Hard is an understatement when we talk about parenting, no matter what age your child is. Add the fact that today’s parents are shrouded with technology and digital world that it seems drifting their kids away from them.
From controlling gadget use to dealing with threats of cyberbullying and event sexting, parents are facing a strong opponent. If you are a parent, it is time to be vigilant to how your child navigates the online world. On the other hand, there’s no reason to be anxious and view technology as an enemy.
I’m not an expert, but as a mom who is somehow into the digital industry, I would like to share to you how not just to keep your children safe but how to keep your relationship with technology in between.
Be Savvy Yourself
“Social media is bad!” , ” Total gadget ban in my household!” – are you this kind of parent? Different folks, different strokes but there is not reason to cut off your kids completely to these technological advances.
If you haven’t joined social media yet, it’s about time. Enter their world by creating your own. Embrace the digital age in a positive way. Learn about it.
Let me share with you some of the information I got from one of the sessions organized by Globe Telecom. Here’s are the top social media platforms used in the Philippines.
Do you use Twitter? Have you tried navigating Instagram?
Take a look at this. Therefore, if you have a teenager, most of them are hanging out on Twitter and Instagram rather than on Facebook.
Go Down to Their Level
Due to their age, my kids love meme. I find them a little annoying, but my eldest love them. So I get to know these memes, how they became one. Your kid’s expression is often a product of memes – ” Do you know the way?“
As you join social media or watch more YouTube, ask them if you don’t know anything. Kids love it when you ask and learn together – it makes you a less scary parent. Over dinner, ask them about the game they play.
I try to watch YouTube with my children or I need to hear it – this is a dual purpose to monitor what they are watching and at the same time to know about their current likes and interests. Ask them what they are tinkering in their gadgets without snooping. Open the door of communication with your child by reaching out to them first.
Practice What You’ll be Preaching
Most parents are concerned about how long their kids are facing the screen. Some impose rules yet, they themselves kept on looking at their phones the whole day. I don’t allow phones in the table – even my mother has to abide to this rule. My reason? I don’t want to grow old with my kids not talking to me over dinner. Lead by example.
When using social media, be responsible and follow etiquette. Do you always rant on Facebook? Do you troll people? Or tend to over-share? Stop it.
Turn it into Something Creative
Majority of parents I have talked to have no idea that people earn money from technology. While most kids now want to be a YouTuber, you can encourage and monitor their digital activities and at the same time swerve them into the path of creativity and skills.
Forge your kids to use digital technology beyond communication and entertainment, by letting them learn new skills. From learning simple editing and graphics to coding. If you have bigger kids, there are schools offering computer programs like Galileo offering animation as part of their summer program.
Practice Digital Detox Regularly as a Family
The digital world can intoxicating, much more for young minds. Set it a goal to practice digital detox not as an imposing parent but as a family. Go on a trip. Go camping or hiking or a long drive. Leave gadgets at home and enjoy nature and yourselves. Lead by example by not touching your phone during your trip.
A lot of parents view digital age as a doomed age of human existence. For me, the key for parenting in the digital age is to change our perspective. Embrace the wonders and benefits of the digital world, while protecting our babies from potential harm. Know more about cyber wellness such as Globe Telecom’s #makeITsafePH campaign. Learn and be a part of it today’s digital world.
#makeITsafePH campaign
Background
Hootsuite, a US-based social media management platform, has released its “Digital in 2018” report of social media and digital trends around the world. The report revealed that the Philippines now has 67 million Internet users, with all of them active on social media. This widespread use of the internet gives rise to the emergence of internet-related crimes such as rape, theft, bullying and piracy which made the public, especially the youth, very vulnerable.
Because of this, Globe Telecom, being a purveyor of digital lifestyle, came out with the #makeITsafePH cybersecurity and cyberwellness campaign to educate consumers about online threats and what they can do to avoid becoming a victim. The campaign also teaches the public proper online etiquette so that they would not become a source of such deplorable behavior.
