“I fear the day technology will surpass our human interaction. The world will have a generation of idiots.” – Albert Einstein
We are all living in a digital age where we are surrounded by smart phones, computers and other technology. Our children are growing up in a different world to the one in which we grew up. How can we best parent in this society in a fair way? Here are some tips to consider:
Family Rules
- Set your own rules and boundaries. It doesn’t matter if other children are allowed two hours on the Xbox, your rule might be 30 minutes at a time.
- Remember that these rules are for the whole family, so ‘no texting at the table’ is for adults too.
- For younger children, you may want them to leave their mobile phone outside their bedroom at night so they are not distracted whilst going to sleep.
- Be consistent and make sure you stick to these rules.
Be Involved
- Spend quality time with your child on the computer or playing a game. They will be able to show you how proficient they are – and you might have fun along the way.
- Talk to your child, so they can discuss issues if and when they arise.
- Use the internet to research and find homework help sites.
Cyber Safety
- Learn about the technology. If your child is using Facebook or other social networking sites – do you know how they work? Can you monitor them?
- Keep your computer in a public place so you can keep an eye on what they are looking at.
- Be aware of the risks. Children can become isolated or addicted to certain games if they spend too long on their own.
- Teach them about internet safety, and meeting people online. Be aware of chat rooms. If necessary, get an internet protector to block certain sites.
Extra Ideas
- Remember face-to-face contact is essential. Try to ensure your child spends time everyday playing with other people or reading. Digital technology is not bad, but make sure it is balanced with other activities.
- Children might be left out if they are not allowed access to any technology.
