Today is ‘Safer Internet Day’ and this year’s theme is ‘Smart tech, safe choices – Exploring the safe and responsible use of AI.’ I hope all parents who were able to attend my session last week on the College’s use of AI found it useful and were reassured that we are taking the challenges posed by this technology very seriously, as we seek to educate all our students to use AI tools responsibly and appropriately.
Disconnect to Connect
As we approach the half-term holiday, however, I wanted to take this opportunity to remind everyone about the importance of disconnecting from technology in order to truly connect with our loved ones. During this half-term, whatever you have planned, I encourage all parents and families to make an extra effort to find a healthy balance with technology during this break.
While the best way to stay safe online and use AI responsibly is to minimise screen time and reduce AI usage, we understand that it’s not always possible in today’s connected world. However, we can still strive to maintain a healthy relationship with technology and create opportunities for meaningful connections.
Here are a few examples of activities you can engage in as a family:
1. Unplug and enjoy the great outdoors in West Sussex and around the UK: Take advantage of the holiday to explore the natural beauty of our area and country. Go for a hike in the South Downs or visit some local parks. If you are exploring outside the UK, do so without screens. If you prefer a more relaxed approach, consider creating a cosy outdoor space at home or tending to a garden. Disconnecting from screens and immersing ourselves in nature can be refreshing and rejuvenating for the whole family.
2. Family game night: This is a family favourite! Gather around the table and engage in some old-fashioned board games or card games. Our go-to choices are Uno, Ludo, and Charades. This not only provides an opportunity for quality family time but also encourages face-to-face interaction and friendly competition.
3. Get creative: Encourage your children to explore their creativity through arts and crafts activities. This could include painting, drawing, or even building something together. Celebrate each other’s unique styles and take time to appreciate the stories behind each piece of artwork.
4. Read and tell stories: Dive into a good book or spend time sharing stories with your children. Reading enhances literacy skills and offers an escape from screens while stimulating imagination.
5. Cook and bake together: Another family favourite! Involve your children in meal preparation or baking sessions. I am not a baker and have many entertaining baking fail stories to share with the family. Trying new things with the children and embracing the joys of experimentation even with failures can create lasting memories.
I’m sure each family can come up with many more creative ways to disconnect to connect. Remember, the goal is not to completely disconnect from the online world but rather to find a healthy balance that allows us to engage with our loved ones in a meaningful way. By making an extra effort to disconnect during the half-term, we can strengthen our connections and create cherished moments together.
I hope you and your family have a wonderful and safe half-term. Let’s embrace the opportunity to disconnect and truly connect with those who matter most.
Atif Hussain is Director of IT & Digital Strategy at Ardingly College.
