It’s no secret that children are increasingly growing up in a world where technology is ever-present. Technology has been integrated into many aspects of a child’s life. It’s how they communicate with their friends, learn, and entertain themselves.
And while there are certainly many benefits to this, parents need to be aware of the potential risks as well. Engaging with technology too much or in improper ways can be harmful to a child’s development.
Parents must monitor how their children engage with technology. By doing so, they can help ensure that their children are using technology healthily and productively.
Here are some reasons parents should monitor their children’s technology use.
Prevent cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is one of the biggest dangers facing children who engage with technology too much. With social media and other online platforms, bullies can reach their victims 24/7. This can make it very difficult for children to escape the bullying.
As a result, parents need to be aware of what their children are doing online. If you see any signs that your child is being bullied, such as them withdrawing from activities or appearing sad or anxious, be sure to talk to them about it.
You should also teach your child how to stand up to cyberbullies and report them if necessary. You want them to be able to handle the situation healthily.
Ensure they’re not spending too much time on screens
Another reason parents should monitor their children’s technology use is to ensure they’re not spending too much time on screens. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children and adolescents should limit their screen time to no more than one or two hours per day.
Spending too much time on screens can lead to several negative health consequences, such as sleep problems, obesity, and poor school performance. It could also lead to addiction to electronic devices, such as a videogame addiction or smartphone addiction.
You should limit how much time your child can spend on screens each day. You should also make sure that they’re taking breaks from screens every few hours to give their eyes and brain a rest.
Protect them from inappropriate content
With the internet, it’s very easy for children to come across things that are not appropriate for their age group. You’ll want to monitor your child’s technology use to protect them from accidentally stumbling upon inappropriate content.
Some inappropriate content you don’t want your child exposed to includes violence, pornography, and hate speech. You also should not let them visit sites where they could talk to people much older than them.
You should have parental controls in place on all of your family’s devices. This will help filter out inappropriate content so your child doesn’t accidentally see something they shouldn’t.
Help them develop healthy habits
Finally, parents should monitor their children’s technology use to help them develop healthy habits. You want your child to be using technology in a way that’s beneficial for their development, not harmful.
When children can healthily use technology, it can actually help them enhance their learning and creativity. For example, they can use educational apps to improve their math skills or drawing programs to create digital art.
Ensure your child is using technology in moderation and for productive purposes. You also want to make sure they’re getting enough physical activity and not.
Children will eventually have to learn how to use technology. At some point, they’ll need to know how to use it for school or work. However, they must learn how to use it properly and beneficially.
The better children can use technology healthily, the better chance they have to succeed in the future.
