Raising kids in this millennial is a challenge, where emotions are emoticons, talking is texting, and gaming and socializing are done in a virtual space. It is no longer about knowing your kids’ group of friends but the group of friends they have on the internet and how many of them are safe for them. Kids are surrounded by gadgets and the internet all the time. It is certainly changing their lifestyle, habits and affecting their safety as well. So, as a parent to these kids there are certain things that you should not do:
Using Screens as a replacement
It is very easy to put up cartoons on the tab or give them a game so that you can get some work done. Parents often engage the kids with technology during long car rides, when they are bored or when they need some free time. It quickly becomes a habit for the children and acts a base for their addiction. Eventually, physical activities, imagination and creativity, and interaction diminish.
Not setting ground rules
It is important that parents make some rules about screen time, sharing on social media, talking to strangers and maintaining privacy, from the start. You have to make it clear to them that what you will and will not allow. What is safe for them and what is not? Why it is important to turn off their devices. Why sexting is wrong and why being compassionate online is equally important.
Doing what you told them not to do
Yes, if you tell them to put their phones down, but use yours all the time especially when they are talking to you, during meals and at night, they will not obey you. They feel unattended and cope with it by finding solace in games, social media and talking to strangers that are eager to comfort them.
Thinking they’d be ok
Most of the time parents think that nothing will go wrong with their kids. Isn’t that what every parent wants to think? But unfortunately, even if the kids are responsible they are often lured or pressured by peers. They give in to the pressure and don’t realize the depth of the situation until they are in the middle of it. After that most of them don’t talk to their parents about it because they are afraid.
Not monitoring
Which brings to this point. Monitoring kids’ digital and online is just as important as knowing their friends and day schedule. Parents are suggested to use mobile phone parental control. It helps to know what they are up to and identify shady and unsafe activity like porn sites, online gaming, bullying, harassment, sexting and untimely calling/texting. Not just that but you can also restrict mobile apps and excessive screen time. One example is
FamilyTime app that allows you to do all this efficiently. Take a look at it from the buttons below or download a free trial:
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