Translated with AI
Raising children in the digital age is not easy. Parents often do not know how to keep their children safe online, how to balance the risks and opportunities associated with the Internet and digital devices. And sometimes moms and dads simply do not keep up with the rapid development of modern technologies and do not always understand what exactly their children are doing while sitting at a computer or tablet, the UN press service reports.
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) offers parents advice from digital parenting expert Jacqueline Nesi.
- Ask your child questions about their devices, just as you would ask questions about toys or school. Find out what they like about them, what they don’t like, how often they use them, and what they do with them.
- Discuss the risks of technology with your children. Talk honestly with them about your concerns, such as devices interfering with their studies or adult-oriented content online that could be traumatic for your child.
It’s important to remind your children directly and often that they can always come to you if they’re having problems online. You might try saying something like, “We don’t always know how to handle situations online. You may encounter things that are embarrassing or upsetting, and I want you to come to me when you encounter those things. Together, we can figure out how to deal with them.”
Parents should also be mindful of how they react when their children approach them with problems. When moms and dads are scared, there is a temptation to immediately intervene, take away the tablet or phone, scold the child. But the most correct reaction is to first tell him: “Thank you very much for telling me about this.” This increases the likelihood that our child will turn to us next time.
- Don’t forget about the possibility of underlying issues. It’s important not to blame technology, which is neutral in itself. For example, if your teen is spending too much time on social media, constantly refreshing their feed, you can start a conversation about what’s really behind this behavior. It could be because they’re worried about what others think of them, or they may be feeling lonely or insecure at school.
- Set clear rules for online behavior. To set such rules, first answer a series of questions for yourself. How do you want him to behave online? What does it mean to be a good, responsible user? What do you not want him to do (e.g., insult other children)? What should he not do for safety reasons (e.g., provide personal information)?
At the same time, let your children know that mistakes will happen, that this is normal, and that they are just learning how to behave online.
- Create technology-free zones. This can be both a place and a time. For example: no devices at the table, during lunch or dinner. It is desirable that all family members follow the rule.
It is important to make sure that there are no devices near the bed or even in the child’s room at night, as this can interfere with healthy sleep. Doctors also recommend stopping using gadgets and not looking at screens at least an hour before bedtime.
- Monitor content. It’s important to make sure that the content your children access online is age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate. Tell your children that they should ask your permission before downloading new apps or joining new platforms.
Consider using parental control technologies that allow you to limit time spent online, filter content, or block shopping.
- Explore technology together. Make it a practice to regularly share the internet. For example, you can watch a YouTube video together or explore a new app. This will help you build a more trusting relationship with your child, and they will be more willing to share what they do online with you.
- If you want to set up parental controls, filters, or monitor what your child does online, warn them about it and explain your decision. This will again help build trust. It will be better if they learn about it from you, and at the same time understand that it is related to your desire to ensure their safety.
As children get older and gain more experience using devices, you can give them more independence.
- Model healthy habits for your kids. Work as a team. It’s important for parents to limit their own screen time, too. Joining forces with your kids to set healthy habits and boundaries for the whole family is a great opportunity to move beyond the “me versus you” dynamic and instead work on creating an “us together against the problems that technology can cause.”
- Turn the use of technology into a game, entertainment or creative process. And this can include games themselves. They can be educational and educational. Play is the main way for a child, a special little one, to learn about the world. Through play, he learns to think, plan, use imagination. On gadgets, children can also draw, color, make cartoons, record video stories about their toys.
This way, you will encourage healthy use of technology, and instead of it being a source of addiction and a way to waste time, it will become an important tool that will allow your child to expand their horizons.
