How to Upbring a Child in the Era of Technology
Parenting a child in the age of technology is a double-edged sword because it comes with risks and benefits.
Establish Boundaries and Guidelines
First, it is necessary to set clear boundaries as to when and how technology should be used. Set acceptable use of technology, for example restricting use to some hours in the day, and switching off the devices during meals, or before bedtime. It assists children in having an appropriate interaction with technology and prevents them from staying up too late or missing family time or time for exercising.
Promote Engagement and Imagination
Encourage the application of technologies in educational and creative processes. Promote mentally and creatively challenging activities for children, for example, programming, design, or puzzle games and applications. This assists them in embracing skills and appreciating technology for learning and creative purposes and not just fun.
Model Healthy Behavior
This means that children learn through the emulation of their parents. Be a role model for moderate technology use by focusing on face-to-face communication, limiting your own screen time, and participating in non-screen-based activities. This is a positive example and helps children understand that there is much more to life than being connected online.
Foster Critical Thinking
Educate children on how to be wise users of such content. Explain why it is necessary to check facts, distinguish the presence of bias, and know the effects of social media. This in turn assists them in acquiring digital literacy skills as far as searching for information on the internet is concerned.
Promote Offline Activities
Motivate the children to engage in several forms of activities that are not related to computer use including sports, arts, and physical outdoor activities. These activities help to develop physical fitness, abilities to interact with peers and find a balance in the digital and real-life environment. Indeed, kids need to be able to engage in some offline activities for a change.
Ensure Online Safety
Explain to kids about how to stay safe online, such as not revealing personal data, identifying & avoiding cyberbullying, and realizing that everything posted online lasts forever. Ensure they use parental controls and observe their cyberspace activities to ensure the children are safe.
Foster Open Communication
Always keep yourself and your family members updated about technology usage. Always let the child open up on the internet activities they conduct and those that they have come across. It helps to establish rapport and makes them feel at ease to come to seek assistance in case they stumble on complications in cyberspace.
Emphasize Human Connections
Remind them that the friendships they form in the real world are priceless. Engage them to personally interact with their family or friends as this is essential for interpersonal interactions and social relationships.
