SUPPORTING PARENTS THROUGH THE EARLY YEARS
FEBRUARY 2018 – MARCH 2018
282
Who do you trust on the www The internet is a virtual treasure trove of information. We are more connected to global knowledge than ever before – what a privilege! The downside of all this information sloshing around is that not all websites are created equal.
Don’t beat around the bush In New Zealand, nature is at our fingertips. Even in city centres, we don’t have to go too far to find a slice of greenery or an expanse of ocean. Yet not all Kiwi families make as much of this as we could. Read about the Kiwi Guardians programme that encourages young people to get out and have adventures in nature so they form meaningful connections and have fun as well.
S s s stuttering Plenty of preschoolers go through a stage when they stutter. It can be distressing for children – and their families – as they struggle to express themselves and be understood. Contrary to popular belief, stuttering is not the result of nervousness or low intelligence, nor is it caused by a traumatic event. But it is something that affects people from all walks of life, and requires individual assessment and treatment.
Looking after tiny tummies Kids’ digestive health is about more than just their digestive systems. Upset tummies, stomach aches, vomiting and diarrhoea can all be signs that it’s time to see a doctor. Even when everything seems fine on the surface, digestive system issues can have far-reaching effects.
Kiwiparent – Since 1954 the magazine of Parents Centres New Zealand Inc Editor
Leigh Bredenkamp Ph (04) 472 1193 Mobile (0274) 572 821 leighb@e–borne.co.nz PO Box 28 115, Kelburn, 6150
Editorial Enquiries Ph (04) 233 2022 or (04) 472 1193 info@e–borne.co.nz
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Taslim Parsons Ph (04) 233 2022 x8804 Mobile 021 1860 323 t.parsons@parentscentre.org.nz
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Hannah Faulke, edendesign.nz
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Megan Kelly
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info@parentscentre.org.nz
Publisher
Parents Centres New Zealand Inc Ph (04) 233 2022 Opinions expressed in the magazine do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher. Advertising in this magazine does not imply endorsement by Parents Centres. Generally material in this publication may be reproduced provided it is used for non-commercial purposes and the source is acknowledged. However, written permission must be sought from the editor. Kiwiparent is proud to support the WHO/UNICEF International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes adopted by the World Health Assembly in 1981.
ISSN 1173–7638
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Image Centre Group
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A few years ago there was an international outcry at the sad fate of the endangered tree octopus of the Pacific (yes really). A webpage was set up devoted to saving them. But it turned out this website has been used to intentionally mislead students as part of a scientific study into online research habits, and it points to a real problem of the digital information age: anyone can put anything on the internet any time – and it is easy to get misled. The internet empowers us to educate ourselves and make more informed choices and decisions, but if we believe everything we find online, we are likely to wind up making some very poor decisions. In this amazing digital age, how do we keep from being misinformed? Using websites is like talking to friends. Some are knowledgeable and can be helpful, others are often wrong but never in doubt. Some friends may tell us things that are a mix of truth and fiction and others will tell us what we want to hear. Most people know to be skeptical of what some of their friends tell them and we should hold websites to the same standards. Commercial websites can’t always be trusted to tell you the truth about issues related to that product. That said, many companies carry great information that doesn't only push product. Websites sponsored by commercial, political, or other entities should be viewed with skepticism. These sites are also "selling" something, perhaps a particular belief rather than a physical product. Always check who sponsors the website you are visiting. You’re more likely to get high-quality information from sites affiliated with universities, government agencies (not politicians), and NGOs devoted to public education. As a journalist I was taught two important things – check the source and follow the money. Who paid for the site and who is writing the content. Then there are news and magazine websites, blogs, and Wikipedia. While these are valuable, many have their own bias and are driven by the desire to attract your attention – hence alarmist headlines and trending articles that push people’s buttons. There is great variability among bloggers. Commonly, no one reviews the material in blogs before posting. Many blogs are great sources of information but others exist purely to present a narrow viewpoint wrapped up as fact. So how do you know if a particular piece of information is valid? Generally, web pages with more citations and links, or from reputable organisations, will provide better information. But it is also good to try spot-checking some of what is written by using Google scholar or a fact-checking website. Don’t be scared of scientific papers – while they may be filled with jargon, anyone can scan them (I usually read the foreword and the recommendations or conclusions to get a sense of what it contains). If you need a hand, ask for help from someone trained in the field of interest. Enjoy the information at your fingertips – it is a fantastic resource. But be skeptical and do your homework as well. Leigh Bredenkamp
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