We have overprotected children in the real world and under-protected them in the virtual world. - Jonathan Haidt
Key Concepts:
● A strong relationship with your child, with open communication, is still the key to keeping your child safe on devices and social media.
● Children on the internet and social media are vulnerable to inappropriate sexual content, pornography, harmful/hate content, and predators. It is important to talk to them about these risks and explain what to do if they see something or are approached online.
● Parental controls are one piece of protection, but they are not enough on their own. Setting rules, like using devices in public spaces, having strong passwords, avoiding screens at meals and bedtime, placing time limits, and creating a contract around behavior are important in protecting children from negative impacts of technology.
● Group chats require parental monitoring in the early years. This is to help support your child skills, ensure safety in conversations, and help your child to learn how to handle challenging situations.
● No matter what you have decided about a smartphone, planning and supervision is needed. If your child already has a phone, consider a contract around usage, limiting or restricting social media, and setting appropriate rules around usage. If you are considering a phone, do an inventory of your child and any potential concerns or challenges they may face. Pick the device you really need (the minimum required) and consider delaying social media. If you have decided against a phone, prepare to tolerate your child’s discomfort, explain your reasoning, and help them find a community and activities that support in-person interactions.
What to try:
● If you can, consider waiting on social media, even if your child has their own device. Social media poses specific risks to young children and there is data to suggest that delaying access and exposure can be beneficial.
● Avoid screen time before bed as it can affect sleep. Do not keep devices in your child’s room, and store and charge them in a main area of your home.
● Coview when possible. Ask questions, discuss characters, and connect information to real life whenever possible
● Avoid screens at meals. Children need to practice self-regulation, frustration tolerance, and family conversation/connection.
● Balance all screen time with in -person, face to face interactions, exercise, and activities.
● Pay attention to messages regarding gender, body image, violence, diversity, and social issues in content your child is viewing.