As parents, we want to keep our children safe while allowing them to explore, play, and learn. In today’s world, that’s no easy task.
With new websites, apps, and platforms emerging constantly, how can we ensure our kids have positive online experiences appropriate for their developmental stages?
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It turns out that with some planning and the right tools, we can guide our kids through the digital world with wisdom, empathy, and care.
For Young Children
In the early years, avoidance and creating tech-free times should be the focus. For children under 18 months, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen time at all, except for video chatting.
And for ages 2-5, quality screen time should be limited to just 1 hour per day.
Best advice: Designate tech-free zones like the dinner table, and set your home WiFi to shut off during meal times, playtime and bedtime.
For Grade Schoolers
As our grade-schoolers start going online independently, rules and filters become more crucial. Though many social media platforms require users to be age 13+, a survey shows that 38 percent of tweens used social media, an increase from 31 percent in 2019.
Best advice: Here you may want to use parental controls like Salfeld Child Control to block sites or apps that aren’t age-appropriate, or restrict gaming and social media time. And make sure to monitor activities while fostering open conversations about online safety.
For Preteens and Teens
With preteens and teens, privacy becomes more important, but gentle guidance remains essential.
Plus: surveys show 50% of teens feel addicted to their devices, so reasonable limits are key.
Best advice: With a parental control app you can block inappropriate content, limit late-night social media scrolling, and prevent messaging with strangers. Discuss issues like cyberbullying and sexting. Instil values like treating others with respect, even online. Help teens become responsible digital citizens; stay involved in their online lives, and keep communication open.
Conclusion
Through age-appropriate parental controls and keeping our children’s wellbeing at the heart of all technology decisions, we can raise the next generation to be kind, responsible digital natives. As parents, patience, compassion and listening go hand in hand with protecting our kids.
What strategies have worked for your family? I’d love to hear in the comments!
