Technology can have a positive impact on all of our lives and once usage is monitored it can benefit your child’s education. MummyPages.ie give us their top tips to prevent your little one turning into a screen tapping, gadget obsessed zombie.

 

1. Establish rules on usage

It is important to establish rules about technology usage from the beginning in families. A good rule of thumb is 5 minutes for every year of their life.

 

2. Make children accountable

It is important for children of all ages to earn their media time, allow children to use their devices once all homework or chores has been completed. It is a good idea to introduce this habit to children from an early age and it sends out a clear message to children that “technology is a privilege and not a right.”

 

3. Limit usage and introduce device etiquette

The internet shouldn’t affect family time together. It is a good idea to establish technology free zones such as the dinner table which encourages family interaction. Further restrictions should be imposed on bedrooms during study and bedtime to ensure technology doesn’t interrupt study or sleep. It is important to teaching your children digital device etiquette as they grow up in the digital technology age.

 

4. A shared experience

Allow children to explore digital technology with you. This gives you the opportunity to interact with your child as they explore a whole new world. Play games, read eBooks, use shared technology time as an opportunity to talk to your children or as they learn new vocabulary.

 

5. Set a family media policy

Decide who can use which forms of technology, when and where it’s acceptable, and how you will monitor usage.  It is very important that parents need to agree to the rules of the media policy and establish consequences for not following the family rules.   

 

6. Maintain a balance

Help your children achieve balance in their lives by encouraging them to stay physically active, enjoy reading, and learn to relax and have fun without digital devices. It is important for parents to incorporate an active lifestyle into their children lives.

 

7. Be a positive role model

Practice what you preach!

 

8. Encourage technology free play dates

Talk to the parents of your children’s friends and try and organise technology free playdates whereby children can run

 

9. Encourage reading and interactive learning

Use digital technology together as a family. Bring your children to the local library. Incorporate technology into sightseeing trips. Visit your local historical site and bring a device that provides extra information or a guided tour to the site.

 

10. Monitor

Parents need to monitor their children’s cyber activities. Children can be exposed to inappropriate content. It is a good idea for parents to install Net Nanny Software on all digital devices which will restrict access to inappropriate websites and helps parents keep track of which websites their child is visiting. Also, it is vital that parents preview all video games before purchasing and respect the age restrictions placed on video games.  

 

11. Educate

It is important to educate children on the dangers of the internet.  Advise them to never give out personal information to a ‘stranger/friend’ over the internet.  Teach children about the importance of imparting offline values into the online world. Children must realise that once they send or post a comment or image online it will remain in cyberspace forever and can never be retracted. It is important that your child feels comfortable to come to you if they see something on the internet that upsets them.

 

12. Avoid passive screen time

Remember digital technology is not a babysitter. 

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