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1123 days ago

Face to Face Communication versus Tecnology

Alison Shrigley Reporter from Whangārei Leader

FROM A TEACHER: Yesterday, I shut down class about 5 minutes early and told my students I wanted them to just sit and talk to one another. Several of them immediately opened their laptops and began navigating to their favorite computer game.
I said, "No, no laptops. I want you to have face-to-face conversations right now."
After a collective groan went up, I observed something both wonderful and alarming. For the next few minutes, a couple of tables came alive with conversation. They looked at each other in the eyes and talked with great enthusiasm and interest. It was beautiful to watch and listen to.

However, many students were deflated. They did not know what to do without some sort of entertainment from a device. A couple of them put their heads down and avoided eye contact with anyone. I went around the room to those students and tried to engage with them. Some of them mustered a few words, but most didn't know what to do.

I share this story as a wakeup call for parents, grandparents, and guardians. It's tragic to me that a large percentage of today's youth do not know how to have real conversation, but it's not their fault. It is our responsibility as adults to lead by example and hold our kids accountable. Unplug every day, talk, and listen to your children. Getting lost in a device does not help them cope with and overcome the things they're going through mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. All it causes is isolation and depression. They need relationships; they need you.

I plan on doing it again today. #PleaseShare
This was written and supplied by Margaret Johnson in Kaikohe

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More messages from your neighbours
2 hours ago

Why Leonie loves lawn bowls

Jane Mander Retirement Village

For the uninitiated, lawn bowls may just look like a bunch of people throwing balls up and down a flat piece of grass.

But for Evelyn Page Retirement Village resident Leonie, it is a game of skill that has brought her 40 years of friendship, camaraderie and many fun-filled experiences and memories.

So much so, that she has dedicated most of the last 20-plus years to umpiring the game. It is her way of giving back, she says, and now she is lending those skills to the upcoming trans-Tasman inter-village Ryman Roll Up.

Click read more for the full story.

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2 hours ago

Watch out for SCAMS

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Neighbourly is aware that online safety is front of mind for members, and scams are getting more tricky to spot. So we thought we'd share some tips from Netsafe to keep you informed about what to avoid and where to get help.

Where do scams take place?
Over the phone, via text message, via email, online or even in person.

What red flags should you be looking out for? Ask yourself these questions...
- Were you expecting this message? or was it out of the blue?
- Are they saying there's a problem which you didn't anticipate?
- Are you having to give money over?
- Are you being rushed?
- Are you being told to click on a link or go to an unfamiliar website?
- Are you being asked to share personal info or passwords?
- Are you being asked to pay in a strange way like wire transfer, gift cards, etc
- Does something not feel right? Do you feel confused?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, it's best to stop communicating and seek support. But if you've already given over money, contact your bank immediately.

You can check if it's a scam by contacting |Netsafe|:
- Toll-free on 0508 NETSAFE (0508 638 723) or +6496660840 if calling from outside New Zealand
- Emailing help@netsafe.org.nz

If you're pretty sure it's a scam, make a report at netsafe.org.nz

Remember Neighbourly is a free service for neighbours so we won't ask you for money or for your password. All emails will come from noreply@neighbourly.co.nz - so feel free to get in touch if you're unsure of something!

Hope this helps you, neighbours!

2 hours ago

Winter clothing at The Red Cross Shop in Dargaville

The Team from Red Cross Shop Dargaville

The Red Cross Shop in Dargaville has plenty of winter clothing. Come in and check it all out at 48 Victoria Street in Dargaville.

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