3 Tips for Finding the Right College for Business Majors

colleges for business majors | top undergrad business schools | Compass College Advisory

Is your teen planning to major in business and having difficulty deciding which colleges should be on their list? Keep reading for my top three tips for finding the right college for your teen who wants to pursue a career in business. 

Focus on “Business” Majors in the Top Undergrad Business Schools

If you search online for “business majors” you will come up with a list of thousands of colleges, so when students say they’re interested in business, I ask them, “What are the specific areas of business that interest you?” There are many different functional areas within the business realm, such as:

  • accounting
  • marketing
  • finance
  • operations

Looking specifically at one of these areas will help guide them to different sets of colleges. If your teen is looking into a liberal arts college that doesn’t offer business, they could try looking into economics which will touch on business. Again, the first step is thinking about the functional area of interest.

Research Summer Programs for Business Majors

One of the key things I recommend to students who are interested in business is to consider a summer program to learn more about specific areas of business, such as programs focused on investment banking, finance, marketing or entrepreneurship. There are countless summer programs out there, many virtual.

What Does the Program Offer?

After your teen considers their functional area of interest and looks into summer programs, my next tip would be to look at what the college programs offer. For example, the University of Southern California has an international program in different areas of business that allows for the opportunity to study abroad. There could also be organizations within the college to help get your teen more involved and around other students in the same field.  

Side Note: Another thing to consider when your teen is fine-tuning their list of colleges is the math requirements for different programs; many require that you take calculus in high school. If they’re not on track for that, it can hurt their chances of being admitted. For some business programs, there may be an option to test out of that course. If that is the case, make sure they take that test by the end of junior year. 

Recap for Finding the Right College for Business Majors 

If your teen is considering majoring in business, they should first look at the functional areas within business to find their area of interest. Narrowing their interests down will help with finding colleges that are a good fit. Secondly, your teen should look into summer programs as a viable way to learn about the functional areas of interest. Finally, look at what the colleges offer to support your teen’s success so they can thrive while they’re there and have rich career opportunities afterwards as well. 

Junior year is a critical year for the college admissions process. I want to make sure that your teen is successful throughout the school year and not overwhelmed by this process. If their initial list is too overwhelming, your teen may lean towards popular colleges they’ve heard of before and that’s not going to serve them well.  

Grab your copy of our College Prep Toolkit now to ensure your success in helping your teen navigate through this school year

Junior Year in High School Scholarships: All You Need To Know

Parents of juniors…I want college admissions to be a stress-free process for your teen. Don’t see how that’s possible? Let me share some intentional things you can do to support your teen’s success to help them (and you!) avoid stressing out. The key is to approach the process in a way that makes sense for your teen, beginning with ownership. 

Let Your Junior Own the Process 

First off, having your junior own the process (being engaged, responsible and accountable) will take a lot of pressure off you as a parent. But it goes deeper than that. I know from the research, and from experience with my own children that when your teen takes ownership of the process, they:

  • are much more successful in the college admissions process and more likely to get into the top colleges on their ist
  • can be sure they are a good fit for the college, and as a result, 
  • end up getting scholarship money. 

The key takeaway is to be sure your teen is in charge so that they are owning the process. 

 

Now that we’ve established that, where can you and your teen start with finding money for college?

 

 

External Scholarship Opportunities to Consider 

Let’s talk about external scholarships, which are scholarships that are not from the colleges, but from external sources. Oftentimes families are unaware of the other resources that are out there. This year especially, you want to be intentional around external scholarships. Here are five in particular that you may not have considered. 

 

 

Scholarships from Companies

Many companies, including law firms, major restaurants and retail companies offer scholarships. One widely-known example is the Coca-Cola scholarship for seniors which is a very large scholarship. However, your junior can position themselves to compete for that scholarship going into senior year. Also look at some of the companies in your own community that offer scholarships, which you can often find on their websites.

Scholarships from Civic Organizations 

Another great resource is civic organizations and foundations. Sometimes they are need-based (which require you to provide proof of need) while others involve a contest, where you complete an application with an essay to qualify. Now is a good time to research the civic organizations in your community that offer scholarships.

 

Scholarships from Credit Unions 

Credit unions are wonderful community neighbors, and they often will have scholarships as well. Sometimes, there are additional offerings for members of that credit union. If you’re a member of a credit union, definitely check that out! I recommend that you look into these opportunities in junior year; some of the requirements are junior-year specific.  Another note regarding credit unions: if you know that there is a credit union that offers a scholarship and you’re not a member, now is the time to become a member. If you plan ahead your teen can position themselves for that particular award now. 

 

Scholarships from Your Employer 

There are a lot of employers that offer scholarships. I believe that NiSource, the energy company here in Columbus, offers scholarships. See if your employer offers scholarships as well. Again, junior year is the time to look into the criteria. 

 

National Merit Scholarship Program 

Most students take the PSAT in junior year and their score will determine whether they qualify for national merit. One thing to know regarding the PSAT, is that it is not really considered for college admission. However, when your junior takes the PSAT and scores in the 99th percentile, then they qualify for a national merit scholarship. Have your teen research the criteria for the National Merit scholarship. 

 

 

Who Can Apply for External Scholarships?

Although you have a junior, be aware that you can apply for an external scholarship beginning at age 13 (keep that in mind if you have younger children as well). If your child wins a scholarship, that money is held and then sent to the college when they enroll. I encourage families with younger teens to apply for scholarships. Not only does it develop their resilience, it also helps to instill that growth mindset that we want our students to have. Plus, they will be adding to their portfolio of writing samples as well.

Preparing for the SAT or ACT

How to get off the waitlist for college | Compass College Advisory
How to get off the waitlist for college | Compass College Advisory

Your teen has taken the practice tests and knows which one best represents their abilities. Congratulations! Now comes the hard part…preparing for the test. Keep reading for my top tips for preparing for the SAT or ACT. 

 

Preparing for the Test 

 

Independent Study

There are a number of ways that students can prepare for either of these tests. Whether they’re taking the SAT or the ACT, they could get a test prep book from the library or from one of the testing agencies to study on their own. I’ve had a number of students who are more disciplined and study on their own. I would recommend that they spend a specific amount of time going through the book and doing the practice tests. They should be going through the different sections of the tests and even on occasion, maybe on the weekend, sit down and go through the entire test for the amount of time of the real test. This extra step can help ensure they are prepared. Again, If your teen is disciplined in that way, that’s a great approach. 

 

Online Programs 

Another way to prepare is using an online service. My son used an online program and that helped him stay on task. The online program provided the practice test and scoring as well so he could see how he was doing. There were also video modules that complemented the material and practice that he was doing. It worked out very well for him and helped him improve his score. There are a number of these different automated online programs available. 

 

Getting a Tutor 

The third approach, which could be a bit more expensive, is getting a tutor. For a number of my students hiring a tutor was the best approach. You can receive tutoring either individually or in a class setting. This is also a great way to ensure that your teen is being held accountable. 

One of the things I want to encourage you to do if you decide to go that route is to interview the tutor. Below you will find some questions that I prepared for interviewing tutors. When it comes to working with a teacher or tutor, some of that learning comes through being able to connect with them. By interviewing the tutor, you can ensure they are a good fit for your family. 

Before interviewing the tutor your teen should first ask themselves a couple of questions. The first is determining how they learn best: would having a one-on-one tutor or a tutor in a class setting allow them to learn best? They should also identify why they need a tutor. 

 

When interviewing the tutor possible questions to ask: 

  • How will you measure your student’s progress throughout their session together? 
  • What kind of homework will they do in between sessions? 

 

(This will allow your teen to plan their schedule and make sure that they have the right expectations around what they should be doing in between time because not only will they be preparing during sessions but also between their time together.) 

 

  • Can you provide a demonstration of a typical session? 

For example, if they have a difficult math homework problem from school can they share it with the tutor and then have the tutor demonstrate how they would explain solving that problem? That can be a way to ensure that the tutor’s teaching style aligns with your teen’s learning style.

 

  • What kind of training have you  had in terms of tutoring?

I know a lot of tutors do professional development. Many of them take the test themselves to make sure that they understand what their students are going through. 

 

Some other questions that parents should also consider would be their cancelation policy, how much they charge, their availability over the holiday break and also asking for references from other parents. By talking with other parents you can get a good sense of how that tutor works, learn about how they engaged their students, as well as their test score results. 

 

If a tutor says they usually help their students get a certain increase over their practice score, then that may give you some indication around their success. Of course it may vary with your own teen. I wouldn’t set the expectation of going from a 22 to 30, but at least getting a sense for how they’re going to engage with your teen. Also, check to see how they will follow through on checking in on the student’s progress between sessions. 

 

If you decide to use a practice book or an online course, then certainly it could be similar in regards to finding out about the best book or program for your teen by reading about past success stories. Any case studies or testimonials available online would be a great resource to check out. 

 

At the end of the day, it’s going to be a two-way street in terms of your teen participating and doing the work. You don’t want to make the investment if they’re not going to follow through on their side. However, if they do follow through they really can achieve those great results. 

 

Have you signed up to receive my FREE College-Prep Toolkit? It includes a Junior Year Roadmap to help you navigate junior year and to know what your teen should be doing each month to stay on track. 

Get ahead and stay ahead! Get my FREE Toolkit.

5 Reasons Teens must Set Goals for High School

college fit factor | Academic fit | financial fit | social fit | vocational fit | cultural fit | Compass College Fit

Every school year brings surprises, so teens can’t plan ahead for every event. However, setting 3-5 foundational goals for high school each school year can make a difference in its success. Examples of goals that my own teens and teen clients have set include:

  • Maintain a _____ GPA
  • Meet with a teacher after school each week
  • Increase volunteer hours at _________________ by 1 hour per week
  • Start a ___________ club at my community center
  • Complete art portfolio with __ drawings by end of semester

WHY GOALS?teen with parent

Setting goals during high school can help a teen in numerous ways even beyond college . . . for life success:

  1. Have a Purpose – Goals gives teens something to work for – a sense of purpose and direction. One of the first questions I ask my teen clients is “Why do you want to go to college?” If a teen can articulate why they want to go, then it makes it easier to help them find the best fit as well as have a reason to continue being their best.
  2. Stay Motivated – Goals give teens that extra boost to keep going, especially if they start to waiver.
  3. Believe in Yourself – Goals give teens the inspiration to aim for something that they may not have thought possible.
  4. Be Accountable – Goals remind teens at the end of the semester or school year of what they have accomplished or NOT.
  5. Get help – Goals give teens a way to be more specific when they ask for help. The best help comes when others know how to help

START NOW

The question for every college-bound teen – What are your goals for this semester? School year?

Responding to this question is the first step towards a successful school year. Please share your high school year and goals.

 

How to have a Stress-free Campus Visit

how parents have a stress-free campus visit

Many families who take their teen on campus visits, usually visit several colleges at once to make the most of their time away. While it may save time to do these marathon visits, seeing several colleges in a 3-5 day time span can be draining. (Been there, done that!)

Top 5 tips for a stress-free campus visit

  1. Avoid bringing friends or others who may influence your teen’s perspective. It can be a distraction. Sometimes, you may not have a choice in whether you bring your teen’s best friend, family members or a neighbor. I understand so . . . keep reading to tip #2.
  1. Take separate tours. For some campuses, there may be more than one tour guide, especially when you visit during their
    columbia campus
    Concerned about safety? Visit campus at night!

    busy summer or fall months. If you have choice I would encourage you to go with a different guide than your teen. The tour guides bring their own unique experiences and backgrounds to the tour. You may hear different facts and figures about a campus that you can compare with your teen later. Also, when your teen follows a separate tour guide, it gives them the freedom to reflect and take in the tour for themselves, or ask questions that they not ask in front of you! 🙂

  1. Attend the information session even if you think there’s nothing new to learn. There will be some nuances that you will learn during the information session that for whatever reason, you haven’t already read or heard before. (I do these tours year round and some colleges I’ve visited 2-3 times. Each time, I learn something totally new.) Foregoing the information session compromises the purpose of visiting the campus.
  1. Avoid dominating the Q&A session. Most information sessions will have a Q&A session. It’s OK for parents to ask 1 or 2 questions, but please avoid asking too many questions. If you’re on a separate tour, perhaps that’s a time to ask additional questions in private. I would especially discourage parents from asking a lot of questions of the admissions officer. That’s what your teen should be doing!
  1. Check out the neighborhood surrounding the college campus. If there’s time, you may want to walk through the nearby “town” area, check out a restaurant or browse the retail shops. When your teen goes away to college, it will be their home away from home so they should feel comfortable either on campus or off. If you are concerned about safety in the area, I would also even suggest checking out the area at night.

Ultimately, the campus visit is about your teen . . . from making the reservation to deciding to apply or not. These tips are meant to keep the focus on them, their reflections and impressions.

How were your visits? Where did you go and for how long??

7 Tips For Middle School Parents

Middle school

The middle school years can be confusing for teens, as well as for parents! Middle schoolers want more independence from parents, yet they need even more support to navigate all the physical, cognitive, and social changes of adolescence. How do parents balance giving them autonomy and support (without embarrassing them)? Parents with middle-schoolers often feel “left in the balance” as their role and relationship with their teen is evolving.

There’s plenty of parent involvement in elementary years but a lot less in middle and high school years. However, research has shown that when the parents are engaged, kids are more likely to achieve in school, even when they’re older! What I’ve seen with many parents is that they continue to “manage” their kids live at home, but lessen their involvement at school once their teen is in middle school.

Here are my 7 tips for middle school parents to stay involved in the school and learning experience:

1. Get to know teachers

In the first weeks of school, meet the teacher and find out their expectations for success, exchange email addresses, and stay in touch regularly.

2. Meet other parents

Getting to know other parents can be especially helpful if you’re unable to attend all school events regularly. I suggest meeting other parents through any opportunity other than chaperoning a school dance! (Been there, done that and won’t do it again.)

3. Bookmark school website

Checking the school website regularly can keep you abreast of homework assignments, test schedules, and school-wide events.

4. Help with homework but do NOT do it

Checking a math problem, proofreading a paper, asking questions to help your teen figure out the answer are forms of helping. Once the parent puts pen to paper or gives the answer . . . they’re doing.

5. Monitor screen time

Even when it’s hard to say “no”, it’s so important for teens to have boundaries when it comes to social media/phone/internet/video game time. Consider setting a family policy on-screen time at the beginning of the school year and stick with it!

6. Post a family calendar

Help your middle-schooler develop time-management skills by writing important school dates, family travel, project deadlines, parent night outs, etc. for all family members in one place.

7. Make family time/meals at home a priority

Did you know that regular mealtime at home is the greatest predictor of high achievement? What happens at home greatly impacts what happens in the classroom!

These tips have worked for me to stay engaged with three teenagers while working and staying active in my community. I’d love to know what tips have worked for you as a busy middle school parent. Please tell me in the comments below.

Getting Ready for Parent Teacher Conferences

Parent Teacher Conference Questions | Compass College Advisory

As parent teacher conferences approach, it’s essential to prepare for a meaningful and productive discussion with your child’s teacher. Whether your child is in elementary, middle, or high school, these meetings provide a valuable opportunity to support their academic and personal development.

Key Recommendations for Effective Parent-Teacher Conferences

Focus Beyond Grades

The primary goal of a conference is not just to discuss grades but to understand your child’s learning experience. Grades can be tracked through various means, and by middle school, students should start taking responsibility for their academic performance. A conference should offer insights into your child’s learning process rather than just their report cards.

Promote Two-Way Communication

Conferences should be an interactive platform where both teachers and parents exchange valuable information. Parents should share insights about their child’s learning preferences, interests, and social interactions, while teachers provide feedback on classroom performance. This mutual exchange enhances understanding and support for the student.

Create a Comfortable Environment

The setting of the conference matters. Avoid hierarchical setups where parents sit opposite the teacher. Instead, opt for comfortable seating arrangements that facilitate open dialogue. Schools can take inspiration from efficient queuing systems to ensure smooth and courteous interactions.

Address Underlying Messages

Pay attention to the underlying messages in parent and teacher statements. If there’s a discrepancy in perceptions about homework or classwork, ask clarifying questions to understand the root cause. This approach helps address issues effectively and collaboratively.

Share Classroom Stories

Teachers should share specific examples of students’ work and behavior in class. Narratives about a child’s engagement in subjects or projects can be enlightening for parents. Inviting parents to share stories about their child’s use of skills at home can further enrich the conversation.

Establish Communication Channels

Determine preferred methods of communication for ongoing updates about your child’s progress. Whether through emails or phone calls, setting up these channels during the conference ensures that both parties can stay informed and engaged.

Provide Honest Feedback

Parents attend conferences to understand who is spending time with their children and to learn about their child’s progress. Transparency from teachers helps build trust and a collaborative approach to supporting the student.

Essential Parent Teacher Conference Questions

Understanding your child’s academic and social development throughout the school year is crucial. Here are some important questions to guide your conversation with the teacher:

Understanding Abilities and Skills

Is my child working to their ability?

  • Ask about your child’s performance in various subjects to understand their strengths and areas needing improvement.

What are my child’s strengths and weaknesses?

  • This helps in creating a plan to support their learning effectively.

What skills will my child be expected to master this year?

  • Knowing the expected skills and grades helps set clear goals.

Grades, Tests, and Academic Progress

How are grades determined?

  • Understanding the grading system clarifies how your child’s academic progress and performance is assessed.

Which standardized tests will be given this year?

  • Knowing about upcoming tests helps you prepare and support your child better.

Behavior and Classroom Participation

What is my child’s behavior like in class?

  • Insights into your child’s behavior can reveal potential behavioral issues affecting their learning.

How does my child interact with other children?

  • Your child’s social skills and interactions are crucial for emotional development.

Does my child participate in classroom activities?

  • Active participation is a good indicator of engagement and interest in learning.

Homework Expectations and Support

How much time should my child spend on homework?

  • Understanding homework expectations helps you manage your child’s study schedule.

What can I do to support my child’s learning at home?

  • Teachers can suggest activities and resources to reinforce learning outside school.

Preparing for a Productive Conference

Discuss with Your Child

  • Talk to your child about their school experiences and any questions they might have for the teacher.

Make a List

  • Prepare a list of topics and questions to ensure all your concerns are addressed.

Share Relevant Information

  • Inform the teacher about any significant events or changes in your child’s life that might affect their school performance.

Getting Ready for Parent-Teacher Conferences

As parent-teacher conferences approach, it’s essential to prepare for a meaningful and productive discussion with your child’s teacher. Whether your child is in elementary, middle, or high school, these meetings provide a valuable opportunity to support their academic and personal development.

Key Recommendations for Effective Parent-Teacher Conferences

Focus Beyond Grades

The primary goal of a conference is not just to discuss grades but to understand your child’s learning experience. Grades can be tracked through various means, and by middle school, students should start taking responsibility for their academic performance. A conference should offer insights into your child’s learning process rather than just their report cards.

Promote Two-Way Communication

Conferences should be an interactive platform where both teachers and parents exchange valuable information. Parents should share insights about their child’s learning preferences, interests, and social interactions, while teachers provide feedback on classroom performance. This mutual exchange enhances understanding and support for the student.

Create a Comfortable Environment

The setting of the conference matters. Avoid hierarchical setups where parents sit opposite the teacher. Instead, opt for comfortable seating arrangements that facilitate open dialogue. Schools can take inspiration from efficient queuing systems to ensure smooth and courteous interactions.

Address Underlying Messages

Pay attention to the underlying messages in parent and teacher statements. If there’s a discrepancy in perceptions about homework or classwork, ask clarifying questions to understand the root cause. This approach helps address issues effectively and collaboratively.

Share Classroom Stories

Teachers should share specific examples of students’ work and behavior in class. Narratives about a child’s engagement in subjects or projects can be enlightening for parents. Inviting parents to share stories about their child’s use of skills at home can further enrich the conversation.

Establish Communication Channels

Determine preferred methods of communication for ongoing updates about your child’s progress. Whether through emails or phone calls, setting up these channels during the conference ensures that both parties can stay informed and engaged.

Provide Honest Feedback

Parents attend conferences to understand who is spending time with their children and to learn about their child’s progress. Transparency from teachers helps build trust and a collaborative approach to supporting the student.

Essential Parent-Teacher Conference Questions

Understanding your child’s academic and social development throughout the school year is crucial. Here are some important questions to guide your conversation with the teacher:

Understanding Abilities and Skills

Is my child working to their ability?

  • Ask about your child’s performance in various subjects to understand their strengths and areas needing improvement.

What are my child’s strengths and weaknesses?

  • This helps in creating a plan to support their learning effectively.

What skills will my child be expected to master this year?

  • Knowing the expected skills and grades helps set clear goals.

Grades, Tests, and Academic Progress

How are grades determined?

  • Understanding the grading system clarifies how your child’s academic progress and performance is assessed.

Which standardized tests will be given this year?

  • Knowing about upcoming tests helps you prepare and support your child better.

Behavior and Classroom Participation

What is my child’s behavior like in class?

  • Insights into your child’s behavior can reveal potential behavioral issues affecting their learning.

How does my child interact with other children?

  • Your child’s social skills and interactions are crucial for emotional development.

Does my child participate in classroom activities?

  • Active participation is a good indicator of engagement and interest in learning.

Homework Expectations and Support

How much time should my child spend on homework?

  • Understanding homework expectations helps you manage your child’s study schedule.

What can I do to support my child’s learning at home?

  • Teachers can suggest activities and resources to reinforce learning outside school.

 

Preparing for a Productive Conference

Discuss with Your Child

  • Talk to your child about their school experiences and any questions they might have for the teacher.

Make a List

  • Prepare a list of topics and questions to ensure all your concerns are addressed.

Share Relevant Information

  • Inform the teacher about any significant events or changes in your child’s life that might affect their school performance.

For parents who are getting ready for upcoming conferences, Harvard Family Research has published a useful document for reference, in English and Spanish. It also includes preparation tips for principals and teachers, which shows that the conference should be two-way communication. Reviewing the roles of principals and teachers may help ease any parent uneasiness.

The parent-teacher conference is still one of the most helpful ways for parents to be engaged in their student’s academic achievement. By preparing and asking the right questions, you can ensure that parent-teacher conferences are a productive experience, benefiting your child’s educational journey.

 

Balanced Screen Time, Reading, and Online Behavior for Teens

In today’s digital age, parents face a myriad of challenges in raising well-rounded, academically successful, and socially responsible teens. From excessive screen time to a lack of interest in reading and navigating the complexities of online behavior, the struggles are real. This blog combines expert advice on how to encourage reading in reluctant teens, manage their texting habits, and promote appropriate online behavior.

How to Get a Child to Read When They Refuse

One of the most common concerns parents have is how to get a child to read when they refuse. Reading is a crucial skill that benefits teens academically and personally, but many teens lose interest in reading as they grow older.

Why Teens Stop Reading in Middle School

It’s not uncommon for teens to stop reading around the 6th grade. Several factors contribute to this decline in reading interest:

  • Increased Screen Time: With the rise of smartphones, social media, and video games, many teens find these activities more engaging than reading.
  • Peer Pressure: As teens become more socially aware, they may feel that reading isn’t “cool” among their friends.
  • Busy Schedules: Between homework, extracurricular activities, and socializing, finding time to read can be challenging.
  • Lack of Exposure to Engaging Books: Teens may not find books that interest them if they are not exposed to a wide range of genres and topics.

Strategies to Encourage Reading

If you’re wondering how to get a child to read when they refuse, here are some effective strategies:

  • Set a Daily Reading Routine: Encourage your teen to set aside a specific time each day for reading. This could be before bed, during a commute, or after dinner. Consistency is key to developing a habit.
  • Allow Them to Choose Their Books: Let your teen pick out books that interest them, whether it’s graphic novels, cookbooks, or even romance novels. The important thing is that they are reading.
  • Model Reading Behavior: Show your teen that reading is a valuable activity by reading yourself. When they see you enjoy reading, they are more likely to follow your example.
  • Read Aloud Together: Even though your child is older, reading aloud together can be a bonding experience and a way to introduce them to new genres or more challenging books.
  • Utilize the Library: Encourage your teen to sign up for a summer reading challenge at your local library. This not only provides motivation but also connects them with other teens who enjoy reading.

Teens and Texting: How to Manage Screen Time

Another challenge that many parents face is managing their teen’s texting and overall screen time. With the pervasive use of smartphones, it’s not uncommon for teens to spend hours on their devices, often at the expense of face-to-face communication and other important activities.

The Impact of Excessive Screen Time

Excessive screen time, including texting, can have several negative effects on teens:

  • Reduced Attention Span: Constant distractions from notifications can make it harder for teens to focus on tasks like studying or reading.
  • Impaired Social Skills: Relying on digital communication can lead to difficulties in face-to-face interactions.
  • Sleep Disruption: The blue light emitted from screens can interfere with sleep patterns, leading to sleep deprivation.
  • Increased Risk of Anxiety and Depression: Overuse of social media has been linked to higher levels of anxiety and depression in teens.

Establishing Screen Time Boundaries

To help manage your teen’s screen time, consider implementing these strategies:

  • Create a Family Screen Time Policy: Establish clear rules about when and where screens can be used. For example, no phones at the dinner table or during family time.
  • Set Limits on Screen Time: Use apps or built-in phone features to limit the amount of time your teen can spend on their phone each day.
  • Encourage Tech-Free Activities: Promote activities that don’t involve screens, such as sports, reading, or spending time outdoors.
  • Model Healthy Screen Habits: Just as with reading, your teen is likely to mimic your behavior. Make sure you are also following the screen time rules you set.

Encouraging Appropriate Online Behavior for Teens

In addition to managing screen time, it’s important to guide your teen in appropriate online behavior. With college admissions officers increasingly looking at applicants’ social media profiles, a single inappropriate post can have long-lasting consequences.

The Risks of Inappropriate Online Behavior

Teens may not fully grasp the potential risks of their online behavior. Here are some risks associated with inappropriate online actions:

  • Damage to Reputation: Inappropriate posts can harm a teen’s reputation, both socially and professionally.
  • College Admissions Impact: As noted, many college admissions officers review applicants’ social media. A negative online presence can affect a teen’s chances of getting into their preferred college.
  • Cyberbullying: Posting or sharing harmful content can contribute to cyberbullying, which can have serious consequences for both the victim and the perpetrator.
  • Legal Issues: Some online behavior, such as sharing explicit content, can lead to legal trouble.

Promoting Positive Online Behavior

To help your teen navigate the online world safely and responsibly, follow these guidelines:

  • Talk About Online Risks: Have an open conversation with your teen about the risks of inappropriate online behavior. Make sure they understand that what they post online can have real-world consequences.
  • Teach Digital Etiquette: Encourage your teen to be respectful and considerate in their online interactions. Remind them that their online behavior should reflect the values they hold in real life.
  • Monitor Their Online Activity: While it’s important to respect your teen’s privacy, it’s also wise to keep an eye on their online activity. This doesn’t mean reading every message, but being aware of the platforms they use and the content they post.
  • Encourage “Think Before You Post”: Teach your teen to pause and think before posting anything online. A good rule of thumb is to ask themselves if they would be comfortable with a college admissions officer or future employer seeing the post.

Conclusion

Balancing screen time, encouraging reading, and promoting appropriate online behavior are all crucial aspects of raising a well-rounded teen. By implementing these strategies, you can help your teen develop healthy habits that will serve them well throughout their life.

When considering how to get a child to read when they refuse, managing teens and texting, or encouraging appropriate online behavior for teens, remember that consistency and open communication are key. These practices not only help your teen succeed academically but also prepare them for the responsibilities of adulthood.

via Education Week: Bad Online Behavior Jeopardizes Students’ College Plans.