In an increasingly tech-driven world, helping children develop the right technical abilities and skills is more important than ever before. That being said, raising tech-savvy children can come with challenges, especially those about the safety and well-being of the young ones. Developing a deeper understanding of the tech world, and diving into screen time management, data protection, privacy, and safety online can help parents set the groundwork for raising tech-inclined children.
1. Set screen time limits
It’s all too common to spot children curled up into a screen—whether a phone or a tablet—in public spaces. While some screen time can be useful, letting children spend all their time in front of the screen could lead to complications with their social, emotional, and physical development.
To develop good tech habits among children, the American Psychological Association (APA) found out that 94% of parents have at least one rule in place regarding screen time for their children. They also chalk out a set of guidelines to help parents along this path.
- For children under 18 months, it’s best to avoid screen time entirely (except video chatting).
- For children between 18-24 months, watch high-quality programming with the children.
- Children between 2-5 years should be limited to 1 hour of screen time (high-quality programming) per day.
- For children aged 6 and over, one must set consistent limits on the type of media consumed and the duration allowed.
2. Develop boundaries and ensure open communication
Access to the internet allows children to look up just about anything, and this can have its disadvantages. To ensure that their experience remains safe, parents and guardians need to set the stage for open communication. This will allow them to comfortably discuss their concerns and experiences online and ask questions. It’s also good practice to learn the children’s favorite websites and keep a check on where they spend their time online.
Apart from this, parents should share real-life examples and experiences with their children to help them better understand the dangers that may lurk online. This will help them learn the repercussions of their actions, and engage in more responsible online activity. That being said, avoid sharing too much information, as this may make them scared of technology entirely. Maintaining a balance here can help children become more tech-savvy.
3. Promote digital literacy
Give children the right resources and tips they need to navigate the technological world safely. Take some time to help them develop critical thinking skills, distinguish between credible and misleading information, and make better choices online. It’s also important to teach them how to navigate and control privacy settings to limit their content viewership.
It is also recommended to set certain family rules, especially for younger children, such as:
- Never use one’s real name or age online.
- Do not share the address or phone number under any circumstances.
- Don’t engage in private chats or conversations when playing games online.
- Limit Google and YouTube usage, and ensure that it occurs under parental supervision.
- Do not keep any internet-connected devices in the bedroom.
4. Engage in high-quality programming
There is a ton of content available online, a lot of which can be addictive without helping children develop literacy or critical thinking skills. When raising kids in a digital world, it is essential to look for content that helps younger children develop literacy skills. Among older children, this approach can be more varied depending on their interests.
Keep an eye out for programs that have been developed with established curricula, along with inputs from development specialists.
5. Focus on building good habits
While the meaning of “good” can vary from home to home, it is the responsibility of the parents to set limits and help their children develop safe and healthy habits for engaging with technology.
- Set screen usage rules when at the dinner table. Encourage children to interact with each other (or with the family) while eating.
- Set time limits for daily screen time.
- Maintain a balance between screen time, learning, and outdoor activities for children. Encourage them to engage in reading, arts and crafts, physical exercise, etc.
- Keep some time apart as dedicated “family time” – a time when everyone in the family comes together and engages in non-screen activities together.
6. Monitor social media usage
While teaching kids to use social media and technology responsibly is a necessity, parents and guardians must also monitor their teen’s internet usage. That being said, this monitoring can look different for each child (or family). Some parents may be happy with setting parental control limits, while others may entirely forbid their children from using certain social media channels.
7. Use screen time as a parenting tool
Children are most likely to emulate their parents, so it may be wise to lead them by example. Some children may call their parents out for using their screens or devices at the table, for instance, and use this as a reason to not follow previously agreed upon family rules. Ensure that the guidelines (for screen-free spaces, for instance) apply to everyone, and are followed diligently.
Raising tech-smart children can feel like a monumental task, but by setting proper rules, managing screen time, teaching digital literacy, and opening up the room for communication, parents can help their kids receive the best of both worlds—developing the best technological habits, without compromising on family bonding.