Decades ago, parenting was very different. There was no such thing as mobile phones or gadgets available to children. But today, the scenarios have changed. It is nearly impossible for parents not to give smartphones or laptops to their children. It is because everything from schooling to gaming and social setups is now available online.
Thus, it becomes crucial for parents to focus on teaching their kids the correct values and etiquette. It will help ensure their safety in the online world. In addition, they will learn the proper use of devices to their advantage. Since parents and children are new to the digital era, adjusting to the changing times can be overwhelming.
If you’re stuck on the same page, we’re here to help. This article mentions tried & tested tips for parenting in the digital era. Interestingly, these are all research-based tips, thus, offering result efficiency. So, what’s the wait for? Let’s dig in to learn more!
- Talk about Data Privacy
Parents need to share their experiences on data privacy with their kids. It is more likely that tween children will regularly engage with their friends on social media and other platforms. It can be on the device you’ve given them or another outside your home. According to a recent study, parents need to teach digital skills to children to develop good data-privacy habits.
In addition, it is significant that children should know about using the right words while conversing with their friends or strangers on social media. According to a learned Sex crime attorney with a strong track record of success, most children are wrongly accused of sexual crimes because of the lack of proper knowledge on how to use social media. There are several defenses available; however, it is primary to teach kids internet etiquette and digital data privacy for their betterment.
Their curious minds need an answer to everything. Therefore, as parents, it is your responsibility to calm their curiosity. A knowledgeable tween and youngster is less likely to fall into the peer trap of misusing their devices. Instead, studies have shown that they engage in teaching others about communicating online without creating any issues for themselves or others. In addition, you must let your children know you are always available for them in times of need.
- Importance of Quality Screen Time
According to researchers, the time your kids spend on screens is not necessary; instead, it is the quality that matters. These days tweens are using smartphones for their studies and keeping in touch with friends. Hence, setting up sharp limits on screen time is hard to imagine. Moreover, parents themselves never put away their phones, anyway.
Nonetheless, you must keep a screen time limit according to the age group. For example, kids below 12 years of age do not need smartphone exposure unless it is for their academics. It has been seen in research that early exposure has a drastic impact on the reading ability of kids and their language skills and leads to short-term memory.
Thus, it is significant for you to teach them the importance of adequate screen time from an early age. Moreso, because once they enter their teenage years, there is a high possibility that they will do things contradictory to what you suggest. So, sharing a good experience and using the right words to share your message can greatly help teach them the significance of quality screen time.
- Take Breaks; A device-free Time
Things these days have changed for everyone. Parents are working on their smart devices, and children must use them for homework, social setups, and more. Therefore, parents need to model the behavior they want their kids to follow.
For instance, taking breaks from your devices is significant in maintaining your mental, physical, and emotional health. Telling children to go out and play or take a walk while sitting and working on their laptops won’t make a difference. Instead, you’ll have to take breaks, show them how you leave your phone, and engage with people around you.
The most uncomplicated way to do this is to set a daily routine. You can set aside an hour or two to go to the park, play, and engage with nature. It will help your children develop their social skills. It will also help with their brain development.
Bottom Line
All the research and tips lead to the conclusion that communication is pretty much the key to everything. However, here, comprehension also matters. Your children must comprehend and implement the conversation in their lives for the best results. We hope the above information helps you raise digitally responsible citizens.