ENSURING APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY USE FOR CHILDREN
Written by Olivia Arrow
In the modern world, technology is a huge part of a child’s lives. It can be really helpful and fun, but there are also some risks that parents need to watch out for. As a responsible parent, it’s important to make sure your child is using tech the right way and staying safe.
It’s important for us to make sure that the technology our child’s are using is age-appropriate and beneficial for their development. Too much screen time or exposure to inappropriate content can have negative effects on their physical, mental, and social well-being. As parents, we need to take an active role in monitoring and guiding their use of technology.
Here are some tips to help you navigate this important part of parenting, in a more laid-back and approachable way.
Establish Clear Rules and Guidelines for Tech Use
When it comes to child’s and technology, it’s important to set some ground rules. Decide on daily screen time limits, designate specific areas of the house where electronics aren’t allowed (like bedrooms and dining tables), and determine which apps or websites are off-limits based on your child’s age and maturity. This will help create a healthy balance and ensure they’re using technology responsibly.
Make Sure You Regularly Monitor and Supervise Your Child’s Technology
Keep an eye on your child’s online activities. Now and then, it may be beneficial to take a peek at their browser history, social media accounts, and the apps they’ve downloaded to see what they have been up to. You can also use parental control software or apps to block stuff you don’t want them seeing and to also track how they’re behaving online.
Establish Open & Honest Communication
As early as possible, you should start engaging in open and honest conversations with your child about technology and how to use it responsibly.
When talking with your child about how the internet, social media, and other digital platforms can have both positive and negative aspects, make sure they feel comfortable and safe to be honest with you. This can encourage them to share any questions and concerns that they may have.
Now at some point, your child will share something with you that you don’t like or maybe even want to hear, however, it is essential that you remain calm, level headed and approachable. Establishing open and honest communication is built on trust and can be challenging, but the long term goal here is that you want your child to trust you with whatever they divulge, especially as they go through their teens and into early adulthood.
Educate and Support Your Child
Teaching your child about digital safety, privacy options, and how to deal with any online bullies is overwhelming, but a necessity. Empowering them with correct information will allow your child to feel confident and in control when they’re online.
Model Responsible Behaviour
Just like us grown-ups, children learn a lot from watching what their parents do. Setting a good example by using your own tech in a way that’s not too over the top. Limit your own screen time, don’t text and drive, and use etiquette when you’re online. That way, your child will see that there’s a right way to use technology and they’ll probably follow suit.
Encourage Alternative Activities
It’s important for your child to have a mix of activities in their life, not just staring at screens all day. So why not suggest they give some non-tech stuff a try. Reading a book, going outside to play, or spending quality time with family and friends, will help your child lead a well-rounded life, it can also help prevent them from getting too dependent on their devices. Bonus, who doesn’t love a good game of tag or hide-and-seek!
Seek Professional Help
If you’re worried about how much time your child spends on their devices, don’t be shy about reaching out for some expert help. A therapist or counsellor can sit down with your child, get a sense of what’s going on and offer some great advice on how to keep things in balance. They might even be able to dig into any bigger issues that could be behind their tech addiction.
Stay Informed
Keep up-to-date with the latest tech trends and potential pitfalls. Read articles, attend workshops, and chat with experts to stay in the loop on the ever-changing digital scene.
Be Patient and Understanding
It’s a never-ending job to help your kid navigate the world of technology. So, just take a deep breath and try to be patient. Be there for them, offering support and understanding when they need it. And don’t forget to be open to change as they grow up and their interests and needs change.
The goal is to help them use technology in a way that’s safe and positive, while also teaching them how to be responsible and respectful. So, just remember to keep things in perspective and focus on the bigger picture!