TikTok has been in the news off and on these past couple of years. Mainly, the discussion keeps coming back to the issue of harvesting of user data. It’s possible that the Chinese government could access sensitive user information on devices where TikTok is installed.

As a result, the US Federal Government has banned the use of the app on all government devices and the State of Montana even passed legislation implementing a total ban on TikTok for its residents.

Although the privacy concerns are alarming, TikTok has also been in the news for its devastating effects on the mental health of its users, especially teens, and preteens who use the app for multiple hours per day. It’s highly addictive even for adults due to the constant barrage of short relevant and interesting videos catered for each individual user.

There are still many studies being done on the effects of social media on the mental health of teens and preteens.  However, one of the biggest mental health problems concerning social media, and specifically TikTok, is a result of cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying is a major problem across all social media platforms, including TikTok. It’s estimated that there is a 64% chance that a TikTok user under the age of 18 will experience cyberbullying on the app. That is quite an alarming statistic given that roughly 32.5% of all TikTok users are between the ages of 10 and 19.

So, what exactly is cyberbullying and what does it look like on TikTok? Let’s answer these questions as well as discuss some of the ways to recognize if your child is being bullied online and what you can do to ensure their emotional safety.

What is cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is a behavior that consists of repeated and intentional posting of photos, information, and/or rumors and lies about another person on social media and other online platforms. The posts can consist of live streams, videos, photos, text, and direct messages that are intended to be offensive and inflict psychological harm on an individual.

Victims of cyberbullying can often feel anxious, angry, depressed, embarrassed, scared, and sad. Additionally, victims of cyberbullying can receive threats to their safety and be the target of physical attacks.

All of these factors can be extremely damaging to an individual, especially an adolescent during their physical, emotional, and psychological development. The damage can be so great that adolescent suicides linked to cyberbullying have become a major concern. Teen online therapy is an excellent option for addressing the emotional challenges caused by cyberbullying, providing a safe space for teens to talk about their experiences.

According to an NIH-funded study of 10,000 adolescents, the participants who experienced cyberbullying in their lives were four times as likely to also report suicidal thoughts.

The worst part of cyberbullying is that a cyber-bully can send and share images, videos, and texts without ever physically facing the other person. The digital aspect of cyberbullying in a way removes the human aspect from the equation making cyberbullying incredibly easy to do for a bully who doesn’t need to witness or experience firsthand the consequences of the online abuse.

What does cyberbullying look like on TikTok?

Cyberbullying on TikTok can come in many forms. Whether it’s intimidation, verbal abuse, blackmail, or another type of cyberbullying, TikTok can be dangerous to children if certain precautions are not taken.

Additionally, cyberbullying not only can come from peers like other children from school or the neighborhood, but it can also come from strangers of any age from anywhere in the world. It is scary to think that an adult male in another country could be verbally abusing your teenage daughter and causing her to feel anxious or depressed about her looks.

The most common form of cyberbullying on TikTok comes from users commenting on content. When a person uploads a video onto the platform, users can leave comments. Although those comments can come with praise and support, often those comments can be mean, hurtful, and even dark. Negative comments about how someone looks or acts can be psychologically damaging, especially for people who are younger and may already suffer more from self-esteem and emotional issues.

Another form of cyberbullying on TikTok includes uploading pictures or videos of victims being abused in person. Bullies can live-stream or record a video of them verbally abusing and even physically assaulting another person for others to watch and participate in by leaving hurtful comments and spreading the content. When live-streamed, this form of bullying can be extremely dangerous as often adolescents can be motivated to take things too far when they are being egged on.

Lastly, some forms of cyberbullying on TikTok can be extremely harmful and take abuse to a whole new level. The same ways that cybercriminals use tactics such as social engineering, which has been one of the biggest cybersecurity-related risks in the past year, to gain the trust of unsuspecting victims can be used to gain the trust of your child to obtain personal information from them.

Information such as where they live, how old they are, where they go to school, or what their sexual orientation may be, can be used to bully, intimidate, or blackmail your child to do things they don’t want to do, or worse yet, actually put them in danger of kidnapping or sexual assault. Sexual predators may be able to “groom” your child for sexual abuse through TikTok by posing as someone of a similar age, with similar interests, or pose as someone they may admire.

What signs should you look for to recognize if your child is being bullied online?

The signs that your child may be suffering from cyberbullying on TikTok are similar to the signs you may see if they were suffering from any other type of bullying. They may seem more anxious, agitated, depressed, or sad, and essentially, they may not act like themselves. They can also seem avoidant and no longer interested in things that they normally love to do including spending time on TikTok, playing sports, and participating in other after-school activities.

Additionally, your child could make some comments about how they are feeling or that they are having problems with someone on TikTok which could be very revealing. Make sure to always listen to your child and read between the lines to help determine if they are hiding something from you such as being bullied online.

Also, if you know your child is using TikTok to create content, you may want to have your account so you can review comments that other users are making. As discussed before, the most common type of bullying that occurs on TikTok is through hurtful negative comments filled with insults, derogatory terms, and threats. By creating your account, you can actively see who is commenting on your child’s content and what they are saying.

What can you do if your child is being bullied on TikTok?

If your child is being bullied on TikTok, you may think the easiest thing to do is just delete the app. However, that is not always possible, especially if your child wants to continue to create content and participate in the TikTok community.

The best way to address cyberbullying on TikTok without deleting the app is to make the account private. If your child is under the age of 16, then the account should already be private, however, sometimes children lie about their age. Either way, by making a TikTok account private, your child will only receive direct messages from people they know.

With a private account, you can approve or deny follower requests as well as manage who is allowed to comment on your content. You can even use a comment filter to automatically filter out comments containing specific keywords that you indicate as offensive.

After you make your child’s TikTok account private, another thing you can do to help protect your child from cyberbullying on TikTok and other platforms is to install and use parental monitoring apps. There are many parental monitoring apps available that allow you to monitor who your child is talking to on social media, and what is being said, while even allowing you to create a list of trigger words that will send you a notification anytime your child sends or receives a message containing one of those words.

Lastly, if you suspect your child is being bullied on TikTok, it is time to open up the lines of communication to help them through this tough situation before it spirals out of control and lasting emotional and psychological damage is done.

About the Author:
Ryan Harris is a copywriter focused on eLearning and the digital transitions going on in the education realm. Before turning to writing full time, Ryan worked for five years as a teacher in Tulsa and then spent six years overseeing product development at many successful Edtech companies, including 2U, EPAM, and NovoEd.

Although pickleball has been around for decades, it was very much a niche sport and relatively unknown by the masses until the last few years.  In case you are not familiar with it yet, pickleball is mix of a variety of racket sports, including tennis, badminton, and ping pong.  This accessible court sport is especially perfect for kids.

Because children can learn the basic rules quickly, they can be working their muscles right away while having loads fun!  The games toned-down speed compared to other racquet sports makes it enjoyable even if the player has limited experienced or has never played before. In this article, we’ll break down every aspect of why pickleball should be on your list to keep your little ones healthy and active!

Introducing Pickleball

Are you seeking an enjoyable and budget-friendly activity to keep your kids physically active and engaged? This thrilling and rapidly growing sport is not only easy to learn but also ideal for children across all age groups and skill levels. Whether your child wants to explore a new hobby or is an eager athlete, pickleball appeals to everyone.

With straightforward rules and readily available equipment, getting your kids involved in this sport has never been simpler. By conducting some research, you can even discover pickleball lessons to further enhance their experience. It serves as an excellent gateway to introduce your kids to the delightful realm of racket sports. Courts are generally available indoors and out, so it’s highly accessible. Many schools have already incorporated pickleball courts into their existing gymnasiums.

Different Ways Pickleball Can Help Kids Stay Active

Pickleball transcends being a mere pastime for children as it serves as a powerful catalyst for promoting an active lifestyle. With its low-impact nature, pickleball proves to be an ideal choice for kids who may have limitations in engaging in higher-intensity sports. Furthermore, its ease of learning makes it a fantastic option for beginners venturing into the realm of sports.

In addition, pickleball is excellent for developing a child’s hand-eye coordination while unitizing various muscle groups. With such a range of benefits, it becomes evident that pickleball stands as an exceptional means to keep children active and in good health.

How to Incorporate Pickleball into Your Family’s Routine

On the hunt for an engaging way to incorporate some exercise into your family’s weekly routine? Look no further than the sport of pickleball. This fun and social activity is a great way to get the whole family moving while also enjoying some quality time together. As mentioned, pickleball is a low impact sport, which is why seniors find it easy to play at any level of skill. It appeals to children because the game is easy to learn, regardless of athletic ability.

This makes it an ideal family physical activity.  Plus, due to growing popularity, it has never been easier to find local clubs to join in on the fun. Or look for free outdoor courts in your area.  So why not lace up your sneakers, grab some paddles and balls, and hit the court for a family bonding experience like no other?

What Are the Benefits of Pickleball as a Kid’s Sport?

Played on a court resembling that of badminton, the sport of pickleball involves the use of a lightweight paddle and a small plastic ball. First played by adults, then becoming wildly popular with seniors, pickleball is now thought of as a great sport for kids.  Its has an instant positive impact on physical development, since a beginner can start playing with just a few simple instructions. It cultivates enhanced hand-eye coordination, balance, agility, and overall fitness.

Pickleball also checks the box that is essential to get any child to stick with something that is good for them.  It’s fun!

Moreover, pickleball encourages social interaction as a team sport.  This encourages teamwork, communication, and friendly competition. It imparts valuable life lessons on gracious winning and losing, as well as the importance of collaborative efforts to achieve shared objectives. With its wide appeal to children of various ages and skill levels, pickleball serves as an enjoyable avenue for staying active while developing essential life skills. If you’re seeking an excellent means to engage your kids in physical activity, pickleball is undoubtedly a worthwhile choice!

Pickleball can help children stay active by not only providing physical activity but also building confidence and engaging their minds in a great experience. With court reservations, organized leagues, outdoor courts, or simply a makeshift net set up in your yard – it’s easy to find an appropriate place to play. Plus, with the simple rules explained, everyone can have a terrific time playing pickleball right away!

So, gather up the friends, break out the paddles, and let the adventure begin! With the right approach, pickleball can be the perfect way to keep your kids healthy and active. We hope that this article was helpful!

With the mass adoption of technology and screens, it can be a challenge to encourage children to engage in outdoor play. Thankfully, there are numerous creative ways to get your little ones outside and help them develop an appreciation for nature while participating in fun activities.

By implementing activities that foster creativity, initiative, and teamwork, you, as parents, can make outdoor play just as enticing as their favorite video games or television shows.

Ideas to Inspire Your Kids to Play Outside

With some planning and inspiration, your kids will soon discover the endless wonders the great outdoors has to offer. Here are 10 fun ways to encourage your children to play outside.

1. Create an Outdoor Scavenger Hunt

An outdoor scavenger hunt is an amazing way to keep your kids entertained and engaged with their environment. By crafting a list of nature-related items to find, such as leaves, acorns, or colorful rocks, you’ll encourage exploration and ignite their sense of adventure.

To make it even more exciting, consider incorporating small rewards for collecting specific treasures or finishing the hunt within a certain time frame. This activity not only sparks curiosity but also promotes problem-solving skills and creates wonderful memories for your little ones.

2. Build a Vegetable Garden Together

Working on a vegetable garden with your children provides numerous benefits, such as teaching sustainability, promoting healthy eating habits, and offering valuable bonding time. Planting seeds and watching them grow is an engaging and educational activity for kids to partake in.

Get your children excited about gardening by involving them in the selection of their favorite vegetables to plant. You can even start small by planting flowers. Through this hands-on approach, you’ll not only help develop their green thumb but also create lasting memories.

Planting grass seeds is another fun gardening activity, as children can watch the grass grow and enjoy playing on their patch of green. From different types of zoysia grass to drought-resistant fescue, you can choose from a variety of seeds that suit your region and climate. Simply follow the instructions on the seed packets and allow your kids to take ownership of their grass-growing project.

3. Bring What They Like to Do Inside to the Outside

To gently transition your child from indoor activities to outdoor play, consider incorporating their indoor hobbies into an outside environment. For instance, if your child enjoys drawing or painting, set up an outdoor space for them to create art using sidewalk chalk or watercolors.

Or if your child is glued to your screen, you could use something like Carrots&Cake. This screen time app/solution encourages children to prioritize education and limits smartphone use. Once you get your kids outside, you can slowly limit their screen time and replace it with outdoor play.

4. Plan Themed Outdoor Playdates With Friends

Themed outdoor playdates are an excellent way to make playtime even more enjoyable and engaging for your children and their friends. By organizing events with specific themes, such as an Olympic-style sports day, you’ll keep their interests piqued while promoting teamwork.

These playdates are opportunities for kids to get active outdoors, learn about collaboration, and create lasting memories with their peers–all while having a blast in the process.

If your children aren’t getting a lot of social interaction, playdates become especially necessary and important. Incorporating fun elements like gaga ball pits can elevate the excitement, providing a unique and interactive way for kids to play together while honing their agility and strategy skills.

5. Invest in Outdoor Toys That Encourage Physical Activity

One way to motivate your kids to play outdoors is by providing toys specifically designed to promote physical exercise and develop coordination skills. Team sports can even promote positive mental health, so consider inviting your child’s friends over for some play.

Consider investing in outdoor equipment like basketball hoops or soccer goals, which not only offer endless hours of entertainment but also help foster a healthy and active lifestyle. By incorporating these toys, you’re supporting their physical development and overall health.

6. Set Up Regular Family Nature Outings

Scheduling regular family nature outings is a fantastic way to encourage your children to appreciate the outdoors, explore local flora and fauna, and create cherished memories. Family nature outings are especially fun for small children who can’t explore by themselves.

Activities such as nature walks, or hikes can serve as bonding experiences, sparking curiosity about the natural world around them. Family outings in nature also promote conversation during exploration, facilitating connection among family members and fostering a love of the outdoors.

7. Create DIY Bird Feeders and Watch Wildlife

Encourage your children’s creativity and love for wildlife observation by helping them create simple DIY bird feeders using recyclable materials. By placing these homemade feeders around your yard, you’ll attract a variety of birds for the whole family to watch and admire.

This not only exposes your little ones to the joy of caring for backyard wildlife but also nurtures their appreciation for nature. It’s also a great way to get your children interested in birds and other wildlife so long as you spark discussions about different species and their characteristics.

8. Support Incorporate Water Play on Hot Days

Image by vecstock on Freepik

On hot summer days, it’s important to bring exciting and refreshing water-based activities to your children’s outdoor playtime. Through simple tools such as water balloons, squirt guns, or sprinklers, you’ll provide fun ways for them to cool down while remaining active and engaged.

Incorporating water games into your child’s outdoor routine can add a lot of variety to outdoor playtime, particularly for pre-teens. It can also encourage essential motor skills development and cooperation among friends, all while making wonderful summertime memories.

9. Build a Fort, Treehouse, or Den

There’s rarely something more fun than building a fort in Minecraft, but technology has its time and place. Instead of taking your building to the virtual sphere, bring it into your physical space by constructing a fort, treehouse, or den. If possible, include your children in its construction.

This collaborative effort offers numerous benefits, like fostering creativity and problem-solving skills and teaching basic construction principles. As you work together to build their sanctuary, you’ll create memories and deepen your family bond through shared experiences.

10. Go Camping With the Whole Family

Organizing a family camping trip is an incredible way to encourage outdoor play and foster bonding experiences through shared activities, such as cooking over a fire and exploring trails. It also gives your children a chance to wake up amongst the chirping sounds of birds.

Camping excursions provide an excellent opportunity for teaching your kids valuable life skills like navigation, fire safety, and resourcefulness while immersing them in the great outdoors. By experiencing this moment, you’ll instill in your children a love and respect for the environment.

Camping in the backyard with a kids tent can also be something your child does on their own to encourage independence while having fun outside.

In Conclusion…

Now that you’re armed with various exciting ideas, it’s time to take action by incorporating these activities into your family’s routine. Not only will you be creating cherished memories, but your children will benefit from the mental and physical advantages that come from outdoor play.

During the early years of a child’s life, their brain is highly receptive to learning languages, making it an ideal time to introduce them to new languages. Integrating language learning into early education can have significant benefits, enhancing a child’s overall educational experience and preparing them for a globalized world.

Language acquisition is a fundamental skill that lays the foundation for a child’s cognitive and social development. In this article, we will explore the best practices for educators and parents to effectively integrate language learning into early education.

Start Early: The Critical Period for Language Acquisition

Research suggests that the earlier children are exposed to a new language, the easier it is for them to acquire it. The first few years of a child’s life are considered a critical period for language acquisition, as their brains are highly adaptable and can absorb linguistic patterns effortlessly. By introducing language learning at an early age, educators and parents can tap into this incredible capacity and facilitate effective language acquisition.

Create a Multilingual Environment

To maximize language learning outcomes, it is vital to establish a multilingual environment both at home and in the classroom. By surrounding children with the target language, educators and parents can create a rich linguistic context that facilitates natural language acquisition. Here are some effective strategies to foster a multilingual environment:

Speak the language at home: Parents play a crucial role in language acquisition, and speaking the target language consistently at home helps children become familiar with its sounds, vocabulary, and sentence structures. This constant exposure builds a strong foundation for language learning.

Expose children to culturally diverse materials: introducing children to a wide range of culturally diverse materials, such as books, music, and videos, not only enhances their language skills but also promotes cross-cultural understanding. These materials provide authentic language input and expose children to different perspectives and traditions.

Encourage interaction with native speakers: Interacting with native speakers of the target language provides children with real-life opportunities to practice and reinforce their language skills. Parents can seek out language exchange programs, language playgroups, or community events where children can engage in conversations with native speakers.

Incorporate the target language into daily routines: Educators can infuse the target language into daily activities and routines, creating a seamless integration of language learning. This can include using the language during circle time, mealtime, or outdoor play. Consistent exposure to the language in various contexts reinforces vocabulary and helps children develop fluency.

Provide bilingual resources: Offering bilingual resources such as books, flashcards, and educational materials supports language learning by providing visual aids and reinforcing vocabulary acquisition. These resources can be used during independent reading time, small group activities, or as supplementary materials for parents to use at home.

Organize language-based events: Educators can organize language-based events, such as cultural festivals or language immersion days, to celebrate the target language and encourage active participation. These events provide an immersive experience where children can engage with the language in a meaningful and enjoyable way.

By implementing these strategies, educators and parents can create a multilingual environment that nurtures language learning and helps children develop proficiency in the target language. Consistent exposure, authentic materials, and opportunities for interaction contribute to a well-rounded language learning experience, fostering both linguistic and cultural competence in young learners.

Language Learning Applications for Parents: Enhancing Early Education

Language learning applications can be valuable tools for parents seeking to integrate language learning into their children’s early education. These apps provide interactive and engaging platforms that allow parents to actively participate in their children’s language learning journey. Here are three notable language learning apps that parents can use:

Duolingo Kids

Duolingo Kids is an extension of the popular language learning app, Duolingo, specifically designed for young learners. With its colorful characters and interactive activities, this app offers a playful learning environment. Parents can explore various languages with their children, such as Spanish, French, and German, through interactive exercises, vocabulary games, and simple conversations. Duolingo Kids utilizes gamification elements to motivate children and provides a fun way for parents to engage in language learning activities with their kids.

Rosetta Stone Kids Lingo Word Builder

Rosetta Stone Kids Lingo Word Builder focuses on vocabulary development and word recognition. This app offers a range of captivating games and challenges for children to learn and practice vocabulary in multiple languages. Through visual cues and audio prompts, parents can help their children enhance their comprehension and pronunciation skills. Rosetta Stone Kids Lingo Word Builder provides an interactive interface that keeps children engaged and allows parents to actively participate in their child’s language learning process.

Promova

Promova is an innovative language learning app that prioritizes immersive language experiences. With Promova, parents can engage their children in interactive language lessons that incorporate real-life scenarios and conversations. The app offers a variety of engaging activities, including role-playing exercises and interactive dialogues. Promova stands out by utilizing cutting-edge speech recognition technology, providing instant feedback and pronunciation evaluation. Parents can use Promova to create immersive language learning experiences and actively support their children’s language acquisition.

By utilizing these language learning apps, parents can actively contribute to their children’s language development outside of the classroom. Duolingo Kids, Rosetta Stone Kids Lingo Word Builder, and Promova provide engaging interfaces, interactive activities, and a wide range of language options. These apps enable parents to actively participate in language learning activities, creating enjoyable and effective learning experiences for their children. Through these language learning apps, parents can strengthen their child’s language skills, expand their vocabulary, and foster a lifelong passion for language learning.

Play-Based Learning

Play-based learning is an effective approach to language acquisition, as it taps into children’s natural curiosity and desire for exploration. By integrating language learning into playtime, educators and parents can create a stimulating environment where children develop language skills while enjoying themselves. Here are some examples of how play-based learning can be utilized for language acquisition:

Puppet shows and storytelling: Using puppets as storytelling props, educators and parents can create imaginative scenarios where children can practice dialogue and vocabulary in a playful context. They can encourage children to create their own stories or retell familiar tales, incorporating the target language. This interactive and creative activity enhances language production and fosters storytelling skills.

Language-themed board games: Board games designed specifically for language learning can be a valuable resource. These games incorporate vocabulary, sentence structure, and comprehension activities. For instance, a game could involve matching pictures with corresponding words or constructing sentences using given vocabulary. This interactive play helps children internalize language patterns and promotes vocabulary retention.

Role-playing and pretend play: Role-playing scenarios allow children to act out different roles and engage in conversations using the target language. For example, they can pretend to be shopkeepers, customers, or doctors, practicing greetings, negotiations, and basic language functions. Through pretend play, children immerse themselves in language-rich environments, enhancing their speaking and listening skills.

Language-themed arts and crafts: Arts and crafts activities provide opportunities for children to engage with language while being creative. They can create collages with labeled objects, make flashcards or vocabulary cards, or design posters illustrating specific themes. This hands-on approach reinforces vocabulary learning and encourages children to use the target language to describe their creations.

Sing-alongs and music-based activities: Music is a powerful tool for language acquisition. Singing songs, rhymes, and chants in the target language engages children’s auditory senses and helps them internalize vocabulary and pronunciation. Educators and parents can incorporate gestures and actions into the songs to further reinforce language comprehension. Additionally, creating simple musical instruments or participating in rhythm-based activities enhances fine motor skills while reinforcing language learning.

Language-themed sensory play: Sensory play activities stimulate multiple senses and facilitate language acquisition. For example, educators and parents can set up a sensory bin with objects related to a particular theme, such as animals or food. Children can explore the objects, name them in the target language, and describe their characteristics. This hands-on approach fosters vocabulary development and sensory integration.

By incorporating play-based learning into language acquisition, educators and parents can create a dynamic and engaging language learning environment. The examples mentioned above demonstrate how play can be utilized to introduce vocabulary, practice dialogues, encourage conversations, and reinforce language skills. Through playful interactions, children become active participants in their language learning journey, building confidence and enjoyment along the way.

Use Visual and Contextual Support

Young learners greatly benefit from visual and contextual support when learning a new language. Providing visual aids, such as flashcards, posters, and picture books, helps children associate words with their corresponding objects or concepts. Using gestures, facial expressions, and body language can also enhance understanding and make language learning more accessible. Additionally, creating meaningful contexts for language use, such as through storytelling or role-playing, helps children grasp the language’s purpose and reinforces their comprehension.

Consistency and Repetition

Consistency and repetition are keys to language learning success. It is important to establish a regular language learning routine both at home and in the classroom. Consistent exposure to the target language reinforces vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, helping children internalize the language more effectively. Repetition of language activities, songs, and chants solidifies learning and aids in memory retention. By maintaining a consistent and structured language learning environment, educators and parents provide a strong foundation for language acquisition.

Individualize Learning Experiences

Every child is unique, and language learning should be tailored to meet individual needs and abilities. Educators and parents should consider children’s learning styles, interests, and strengths when designing language lessons and activities. Some children may be more visual learners, some may enjoy writing, while others may excel in auditory or kinesthetic approaches. Adapting teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles ensures that children can engage with the language in ways that suit them best, maximizing their learning potential.

Conclusion

Integrating language learning into early education is a powerful way to equip children with invaluable skills for their future. By starting early, creating a multilingual environment, incorporating play-based learning, utilizing visual and contextual support, leveraging technology, emphasizing communication and interaction, promoting cultural awareness, ensuring consistency and repetition, individualizing learning experiences, and fostering a positive learning environment, educators and parents can lay a solid foundation for children’s language acquisition journey.

By implementing these best practices, children not only develop language proficiency but also enhance their cognitive abilities, cultural understanding, and social skills. Language learning becomes an exciting and enriching experience, opening doors to new opportunities and preparing children for a globalized world. With the right support and guidance, young learners can embark on a lifelong journey of language exploration, embracing diversity, and becoming effective communicators in an increasingly interconnected society.