1708 days ago

Face to Face Communication versus Technology

Alison Shrigley Reporter from The Bay Chronicle

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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4 days ago

Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

How many balls of string does it take to reach the moon?

(Peter from Carterton kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Peter!)

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!

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6 days ago

Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.

Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔

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Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
  • 72% We work hard, we deserve a break!
    72% Complete
  • 16.3% Hmm, maybe?
    16.3% Complete
  • 11.7% Yes!
    11.7% Complete
1036 votes
1 hour ago

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM CAB FAR NORTH

Jill Smith from Citizens Advice Bureau Far North (CAB)

This year, our hard working volunteers have fielded over 2,000 inquiries covering a wide range of issues. We hope our support has helped and we look forward to serving you again next year.

We will be open (reduced hours) on Monday 22nd & Tuesday 23rd December from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. We will be closed for the holiday period - Wednesday 24 December and will reopen on Monday 5 January 2026.

If you need information during our closure, we recommend you use our valuable website - www.cab.org.nz... , and for our young people - youth.cab.org.nz...

Have a very Merry Christmas from your Citizens Advice Bureau Far North team.

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