The digital world is here to stay and it’s a parent’s job to model good behavior and help kids set limits.
Model thoughtful use of technology. Show kids that it’s OK not to be accessible to everyone 24-7. Schedule times for the entire family to log off. Model good habits by unplugging for meals and not texting and driving.
Teach them how to live in an unfiltered world. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of stuff out there that’s not appropriate for children. Filtering will only get you so far – it cannot protect your child from everything. Even if you filter the Internet at home, children can gain access to the Internet elsewhere. Don’t delude yourself – it’s an unfiltered world out there.
Learn from each other. You can teach your kids a lot about technology, but they can teach you too. Ask your child to show you how they use their apps or have them help you set up your privacy setting on Snapchat.
Ask permission before posting pics of your kids on social media. This teaches them to respect boundaries and privacy and to be cognizant of online audiences. It shows you respect them, teaches them that it is OK to say no and models that they should ask friends before sharing their photos, too.
Promote creativity over consumption. Encourage your kids to be creators – not just consumers. Make stuff together, online and offline. In the digital realm, you can make a family scrapbook, design a videogame, make a photo calendar for grandma, write some code in Scratch or make a movie on YouTube.
Devorah Heitner, Ph.D. is the author of Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World.
