

Visitors of Mackinac Island note that one of their favorite things to do while on the Island is to sit and relax by the water. There are no sandy beaches, but it’s beautiful to look at just the same. Make sure to bring good water shoes if you enjoy wading, rock hunting, or exploring the stony shore.

Historical Fort Mackinac

While on the Island, Fort Mackinac is a must-see! It is quite a climb to reach Fort Mackinac, but once there, the attractions and view are worth it. You will get a wonderful view of the Island and the straits. Employees sport garb that showcases what life was like at the fort during the 1880s. There are lots of hands-on activities to keep children occupied on the compound so make sure to check it out!

For More Information

Looking for more things to do or places to stay on Mackinac Island? Visit the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau website for places to stay, dine, and play. Once on the Island, pay a visit to the Main Street Visitor Booth for brochures, maps, and other information.

Does your family have favorite memories of summers spent on Mackinac Island? Share them in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you and other families would love to hear your experience. Check out our Facebook page for more fun summer activities for you and your family.

Virtual Students Glide into the Workplace

Career Ready, Education, High School, Technology, Virtual School | 0 comments

Whether your student goes to college or not after earning their high school diploma, one thing remains for certain: they will need to get a job. Students who are enrolled in a traditional school could have a harder time adjusting to entering the work force than virtual learners. After all, in traditional schools, your schedule is mandated; your goals are preset. Much to do with your success is out of your hands.

With virtual schools, such as My Virtual Academy, your success is largely in your hands. You have to learn the skills of self-management, which will come easily because you will work on courses at your own pace, on your own time, and you will be responsible for your daily progress. This skill alone gives you an advantage over those who took the traditional route of schooling.

The workforce is evolving at a more rapid pace than ever before. Thanks to the Internet business is no longer conducted just within your community. Even the smallest business can be global. Does your student have the skills needed to keep up with the jobs of tomorrow? If they are at My Virtual Academy, the answer is yes!

Technology is advancing by the minute. That means that your student must have an adaptive set of skills to offer an employer. They must be willing to constantly learn, often from a computerized learning module. These ongoing skill expansions will allow them to stay marketable and valued as an employee and contributor to the business. It will keep them at the top of the list of people who are able to meet their employer’s needs and technological advances. Virtual learning helps prepare students by allowing them to master this style of learning as they complete their high school coursework.

Employers will also be looking for the following characteristics:

Prioritizing Work

As a boss, being able to assign tasks and not micromanage your employee is a must. If someone can be given a job or a task, make a plan of attack and execute it so that the task is complete without the boss having to walk them through things step-by-step, that takes a lot of pressure off of a boss. That’s the kind of employee they want. Good news! Your teen is doing that on a daily basis! They know the job at hand and have to figure out how to organize and plan out how they will complete the lesson. Virtual learning really fine tunes their organizational skills.

Self-Guiding

As we mentioned, no one wants to micromanage. It takes a lot out of everyone involved. The boss loses valuable time monitoring what their employee is doing and the employee feels like someone is constantly watching them and telling them what to do. It’s usually a lose-lose situation. Being able to motivate and guide yourself is a must-have skill in today’s job market. As a virtual student, your teen is proficient as they need to be highly self-motivated to succeed in a virtual setting. They need to have the discipline to focus and complete their coursework.

Collaborative Mindset

When you are a virtual student, you are constantly collaborating with others to complete projects. These students that you might work with come from a multitude of different backgrounds, cultures, religions, etc. Successfully collaborating with others that are different from you in school and in the workplace is crucial. It not only offers you insight into how others solve problems, view the world, and digest information, but it forces you to find commonalities and work together to get the job done. The same principle applies to both schooling and the workplace.

Technology and workplace expectations are constantly advancing and My Virtual Academy works hard to ensure that your student has all the skill-sets needed to exceed during their school years and beyond. We’ve structured our flexible learning courses to meet the needs of your students today while preparing them for the world tomorrow. We believe that the skills they will master while in our academy will do just that. The self-discipline, self-control, organization, time management, and technological know-how will place them highly in a competitive market upon graduation.

Is your student interested in joining My Virtual Academy and gaining the skills needed to give them a leg up? Reach out to us on our Facebook page, our website, or by calling 800-297-2119. Our friendly staff is waiting to answer any questions you may have or begin your child’s enrollment. We believe that every student should have the chance to learn to their full potential, and that may not always mean the traditional brick-and-mortar schools that we are used to. We are a tuition-free school and students enrolled with My Virtual Academy receive everything they need to successfully complete our program and earn their high school diploma. What do you have to lose? See if My Virtual Academy is the right fit for your teen today!

Anxiety: The Signs May Be Hiding in Plain Sight

Advice, Teen Health, Teen Mental Disorders, Teenagers | 0 comments

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 reaction 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 alone! 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 5-12^th 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!

You’ve Been Accepted! Now, How Do You Choose?

College Prep, Vocational | 0 comments

As we near graduation, you may be trying to decide what to do next. Some of our students have jobs lined up. Some of you may have applied to a trade school or college. Some may still be figuring out what the future holds after graduation. If you are one of the lucky students that got accepted to a couple of different schools that you applied to, you might be wondering how you are supposed to decide which one to choose.

Trade school and college is an exciting time in your life. You’ll not only learn valuable skills that will earn you big bucks in the future, but you’ll also transition into adulthood during this time. Choosing which college or trade school you’ll go to is serious business. There are a few things to consider when making your decision:

Think about the cost. Did you get scholarships? Are you able to afford the tuition?
How close it is to your house? Are you able to still live at home while you go to school or will you need to get an apartment or other housing while there?
Is it within reasonable distance from your current job or will you need to find another job to meet your living expenses and other obligations?
Will you be happy if you graduate with the certain skillset or trade that the school specializes in?
How quickly will you complete school?
Will you have any friends there?

There is a lot to think about when making your final decision on which school to attend after you earn your high school diploma. Make sure that you notify the school of your choice and send in anything that they require by the deadline that they set. Keep your eye on the prize and you will have a bright, successful future!

If you know someone who would benefit from being a virtual student like yourself, let them know about your experience at My Virtual Academy. Let them know that you could do your schooling from home, at a time of your choosing, and at a pace that worked for you. Let them know that we are a tuition-free school. Let them know that you are provided the equipment you needed to succeed, should you have needed it. Spread that word at what a game-changer attending school at My Virtual Academy was for you. You never know who you are inspiring to get their education back on track! If anyone you know would like more information about our program tell them to give us a call at 800-297-2119.

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