The online world is getting bigger every single day, and right now we live in the ‘digital age’. You can expect tech to get smarter and more convenient as the years go on, and your kids are probably far more at home with using the current tech trends than you are!
However, they’re still kids, and that means they don’t exactly know best. They’ve still got a lot to learn, especially when it comes to their own online safety. You know all about the horror stories out there, and you don’t want your child falling into any of the same traps. And that’s why it’s key to get them used to the online world right at home.
Teach Both the Pros and Cons
The online world has a lot of pros and cons on each side, and it’s important to teach both columns to your child. Sure, the online world can be dangerous, and you never know who you’re going to meet on the other side. But on the other hand, it can be a great place to meet new people and try new things.
Similarly, it’s a place that can be both social and educational, and your child deserves to know how both sides of the internet can apply to them. Don’t let them fear using the internet, but don’t let them think it’s a completely shiny place either – it’s much more responsible to have both conversations.
Go Digital with Their Learning
When it comes to getting your child used to the online world, it’s a good idea to incorporate tech into multiple areas of their life. Obviously you don’t want tech to take over, and distract them from living life to the fullest, but it only makes sense to allow them this kind of freedom.
After all, they’re growing up with this technology, and the job market of the future is going to look very different as a result. So start with programs such as ABCmouse; make the online world an educational and fun place, and your kids will start to expect that of the digital age at large. They’ll grow accustomed to using a computer for more than just talking to friends or surfing websites, and their skill level could grow strong enough for them to be coders and/or engineers one day!
Set Up Your Own Safeguards
If you’re worried about your child’s potential use of the internet, it’s best to set up your own safeguards on any family-use computers and tablets. Make sure there are blocks in place for certain websites, or on the amount of time used, and then discuss with your child exactly why you’ve set these safeguards up. And as your child proves they can be totally trusted with screen time, you can start to relax these safeguards.
Your kids are growing up with the internet, so make sure you teach them all about it. So be sure to have plenty of discussions about the online world’s impact.
BY TECHIE MAMMA