In today’s modern world where children are literally “growing up digital”, it’s essential to help them learn safe and healthy concepts of digital use. Here are six key tips to help you parent in the digital age:
How to parent in the digital age
- Talk to your child about healthy tech use
Firstly, you want to make sure your child understands what healthy and safe digital use is. A great way to do this is to discuss different examples of positive and negative digital use. Also, allow your child to ask plenty of questions. Be transparent, so that you know your child will always come to you about any concerns around digital use.
- Take data privacy seriously
Whether your child uses your phone from time to time or have their own mobile device, it’s important to invest in data privacy. Hackers are constantly looking to steal personal information, so you want to make sure you have strong passwords and use free Wi-Fi with caution.
- Swith on the parental control
Take control over what your child views online by switching on all the features that restrict the access of inappropriate content.
- Set limits
Like all other activities, media use should have reasonable limits. Keep in mind that offline play stimulates creativity. So, be sure to make unplugged playtime a daily priority, especially for younger children.
- Don’t take screens to the bedroom
While it may be tempting to let your child watch movies or play games before bedtime, it’s never a good idea. Studies show that screen time in the bedroom can suppress melatonin and affect the quality of your child’s sleep.
- Be a role model
It’s important to teach and model kindness and good manners online. Remember that children are great mimics, so you want to limit your own media use and only spend quality time online.