School Is Back In Session: Let's Break The Ice with Games... and then some!

Back to School: Embrace the New Year with Positivity and Action

School’s back in session, and... I know (I know) some of you might be feeling a bit bummed out because the trips are over along with the long days and late night fun (excluding weekends). But hey... it’s just a part of life (again... excluding weekends). The plus side? You get to see your friends again and dive into new adventures together. 

Some of you need a bit more encouragement than that... especially at a new school, in a new class, with new classmates you don't know from a can of paint on the other side of the planet, but... talking about video games can be a great ice breaker.

Ask fellow students what their top 5 videogames are. Teachers can even have their students present their top 5 video games and present team building ice breakers like something I call... CLASS VS TIME: This came to mind because it would get the students involved and working together to figure out the answer to brain teasers or other questions (i.e. Math problems) before the time runs out. The reward could be an idea the teacher comes up with that allows the students to look forward to something fun on Fridays... or something.

If it were me (hehe)... I'd have the weekly brain teasers also result in students being able to play a simple game (i.e. Pac-Man 256 or Crossy Road) if they solve all the brain teasers. If they can solve them every week, they can either walk away with a treat bi-weekly... or pizza once per month (gotta have a budget for such a thing)! I might even give a treat bi-weekly + pizza once per month if the students reach a certain collective score in the game to unlock pizza for the month. Can you... imagine... the excited they'd have if they reach that combined score together? That's the feeling I'd go for, and... I love pizza, so I'd be on the side like a proud coach.

Over the summer, we spoke to parents, including the grandmother of a kid who was being bullied. Bullying is far from... cool, and I remember those random kids who tried to make school difficult for a number of us. It’s crucial that we encourage our school districts, schools, principles, and teachers to decrease tolerance for bullying. Everyone deserves to feel safe and supported on their journey through school life.

Parents, Your Role is Vital

Parents, make it a point to know the principal and have a presence at your child’s school. If the school knows you won’t hesitate to show up and address issues like bullying, they’ll be more motivated to find solutions. Don’t let your kids suffer in silence, let them know that the truth can bring solutions.

Schools and Teachers, Step Up

Schools have the power to remind students regularly to keep their hands to themselves, show respect, and aim to be great. Implementing a reward system for good behavior can also help curb bullying, as students won’t want to miss out on the rewards. Offering second chances and encouraging students to... make things right, can show bullies that they can change and do something positive. This can truly go along way, and good guidance counselor can play their part by showing them that there are opportunities ahead if they don't get in their own way. This is actually a message that can apply to all students.

Teachers can also play a significant role by creating a supportive classroom environment. From what I remember, our teachers had more flexibility to implement such systems if they wanted to, and it made a difference when it came to those who cared.

Embrace the New School Year

So, now that school is back in session for students, encourage them to have a fun and amazing year. Learn lots, especially about the things that elevate their talents and prepare them for the road ahead. You can implement milestones so they can see the progress in a fun way. If they find great interest in something, there are courses they can take that can elevate their skills without going to college, and it doesn't require them to be out of school either. If they're able to comprehend what's being taught, it's another tool in their arsenal that can open their eyes to their own potential and make them career ready before they even walk across the stage (students do it via dual enrollment). So remind them to be great + have fun in the process, enjoy their family and friends + game on!

Remember, school is a place for growth, learning, and making memories. It's good for students to figure problems out to a degree, but in terms of bullying when it comes to a school structure that's similar to a company. You can't just knock someone out, you have to go up the chain of command and respect their authority, so it's up to the authority to make a positive impact. Outside of that, if you have things that come to mind that you can contribute to your child's school to make the year that much cooler... see if it's possible or see if you can fund it or even chip in to help them fun it up even more. Let’s work together to make it a safe and positive experience this school year!

BTW - If you like the backpack you see above, check it out... here.

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Dear Parents: Not All Games and Apps Are Kid-Friendly!

In the world of tech, video games & consumer apps play a significant role, but it's important for parents to be aware of the types of games & apps their children are using. While some may perceive all games & most apps to be harmless, it's not always safe to assume. When it comes to video games, the ESRB ratings are in place for a reason, but at the end of the day... the game industry can't raise your children.

Locate the rating:

For Google Play apps, click on the app and you will find the rating at the top... just beneath the title of the game. The age rating is to the right of the game review score, and download count. Apps, Movies, and TV have ratings, but I realized that eBooks are not rated (from what I've seen).

For App Store apps, the rating is right next to the Game and App titles. Apple TV+ has a rating in a similar area as the Google Play ratings (slightly below the title). When it comes to books, there is no age rating here either.

It's worth noting that some apps ask for location information and may even contain location-tracking features. Select apps use this information to ensure that your mobile order is to the right location, but others have no need for it and may result in undesired use of this information if it ends up in the wrong hands. While some use a tracking feature, others ask for this information and it could be showcased on a public profile to be seen by someone unsavory. A number of popular apps are social media-based, and allow you to chat with others, which basically means your children have the ability to chat with anyone in most cases.

This increases their chance of hearing and seeing certain things you do not approve of. While these apps have an age range, anyone can misrepresent themselves to gain access to most social media apps. That includes your children, and on the flip side... we don't know if the person claiming to be a teenager is actually a teenager at times. Talking with your children to establish safe precautions and healthy habits as part of an agreement to have a phone, is probably one of the best routes to take. From there you can present the reasons why you want them to be careful with such a useful tool. With great power, comes great responsibility... literally. 

See: Tips for Keeping Your Kids Safe on Social Media

Chat doesn't stop at social media apps. There are chat features in select games that lack true regulation that also include the ability to share links. This can be concerning, as there are individuals who exploit any opportunity available to them, potentially exposing children to inappropriate content, and seeking out their location by request or by obtaining their information.

Knowing the apps on your child's phone, specifically to research them... can go a long way. By doing so, parents can thoroughly review each app by its name to determine if any raise concerns and require uninstallation. This can be part of an agreement established with your child in order to have a phone. We don't need to go down this rabbit hole... but there are parents who wish they established such an agreement before avoidable issues were ushered in.

Additionally, parents should check for a "Hidden Space" on their child's Android phone. To access this area, they can slide their fingers both upwards and downwards simultaneously (using two fingers) on the home screen.

• Within the app drawer, sliding to the right will reveal this hidden space.

Parents can verify what I'm explaining by navigating to the settings and scrolling down to locate "Hidden Space," which should be positioned just above the "About" option at the bottom.

If their Android phone has a different user interface, you can search for tutorials on YouTube to get assistance. Being proactive in understanding and monitoring the digital landscape that our children navigate is crucial for their safety and well-being. By staying informed and actively investigating the apps and features available on their phones, parents can better protect their children from potential risks associated with certain digital content.

If you were wondering if there was an easier route... don't worry, there actually is. Check out the links below for kid-friendly phone manufacturers... Gabb & Pinwheel. Both phones deliver the things your child may need, and nothing you don't want them to have. Apps they do have access to, have been vetted, and the controls are in your hands. So see if one of the options below works for you.

Sophima | Guest Contributor

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4 Ways To Find Friends... as a Gamer!

 Making friends as a gamer can be tricky at times, but it is definitely possible! Here are a few tips:

1. Join gaming communities: Look for online communities related to your favorite games or platforms, and become an active member. This will give you the opportunity to connect with other gamers who share your interests.

2. Attend gaming events: Attend in-person gaming events and conventions to meet other gamers in real life. This can be a great way to make new friends who share your passion for gaming.

3. Play multiplayer games: Playing multiplayer games is a great way to meet new people online. Don't be afraid to reach out to other players and strike up a conversation, but always play it safe.

4. Be a good teammate: If you're playing a multiplayer game, be a good teammate by communicating effectively, playing fair, and supporting your teammates. This can help you build rapport and make new friends.

Remember, making friends takes time and effort, but it can be a rewarding experience. Always be sure to protect yourself, because not everyone has good intentions. Public outings to known game stores and cosplay shops can provide a safe space to interact more with newfound friends in person. If you're under the age of 18, it's best to be accompanied by an adult and leave with the same person. Good luck!

For K-12/College: New School Year Ice Breakers For Gamers

Sophima | Guest Contributor

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New School Year Ice Breakers For Gamers

As the new school year approaches, it's important to help your children feel comfortable and confident as they enter a new environment. One of the best ways to break the ice and make new friends is to find common ground. While sports, music, and art are great options, don't overlook the power of gaming.

Gaming is a huge part of our culture, especially with the younger generations. Many students play video games, and it can be a great way to connect with others who share the same interests. Multiplayer games are particularly effective for icebreakers because they allow students to work together towards a common goal in a game they collectively enjoy or may desire to play.

We don't recommend taking your Switch to school, but the Tzowla Anti-Theft Backpack is a great way to protect it if you do.

There are many great multiplayer games suitable for children 10 and under. Here are the top 10 multiplayer games for this age group:

1. Minecraft: This sandbox game allows players to build and explore their own virtual world together.

2. Roblox: A popular platform where players can create and play games made by other users.

3. Among Us: A fun and engaging game of teamwork and deception.

4. Animal Crossing: New Horizons: In this game, players can create their own island and visit other players' islands.

5. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: A classic racing game where players can compete against each other.

6. Splatoon 3: A colorful and fun shooter game where players compete in teams.

7. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: A fighting game where players can choose their favorite Nintendo characters and battle against each other.

8. Rocket League: A fast-paced game of soccer with rocket-powered cars.

9. Overcooked 2: A cooperative game where players have to work together to cook meals in a chaotic kitchen.

10. Fortnite: A popular battle royale game where players can compete against each other to be the last player standing.

Here are 10 popular multiplayer games for students ages 16 and under:

1. Fortnite: A popular battle royale game where players compete against each other to be the last player standing.

2. Minecraft: This sandbox game allows players to build and explore their own virtual world together.

3. Overwatch 2: A team-based shooter game that emphasizes teamwork and strategy.

4. Rocket League: A fast-paced game of soccer with rocket-powered cars.

5. League of Legends: A popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game that emphasizes strategy and teamwork.

6. Rainbow Six Siege: A tactical shooter game where players must work together to complete objectives.

7. Apex Legends: A free-to-play battle royale game with unique characters and abilities.

8. Valorant: A team-based shooter game where players must work together to plant or defuse a bomb.

9. Among Us: A fun and engaging game of teamwork and deception.

10. Gunfire Reborn: A lighthearted yet challenging multiplayer shooting game.

Please note that these games have online interactions with strangers, so it's important to supervise children's gameplay and ensure that they are playing in safe and appropriate environments. Nintendo titles are fairly safe, and will usually prevent any inappropriate messaging from being shared. There are also private gaming servers for select games if you want to decrease the chances of your students interacting with unsavory characters, but if they game online already, just remind them to report abuse.

Multiplayer games are a fun and engaging way for students to work together and get to know each other better. They'd have something to talk about while at school, including multiplayer events and updates. This is also a great way to get them to finish their homework and chores as soon as possible to increase their game time with friends.

"I wanted to tuck this in, just as a reminder. While gaming can be a great ice breaker, it's a good idea for them to keep kindness and consideration in mind. Encourage your children to be as respectful and accepting of other students of different cultures... just as much as they'd like to be accepted (live and let live). Everything certainly doesn't have to be accepted, but differences aren't the same as unacceptable behaviors like bullying other students.

Believe it or not, common-ground hobbies like... gaming, could actually decrease things like bullying if certain students desire to take part in a collective activity (and don't want to miss out on the fun). There are students who would seek to flip this though and get pretty good students to break bad for the sake of joining in on their fun, but... it's not worth it. There should be other students available to game with, even if it means connecting with other parents in your area or perhaps an online group... and your children connect via online games." -  Blu 

Here are 5 additional icebreakers that teachers and students can use for the new school year:

1. Two Truths and a Lie: Each student takes a turn introducing themselves and telling the group three statements about themselves - two true and one a lie. The group then has to guess which statement is the lie.

2. The Name Game: Students introduce themselves and choose an adjective that starts with the same letter as their name. For example, "I'm Funny Fiona." Then, the next student repeats the previous name and adds their own, like "Funny Fiona and Super Sam."

3. Find Someone Who: Each student gets a sheet with a list of characteristics or experiences, such as "Find someone who has a pet" or "Find someone who has traveled outside of the country." They then have to walk around and find someone who fits each characteristic.

4. Human Knot: Students form a circle and take hands with two different people across the circle. They then have to work together to untangle themselves without letting go of each other's hands.

5. Scavenger Hunt: Give students a list of items to find or tasks to complete around the classroom or school in a set time. For example, "Find a book with a red cover" or "Take a selfie with the principal."

These icebreaker activities are fun and engaging ways to help students get to know each other and build connections as they start the new school year. Teachers will often have an activity prepared for the entire class to break the ice. As long as students participate, it increases the chance of them breaking the ice and warming up quickly. Adding a timer will introduce a challenge that gamers will love.

In conclusion, the new school year can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking time for students. Using gaming as an icebreaker for individual connections can be a great way to help your children feel more comfortable and confident in their new environment. With options like "Among Us" and "Splatoon," students can work together towards a common goal and build lasting friendships. Just remember to keep kindness and consideration at the forefront of all interactions.

Sophima | Guest Contributor

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