In today’s digital age, parents must often address several challenges while raising their children, primarily the high rate of exposure to digital screens and social media. While such tools have certain educational benefits, one shouldn’t overlook their adverse long-term impacts on a child’s behavior and lifestyle. While navigating these challenges can be tricky for parents, they can successfully overcome them with the help of a few simple measures and tips.
1. Set a good example for the children
Most parents rely on verbal instructions when teaching manners or correcting certain behaviors in children. But, young children tend to learn more from what they see and observe than from what they are told. This means they often observe and mimic their parent’s behavior and actions rather than learning from their words. So, if parents want their children to develop good screen habits, they must first become the right example.
One of the most important tips to navigate social media and smartphone usage as a parent is to practice good digital etiquette. This involves minimizing social media and smartphone use in front of children and prioritizing face-to-face interactions. For example, start by putting phones away during family meals to promote conversations with the children. Such practices will positively impact the children, encouraging them to imitate and follow in their parents’ footsteps.
2. Create a family plan with screen-free times
Parents can also consider creating designated screen-free hours in a day for the entire family. During these hours, parents can encourage their children to talk to them about their day or simply play and connect with their siblings instead of being on the phone. Parents can also include meal times, bedtime, and creative hobbies like drawing or crafting in these screen-free hours. They can also involve their children when deciding the activities to replace screen time, such as playing outdoors or with their pets or reading books.
3. Recognize the signs of excessive social media use
When children’s usage of social media and smartphones crosses a certain threshold, it can manifest as some physical or emotional signs. These mainly include withdrawal from real-life friendships and hobbies and a general lack of interest in activities that do not pertain to devices. Along with these, parents must also look out for signs such as a lack of physical activity and a drop in a child’s academic performance. It is important to recognize and address these signs promptly to avoid negative consequences on their physical and emotional well-being.
4. Have regular discussions about online activities
For parents, along with setting boundaries regarding tech use, it is equally important to have an open discussion about their child’s online activities. Talk to one’s child about why they enjoy the apps they frequently use, how these apps make them feel, and if they find the apps entertaining or informative. Engage the children in a light-hearted conversation about their games and ask them to teach one how to play them. This can help one stay informed about the children’s activities and take prompt steps if they identify any concerning patterns.
Similarly, parents must also engage their children in a discussion about their social media usage, asking if they saw anything interesting or how they feel about the content they see on such platforms. This is one of the most important parenting tips for dealing with teen social media use because teenagers are often easily attracted by what they find on social media. Such content may sometimes pressure them to follow such trends or compare themselves to others or their peers, eventually impacting their self-esteem.
5. Empathize with the children
Even though children might be more in tune with technology and social media, they may sometimes have embarrassing or troubling experiences with them. In such scenarios, parents need to be empathetic with their children instead of being judgmental. Parents must ensure that the children feel safe sharing their experiences with them. They must also offer guidance and support in their children’s journey to overcome such challenges.
6. Deal resistance with patience
Initially, when parents set boundaries on social media and smartphone usage, children may resist following certain rules. In such cases, it is important for parents not to lose their cool and have a calm, composed discussion with their loved ones. Raising one’s voice or punishing children in such moments might worsen things. Instead, parents can start by making their children understand the reason behind setting boundaries and how they will benefit their well-being. Besides this, parents can also involve children in this process to increase the likelihood of them complying with the rules.
7. Educate the children about online safety
With the growing social media usage among children, it is only natural for their parents to be worried about their loved ones’ online safety. Parents can address this concern by educating their children about the matter. They can openly communicate with their loved ones about how it is dangerous to talk to strangers online. Parents can also teach children about setting and managing privacy controls on their apps—and maybe set those controls themselves to ensure their child’s security. Parents can also consider following their loved ones on their social media accounts to keep track of their online activities.