Navigating the Digital Jungle with Sue Atkins and Friends

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STEM, Coding, Creativity, and Cyber Safety: The New Education Frontier

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Mar 5, 2025

Guest

Caroline Allams

In this engaging discussion, Caroline Allams, co-founder of NatterHub and an award-winning educator, dives into the pivotal role of STEM and coding in children's education. She shares insights on empowering young digital citizens while emphasizing online safety. The conversation covers practical resources for parents to inspire STEM interest, strategies for managing screen time, and fostering creativity. Allams also highlights the impact of social media on mental health and the importance of collaborating with children to navigate their digital experiences.

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INSIGHT

STEM's Importance

STEM is more than just science classes; it's interdisciplinary.
It encourages critical thinking and problem-solving in a tech-filled world.

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ADVICE

Introducing Coding to Kids

Introduce children to coding through games and age-appropriate resources.
Explore websites like Code.org, Scratch, and books like Hello Ruby.

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ADVICE

Coding Website Safety

Check Common Sense Media ratings before using coding websites.
Many platforms have chats, posing risks of inappropriate interactions.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Empowering Future Innovators: The Role of STEM and Coding

01:43 • 9min

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Navigating Digital Realities: Empowering Children Online

10:42 • 22min

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Navigating Technology Use with Children: Essential Guidelines

32:43 • 3min

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Guiding Children Through the Digital Landscape

36:07 • 4min

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Engaging Kids in STEM: Practical Tips for Parents

40:01 • 3min

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Engaging Kids in STEM Conversations

42:32 • 4min

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The Anxious Generation

Jonathan Haidt

In 'The Anxious Generation', Jonathan Haidt examines the sudden decline in the mental health of adolescents starting in the early 2010s. He attributes this decline to the shift from a 'play-based childhood' to a 'phone-based childhood', highlighting mechanisms such as sleep deprivation, attention fragmentation, addiction, loneliness, social contagion, and perfectionism that interfere with children’s social and neurological development. Haidt proposes four simple rules to address this issue: no smartphones before high school, no social media before age 16, phone-free schools, and more opportunities for independence, free play, and responsibility. The book offers a clear call to action for parents, teachers, schools, tech companies, and governments to restore a more humane childhood and end the epidemic of mental illness among youth.

Data Girl and Friends

Angeline Corvaglia

Python for Kids

A Playful Introduction to Programming

Jason R. Briggs

Navigating the Digital Jungle

Your Go-To Resources for Parents

Sue Atkins

Sue Atkins' 'Navigating the Digital Jungle' provides practical scripts to facilitate conversations between parents and children about technology. The book covers various topics, including smartphones, social media, AI, and online safety. It aims to equip parents with the tools to address these complex issues effectively and age-appropriately. The scripts are designed to be easy to use and adaptable to different family dynamics. The book promotes open communication and helps parents guide their children through the challenges of the digital world. It emphasizes building a positive relationship with technology while ensuring children's safety and well-being.

Hello Ruby

Linda Liukas

Hello Ruby is a children's book that combines storytelling with programming concepts, encouraging young readers to explore the world of computers and coding. The book features a young girl named Ruby who embarks on adventures that teach basic computer science principles. It was originally funded through Kickstarter and has become a popular tool for teaching children about technology.

Sue Atkins, author of 'Navigating the Digital Jungle,' hosts a discussion with Angeline Corvaglia, creator of 'Data Girl and Friends,' and Caroline Allams, co-founder of NatterHub.

The episode focuses on encouraging children to engage in STEM education while staying safe online by integrating education, creativity, and safety. They discuss the importance of STEM and coding, offering practical resources and tips for parents and educators.

The conversation extends to the impact of social media on children's mental health, digital literacy, and the responsibility of parents in guiding their children through the digital world. Practical advice includes keeping devices out of bedrooms, teaching children about online risks, and starting family STEM challenges.

Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by ICT in Education Teacher Academy. Empower your teaching with tech through workshops, resources, and a supportive community. Learn anytime, anywhere. Visit www.ictesolutions.com.au to get started.

00:00 Introduction to Navigating the Digital Jungle

01:26 Understanding STEM and Its Importance

02:55 The World of Coding for Kids

03:46 Resources and Tools for Learning Coding

06:55 Introducing Caroline Allams and NatterHub

07:58 Caroline's Journey and the Birth of NatterHub

11:17 Challenges and Impact of NatterHub

16:03 The Role of Parents and Teachers in Digital Literacy

23:35 The Decline of Offline Hobbies

23:45 Delayed Gratification and Creativity

25:06 The Role of YouTube in Early Education

26:20 Children's Behaviour and Digital Distractions

27:25 The Impact of EdTech on Education

30:12 Digital Literacy and Online Safety

33:58 Practical Tips for Parents

38:57 Encouraging STEM at Home

40:27 Listener Questions and Top Tips

43:35 Conclusion and Resources

Relevant links:

- Code.Org https://code.org/

- Scratch https://scratch.mit.edu/

- MIT Education https://www.k12videos.mit.edu/

- Khan Academy https://www.khanacademy.org/

- Hello Ruby https://www.helloruby.com/

- Python for Kids by Jason Briggs https://jasonrbriggs.com/python-for-kids/

For more information and parent webinars:

- Kodable https://www.kodable.com/

- Yes, One Billion Kids Can Code https://www.yesonebillionkidscancode.org/

- Natterhub https://natterhub.school/

For project ideas:

- NASA https://www.nasa.gov/stem

- Science Buddies https://www.sciencebuddies.org

STEM Institute

https://www.steminstitute.org

Data Girl and Friends

https://data-girl-and-friends.com/

Navigating the Digital Jungle Resources

https://navigatingthedigitaljungle.com/resources

Ready to feel more confident navigating tech and parenting?

We know the digital world can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone! Download one of our free resources designed to support you in making intentional, informed decisions for your family:

Building Confidence in Saying ‘No’ to Smartphones Until Age 14 – Practical tips & scripts to set boundaries with confidence.
Parenting Unplugged: Coaching Questions to Navigate the Digital Jungle – Reflect, reset, and create a tech-positive home.

Grab your free guide today and start making confident, mindful choices for your child’s digital future!

📥 Download here: shop.navigatingthedigitaljungle.com

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