Every new year comes with new some new challenges, at least surely for parents. Something that can make parents epiphanous at any instance is their kids’ interaction with technology, New apps, websites and technological advancements pose rather very appalling threat to parents. But what are we here for? Our TMF blog team will help you become better digital parents this year. As a 2016 starter pack, take these 5 essential New Year’s resolutions and you will be all fine for the rest of the year:
1. Have a tech talk for safe digital behaviour
We understand that it’s necessary for kids to have access to internet for their learning, but we also know how much dangerous it can turn out to be for them. With predators, cyberbullies and stalkers lurking around your kids’ digital space, it’s alright if you feel a little nervous with your kids’ intimacy with their smartphones or computer. To dispel this fear of your hearts, talk to them about safe digital practises.
What do you need to talk to them about? Make everything every clear, sites they can visit, number of hours they can use their gadgets; what to share and which apps to use. Also, you need to talk to them about parental smartphone monitoring apps, and why would you need them. Be clear that it’s only for their digital safety.
A good rule of thumb would be: Never let them talk to anyone they don’t know about in real life without your consent. We know it’s a little difficult, but when you will start discussing the risks of internet with them, they will start listening to you!
2. Choose quality over quantity
It’s very easy to generalise that your kids waster their entire time in front of their computers or smartphones, but in reality, some screen time for educational purposes is not bad for kids. If you are successfully able to filter the content that they have access to, they will gradually shift their interests towards things that would come up to them through you.
When kids grow into teenagers, they are more likely to access technology to interact with the rest of the world. They find new ways to do that like signing up for social media websites or playing online multiplayer games. But it’s also possible that your kids want to use internet as an informal learning tool. If they want to learn some new skill, or language, let them have some access.
3. Learn how your kids use technology
Take sometime out and find out how much time your kids are spending on Facebook or their other favourite apps. Sit down and discuss with your kids about their friends, online habits including the sites they visit most often.
You would learn about a lot of new things about your kids which wouldn’t necessarily be about useless browsing. It’s important to know about what your kids are doing online so that you can set rules on monitoring their online activities.
4. Focus on social media activities of your kids
Social media bullying can lead to anxiety, depression, and even teen suicide. Let your teen keep social media in perspective by talking to them about appropriate online behaviour. Provide them your comfort and assistance if they have been bullied. Tell your kids not to take social media too seriously. Teach your kids how to ignore things that they don’t like.
5. Set a precedent
If you want your kids to be digitally responsible, you will have to show them how. We have emphasised on this so many times before and we would say it again that parents need to be good digital role models for their kids. For parents who work in tech industry, it might be difficult for them to do so, but still, if they want to, then there are many way to show their kids how to strike balance between work and leisure.
Follow these aforementioned resolutions, they are worth the effort! But these are not the only resolutions that you should be having for the year. Do as much as you can for your kids’ online safety.
Have something to share with us? Let us know in the comments.
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