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Dear TBC Families,
As the crisis in Israel continues to unfold with every passing hour, we must recognize that our children and teens may be experiencing complex emotions surrounding Israel. Older children with access to social media and the Internet may be seeing horrors they have never seen before and may not know how to handle the feelings they are having. They may be worried about their loved ones in Israel and may be experiencing confusion around why this is happening. It is our task as adults to protect and support our children and teens during this unprecedented time.
Temple B’nai Chaim has also been advised that terrorists are expected to post videos and images of hostages in the Gaza Strip begging for their lives, and even posting videos of their executions on the following social media platforms: TikTok, Instagram and potentially other digital sites.
While TikTok, Instagram and other platforms have algorithms attempt to prevent these types of videos from being posted, it is not 100% guaranteed that these videos will not be leaked to these and other social media sites.
In order to avoid the emotional and psychological damage this can cause our children and teens if they are exposed to this type of content, it is our strong recommendation that you take your child's smart devices (phones/tablets/anything else) for the remainder of this upcoming weekend and update your parental locks for these apps immediately. For parents of older teens, we advise that you speak with your child(ren) and instruct them to immediately close the app in question and hand you their devices should they begin to see anything that might resemble the content mentioned above.
Here are some resources you may find helpful:
Further discussion of thess issues can be found in URJ's message
Social Media Caution for Children and Teens
If you have any further questions or concerns, please reach out to Ellie Gluck, Assistant Director of Education at morahellie@templebnaichaim.org.
With Prayer and Hope for Peace in Israel,
Cantor Harriet Dunkerley, Spiritual Leader & Director of Education
Elisheva Gluck, Assistant Director of Education/Youth Coordinator
June Mara, Temple President
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