Technologies and families: Advice for parents on children’s use of technologies |14 May 2021
The use of technologies and other digital devices is a necessary need for many families in Seychelles and elsewhere. Technologies and some digital devices are important for the accessibility and availability of the fundamental needs including education, water, health, food, transportation and so forth. It is no longer disputable that parents, children and the entire family will at some point need technologies for their daily wellbeing and development.
As Covid-19 surges, educational institutions and parents are obliged to use high-tech as an alternative for the in-person classroom. Parents are required to allow their children to access certain Apps and even social media platforms for their lessons, academic researches and assignments.
However, the utilisation of technologies comes with some ethos that parents need to pass them on to their children as they grow toward the adulthood. Just as we teach children some cultural values, family values and other living values that are necessary to form their personality; we, similarly, need to introduce children and our youth to the positive way of utilising the technologies and the technological tools that are available.
As babies are gradually introduced to language and food, parents can apply the same gradual method to introduce children to the modern technology at an early age. Overloading children with devices, electronics and screen-based programming can interfere with their psychological and social progression. For instance, under 18 months kids should not be introduced to screen-based media except video chatting with a parents or grandparents who are far from the kids. For kids that are over 18 months, it is the responsibility of the parents to make sure that a child is watching a high quality programming. At this age, it is important for the parents to watch screen-based programmes with their children.
As children advance in age, they can be initiated to high quality programming but with a specific screen time limit. It could be harmful for a child to spend a lot of time on screen-based materials or has access to certain online stuffs. Consider restricting the use of phones, tablets and computers 30 minutes before bed. Moreover, parents should think twice about letting the home WIFI on throughout the night. Digitals interfere with sleep quality and can lead to addiction. When abused, the electronic devices can affect the academic performance and human socialisation. It is advisable that children should not replace the real interaction with other children with digital friendship or games. Instead, help your child develop social skills and nurture his or her real-life relationship.
Like it or not, children try ways to learn new technology with or without parents’ assistance. It will not help your child if you set overly restrictive limits or measures. Too much don’ts will send the message that technology is something to fear. Instead, focus on teaching your child healthy habits that will stay for a lifetime. As part of parenting practices, parents are advised to discuss with kids about many benefits of technology as well as the risks. At a very early age, kids must be taught how to handle tablets, computers because these devices are not toys. For the adolescents and youth, the discussion on the importance of respecting privacy and protecting personal information is important. Those conversations should be ongoing and in age-appropriate way. Parents should talk to their children about the importance of being respectful in their digital interactions. Encourage your children to come to you if they notice troubling information online or on the social media.
It is advisable that parents should be informed on their children’s browser history. However, while it is easy to see what kids are doing online, it is much harder to follow up the adolescents. Parents should, therefore, have open and honest discussions with their adolescent child about what sites and types of content are off-limits. There are also some software and programmes that can serve to filter access to content that is off-limits. What is more effective is a continuous conversation with your child about the new technology and its ethics. Explain why they should not venture unfamiliar materials, click on suspicious links, or share personal information on unknown apps or websites. Also, teach your children not to respond to unsolicited messages or online strangers. Let them know why certain apps or links can be risky or dangerous.
Contributed by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Family