When talking about modern lifestyle, one thing is for sure – computers, smartphones, and all the other gadgets are not going anywhere. Living in the digital age means our kids are and will be digital natives, born into an already advanced technological society. They will inevitably get in touch with technology much earlier than we did.
Now, this might sound scary to you, as there are many questions you might have, like how much technology is too much or when you should give your child their first phone. However, there are also many benefits of being a digital native.
If you teach your kids right, they are more likely to use all this technology in a healthy and productive way. So, to help you do that, here are a few tips on integrating digital technology into your family-life.
Talk About it
For starters, it’s important you talk about technology. You can do it during meals or while driving your kids to school. Just try not to make the conversation sound too interrogatory, as you don’t want your kids to feel like they have to hide something from you.
So, you can ask them what they like and dislike about social media. Or, you can talk to them about their favorite things to do on their smartphones. This way, you’d turn technology into another everyday topic, and your kids are more likely to tell you when something worries them.
Get Started Early
As mentioned, our kids will start using technology earlier than we did, so it’s important they start early learning online as well. There are many educational apps and programs to help your child develop critical thinking skills, memory, literacy, etc.
Moreover, educating them by using the Internet also includes discussing the differences between what is real and what isn’t. Eventually, you can also teach them how to look for reliable sources online. This will become an invaluable skill in school.
Set some Rules
Technology can be very addictive, which is why setting some rules and boundaries can help your child develop healthier habits. So, depending on your child’s age, think about whether some online websites and activities, in general, should be off-limits.
You can also keep certain rooms or time periods technology-free, like your dining room during meals, or their bedroom an hour before bed. Moreover, don’t distract your kids with technology so they’d behave. It might be effective, but this way, they wouldn’t be learning any self-control.
Your kids should also have limited screen time, but this limit again depends on their age, habits, and online activities. Finally, don’t hesitate to discuss these things with your kids. They might even have their rules to add.
Keep them Safe
The cyberspace can be safe, but only if you know how to use it and what to stay away from. Therefore, teach your kids about the dangers of predators and bullies. They also need to know once they share something online, whether it is a photo or personal information, they can’t simply take it back or delete it.
They need to be aware of sex offenders and the tricks they use to get inappropriate photos. It’s not enough to forbid your kids from sending inappropriate photos, they need to know why it’s dangerous. They should also know how to handle online bullying, and more importantly, they should never be afraid to come to you if they have any doubts about anything.
Be a Good Role Model
Last but not least, if you spend an entire day looking at your phone or playing video games, you can’t really expect your kids to behave any differently. When young, kids look up to their parents a lot, so set a good example for your children.
The rules you set for them should also apply to you, so don’t type on your phone during dinner or family time. Also, when you get home from work, turning on your PC should not be the first thing you do. Teach your kids the importance of face-to-face communication by actually spending time with them without any technological distractions.
Integrating digital technology into your family-life is something you need to do gradually and carefully. There need to be rules and boundaries appropriate for your kids’ age, and you should also spend time teaching them about the harmful side of the Internet.
Finally, show them how to find reliable and useful apps online. Set an example by using technology wisely yourself, and create a safe social media environment for your teen.
