These days, no matter how hard a parent may try to avoid it, technology is everywhere. Raising a child in an environment so heavily influenced by the online world can introduce a challenging balancing act between completely isolating them from technology and allowing them too much screen time.
Regardless of what age your children may be when they begin their online journey, buying trusted devices from The Good Guys Boxing Day deals will give you peace of mind that you are introducing them to the online world in a safe and enjoyable manner.
Start Slow
When first introducing technology to your children, it is all about pacing. If you overwhelm them with high-level technology too early, they will quickly become lost in the endless features without having any idea about what they should be doing.
Kid-friendly technology experts suggest creating a tech roadmap for your child, which lays out a plan for what devices your child should be using at what age. Consider factors like user interface, privacy, security features, and ease of monitoring when making your final decisions. Each new portion should allow more freedom for your child without letting it all out at once.
Create & Enforce Clear Boundaries
Kids thrive on fairness and consistency. So, it is crucial to make your rules about screen time and online usage clear and easy to follow. For kids who are old enough to understand the implications, many experts recommend drawing up a technology contract with your child that states the various guidelines they need to follow based on the devices they are allowed to use.
However, setting clear boundaries does not mean you can’t be flexible with your rules when needed. As your kids get older, they will become better equipped to handle the responsibilities of increased freedom, and your contract should reflect and accommodate this.
Teach the Fundamentals of Using Computers
In order to navigate the digital world in a safe and healthy manner, it is essential to have a foundational understanding of computers. This is true for both kids and adults and should include basic skills like typing, internet browsing, and email creation.
When people can interact with the online world confidently and safely, they are less likely to encounter scenarios or environments that could threaten their safety.
Be Intentional
For any user in the digital world, your options of things to do are seemingly endless. If given the chance, your child will have the same never-ending possibilities. By encouraging idle or careless use of technology, you may be hindering your children’s opportunities to see the potential of this environment instead of seeing it as a crutch.
When your child engages in their allotted screen time, ask them what they plan to do. Encourage them to engage in concrete activities, like playing games that promote logical thinking, educational learning, or calling a friend instead of mindless scrolling. Making their time task-orientated can teach them what technology is capable of without causing them to get lost in it.
Use Age-Appropriate Technology
In order to create a cohesive environment, it is important to use age-appropriate technology when introducing your children to the online world. For younger kids, consider using tablets or educational computer games that are both fun to play but also focus on developing their motor skills, critical thinking, and hand-eye coordination.
As they get older and become more aware of the world around them, you can introduce more complex software and hardware that will challenge the way they think and allow them to build advanced technical skills.
Digital Citizenship
An important aspect of digital citizenship is understanding and embracing the ethical use of technology. It is vital that children acquire these skills at an early age, as it will teach them the importance of respect, responsibilities, and online safety.
The easiest way to introduce these principles is by leading by example. Adopting positive behaviors and being a responsible role model will show them the benefits of embracing these actions themselves.
Set an Example
As the saying goes, children learn by example. And while parents may be hypervigilant about their children’s time on devices, it is as important for them to be aware of their own technology usage. How you choose to handle and engage technology will significantly impact how they choose to use it.
Any device-based time controls you are implementing on your children, consider using them on yourself as well. Allow them to see the timers you use and answer any questions they may have about your motivations and reasonings. If you are not able to realistically follow the same rules you have set for them, find a modified version better suited to your needs. Either way, your children will benefit from knowing you are in this together.
It may also be helpful to run a digital footprint checker every now and then and delete any personal information they might’ve posted online.
Find Communal Screen Activities
More often than not, technology is viewed as a replacement for traditional play or human interaction. This is often the case for those who misuse technology, but when utilized correctly and sensibly, it can be enjoyed alongside regular activities your child loves and enjoys.
Find out what your kids enjoy doing with their screen time and find ways to do those things together. Whether you play an online game or watch YouTube videos, if you use and enjoy technology together, you help your child understand how to incorporate technology into their daily lives instead of using it as an entirely separate tool.
