Smart phones, gaming platforms, streaming music, data storage clouds… Oh my! These evolving technologies are changing at a supersonic pace and this constant flux has presented a new landscape for socializing, working, parenting and relating. Technology is moving so fast. As a parent, it may feel impossible to keep up.
Where does this ever-changing landscape leave parents who are guiding youth online? Confused or overwhelmed? Detached? It can be hard to know how to help your child manage their engagement with technology.
In a 2015 study from the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) Council on Communication and Media (COCM), it was found that most two-year-old children interacted with technology daily. Research such as this resulted in the AAP adjusting their technology management recommendations for children, taking into account the prevalence, availability, and advancements in technology. A 2016 report, also from the COCM, highlighted common questions pediatricians ask children and teens about technology. Several benefits and risks were identified.
The Benefits of Technology
Children can explore the internet and online tools for valuable information, connecting with friends and developing communication skills in a modern world. The COCM identified the following benefits:
- Early learning
- Exposure to new ideas and knowledge
- Increased opportunities for social contact and support
- New opportunities to access public health messages and information
Technology and Virtual Classrooms
Technology has proven to have advantages in learning settings as well. The Macarthur Foundation has been studying the way learning environments are changing and how learning ‘spaces’ are limitless in the technology age. Digital communication is being utilized in classrooms and new media allows for autonomy and exploration not found in the traditional classroom setting (e.g. Skyping a class from across the globe, creating a class wikispace about an academic topic, technology as tools in self-directed learning).
The Risks of Technology
The COCM found the risks of media to include:
- Negative health effects on sleep, attention, and learning
- A higher incidence of obesity and depression
- Exposure to inaccurate, inappropriate, or unsafe content and contacts
- Compromised privacy and confidentiality
It is important to think about these risks as a parent and discuss them with your child. One creative solution may be to have your child generate ideas about how he or she navigates around these risks to maintain a positive reputation online.
Parenting Considerations
An important reminder for parents: Don’t let technology intimidate you… feel empowered! You know your child and have been having hard conversations since they were little. Talk through difficult decisions, identify moments that define character and instill values. This isn’t your first rodeo! Talking about behavior and identity online is no different than most other parenting conversations you’ve had with your child over the years.
Topics for Discussion
Add digital decision-making and online behavior to your list of important conversations. The more your child can lead this conversation with his or her own ideas about staying safe online, the more engaged your child might be. Here are some ideas for topics of discussion:
Media Literacy
How do you interpret information online? Advertisements and statements? Even photographs? Having the understanding of the context of material shared online can be helpful to developing critical thinking skills.
Level of Oversight
Consider your child’s age, maturity level and decision making skills when determining the level of oversight you have of your child online. Communicate your ‘house rules’ with your child.
Example: Limit screen time – when do members of the family ‘unplug’ for downtime? This is an opportunity for parents to model good behavior about limiting time on-screen.
Privacy and Safety
Discuss privacy, permanence and publicity online – internet safety and how oversharing can make your child more vulnerable online.
Example: Reputation management – What is your child’s ‘brand’ online and how can he/she ‘self-edit’ in such a way that his/her identity online is positive.
The Good Stuff
Talk about the value of new technologies. Let your child show you all the cool stuff they enjoy with technology.
No doubt this topic is complicated! Start having ongoing conversations about technology with your child. Need help getting started? Try this: Tonight, when each family member is naming their high and low for the day… throw in a curve ball and ask your child their thoughts about a technology (e.g. Game console, mobile device, social media channel).
Personal Aside
I did this with my own family. In preparation of publishing this blog, every family member was tech-free at dinner tonight. I opened the technology conversation by sharing some of the risks I cited here. I asked how we each handle these complex topics. My daughter volunteered, she now only watches one YouTube video at a time (In one sitting). She (reluctantly) acknowledged that previously she would watch one video which would lead to more and that this became somewhat addictive. She put limitations on herself. I was completely unaware of her self-editing, but by her introspection, observation and critical thinking, she created a new personal guideline for herself.
Knowing the risks and benefits of technology will help you set reasonable limits and talk openly about important issues of media use and technology. Let’s face it, I may never consider myself a ‘digital native’ but I can certainly offer a safe space for my kids to discuss challenging concerns with technology. Minimizing parental worry and offering guidance to your child will help us all in navigating this ever-changing virtual world!
Additional Resources
Check out the American Academy of Pediatrics Social Media Toolkit (AAP.org)
Create a personalized Family Media Plan (HealthyChildren.org)
Free Consultation
For a free consultation with Dr. Amy Acosta, please call 713-364-2024 or email her at amy.acosta@westhoustonpsych.com. If you are seeking guidance in achieving digital wellness, individual or group therapy can help.