Technology and Kids: Parenting in our Digital World

We live in a world dominated by computers and internet, so it is important for us as parents to determine how we will parent our children in this arena of life. Computers and the internet provide great learning opportunities! Lead your children into this world, sit with them and go through and bookmark sites you want your child to use (remember to check www.commonsensemedia.org). Set up a child-friendly search engines like Yahoo!Kids or KidZui.

 

INTERNET: As wonderful as the computer and internet is, there are also concerns. To combat the darker side of the internet, keep the computer in a public space, not in your child’s bedroom. By keeping the computer in public space we significantly lessen inappropriate internet use from happening. Consider strongly installing a time-limiting software and monitoring software (such as Safe Eyes; CyberSitter; CyberPatrol); UNDERSTAND your supervision is still needed. It won’t be long before your child will be able to get around the controls you place on the computer. You also need to be teaching your children how to responsibly use the internet. I’ll address this more in my next blog.

 

SOCIAL NETWORKING: What do you feel about social networking sites? As a parent, if you don’t want your child using them at this age then don’t allow it. You may not realize that there are social networking sites specifically designed for children of this age such as Club Penguin and Webkinz. Does this frighten you? Remember that you need to parent online just as you do offline. You know the house and family your child goes to for play, so make sure you know where your child goes when online. Get information about these sites. Each site has a parents section that will explain the site and answer your questions. Don’t give into fear of “the internet,” learn about it; enter into your child’s digital world.

 

Club Penguin has no advertisements; on Webkinz you can limit 3^rd party ads, but advertisements for Webkinz and Ganz products are always on. These sites limit the choice of words the user is allowed. Talk to other parents and see what their kids are using. Go on the website and read the parent information before allowing your child to sign up for one of these sites.

 

TV, computer, social networking and video games all count as screen time. Find a reasonable limit of screen time each day. Play is how children learn, through play they learn to build structures and relationships. Active play builds coordination and strength. And as children play with others learn cooperative skills through play. Active playtime should be a priority during these years, so limit screen time giving them plenty of time for active play.