Tips for Parents: Raising Kids in the Digital Age

The majority of the parents say that parenting has become quite harder today than it was two decades ago. Obviously, we know that there was no technology, smartphones, and social media twenty years ago. For many parents, parenting has become a lot difficult and challenging because of reasons like smartphone and social media use.

In the digital age, parents are often seen complaining about screen time. They can’t seem to understand why their kids spend so much time in front of their screens. They also fail to understand how much screen time should be allowed to kids and how excessive screen time can impact their kid’s development.

On the other hand, most parents are also apprehensive about the long-term effects of digital devices on their kid’s development. They believe that the more time kids spend on their phones browsing the internet and social media platforms, the more they can be exposed to potential online dangers.

To protect kids from harmful online dangers and to prevent them from getting into trouble, every parent should follow some tips such as installing a spy app for Android or iPhone on their kid’s phone. By following these essential tips, they can make kids learn healthy concepts of smartphone and social media use. Remember, parents can play an integral role in teaching these skills to kids.

Set Your Own Family Media Use Plan

Every parent should make a family media use plan for themselves and their kids. You can teach your kids to use social media and technology in a thoughtful and appropriate way and also follow the same for yourself. It’s important to educate your kids not to use technology and social media inappropriately and without giving any thought. That can only lead them to the bad side of the online world.

Monitor Your Kid’s Smartphone/Online Activity

We cannot stress enough how important it is to keep tabs on your kid’s smartphone and online activity. You need to know what sites your kid is visiting, what apps and software they are using, especially which social media apps they are using, and spending more time on them.

You should also know your kid’s friends, both online and offline. Know who they are talking to on texting apps, what sort of messages they are exchanging with them, etc. This is only possible if you install the best hidden spy apps for Android or iPhone on their smartphone and monitor their smartphone and internet activity without them knowing.

Set Time Limits and Encourage Playtime

Parents should set time limits for kids to prevent them from spending way too much on their smartphones and the internet. You should allow your kids to use the digital devices only for a certain time so they can also focus on other extracurricular activities such as playing sports outside, visiting friends, going for a picnic, etc. That way they won’t become too much addicted to technology.

Don’t Let Kids Have Screen Time Alone

It is better to not let your kids have screen time alone. You should co-play, co-view, and co-engage with your kids when they are using screens. This encourages bonding, learning, and social interactions. You can also consider playing video games with your kids. That way you can teach them concepts about gaming etiquette and good sportsmanship.

On the other hand, you can also watch a TV show with your kids so you can share your own life experiences and views with them. We wouldn’t only recommend you to monitor them online. You should interact with them as much as they can so they can develop trust with you and bond with you better.

Be a Good Digital Role Model

Parents can become good digital role models for their kids. they can educate their kids about good manners and kindness online. As kids tend to follow the footsteps of their parents and mimic them, it is important to limit your own use of social media and technology especially when you are around them. Your kids will more likely connect with you if they find you interacting, spending time, and playing with them rather than staring at a screen. Follow the same house rules for using the internet that you want to apply for your kids.

Set Up No-Tech Zones at Home

It is important to set up no-tech zones at your home so you can prevent your kids from using technology and digital devices at certain places. You need to set up some house rules such as not allowing yourself and your kids to use digital devices during mealtimes and family and social gatherings. You should also not allow kids to use devices in their bedrooms. Also, you should not let them use devices during bedtime so that their sleep does not get disturbed.

Always ask them to use their devices in a family room where you can keep your eyes on their screens all the time. You should also turn off the TV if you aren’t watching it because your face-to-face time with kids can get disrupted when TV is playing in the background. By making these changes, you can encourage more family time, better sleep, and healthier eating habits.

Educate Kids About Potential Online Dangers

You need to teach your kids how to use the internet and social media safely and responsibly. They cannot go around and share their private information with everyone online because that can be dangerous for them. Not every person to talk to on the internet is trustworthy so your kids need to be careful with that.

They should know all about potential online dangers lurking on the internet and social media such as cyberbullying, sexting, pornography, and predating so they can stay away from them. Kids should also know the possible consequences of over-sharing or sharing private information with strangers on the internet. By making sure your kids have enabled privacy settings on their online accounts and installing a mobile phone spy app on their smartphones, you can protect your kids from internet threats.

We must understand that technology, social media, and digital devices are an important part of our world today. The advantages of digital devices can be great if they are used safely and responsibly. However, it has been proved by several studies that honest and open discussions with your kids about internet safety, installing parental controls and monitoring apps on your kids’ devices, and teaching them about online dangers can provide your kids a safe online experience.