Surjit Singh Flora
The internet may be compared to a big library, where obtaining information is really easy. It is critical to encourage youngsters to use the internet as a great resource for performing research on school assignments. It is critical for supervision to check the search history on a regular basis. Discuss with the youngsters the dangers of using social media and how they can protect themselves. Everyone must be aware.
However, in this digital age, parenting may be difficult and stressful. Parenting has become more difficult as a result of computer and phone connectivity. Parenting in the digital era is getting more difficult.
Digital parenting comprises teaching children how to use technology properly, establishing limits, and informing them about the dangers of excessive digital exposure.
The purpose of digital parenting is to help children have positive and safe relationships with technology.
Parents can easily overcome challenges by embracing new technology and staying up-to-date with the latest advancements. If they’re around the age of 58 or older, they are likely experienced enough to be familiar with digital technologies, perhaps even as savvy as a grandparent.
During the school holidays, countless children find themselves with ample free time at home, away from the guidance of their teachers and often without the constant presence of their busy parents. Many parents find the holiday season to be a challenging time, as children have easy access to potentially harmful content on various online platforms.
The internet is a remarkable tool that allows people of all ages to learn, play, and connect with family, friends, and like-minded individuals in our ever-changing global landscape. However, similar to the outside world, the digital realm can present substantial risks.
It is critical for parents to learn digital parenting skills in order to safeguard their children from the different risks that might come from social media. These threats include child sexual exploitation, self-harm promotion, violent incitement, endangering people’s safety, and the propagation of hatred. Parenting in the digital era requires parents to understand, support, and supervise their children’s online activities.
In today’s world, it is commonly recognized that parents have a communal responsibility to give their children with the necessary knowledge to navigate the digital age. The issue of digital parenting delves into several techniques for parents to monitor and supervise their children’s usage of digital technologies, including when and how to introduce technology to children of different ages.
This emphasizes the significance of preparing today’s parents to efficiently handle the hurdles presented by technology in contemporary families. In some jurisdictions, schools are actively working with parents and children to promote digital parenting programs, with the goal of creating a safer and more pleasant online environment for families and children. The United Kingdom’s Annual Digital Parenting Week started in October 2020.
The Week acknowledges the commendable efforts made by parents in raising children, particularly in the challenging landscape of the internet, which has made parenting an increasingly complex task. With the increasing prevalence of digital literacy in around the globe , it is crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of our children in maintaining a peaceful and stable domestic order.
Parents should educate themselves with internet safety practices. It is critical that parents spend time online with their children and teach them good online conduct. Additionally, bookmarking children’s favorite websites might make them more accessible. As a responsible parent, you should periodically check your credit card and phone bills for any unusual purchases. It is also recommended to keep the computer in a communal area where you can readily see and supervise its use, rather than letting it in separate bedrooms.
Keep track of how much time your children spend on cellphones or tablets. Furthermore, you should be informed of the internet security precautions used by your child’s school, after-school center, friends’ houses, or any other site where they may use a computer or smartphone without your supervision. If your kid reports an uncomfortable online encounter, it is critical that you address their concerns appropriately.
End of the day, the challenges are applicable to both parents and children. Handing over a phone, tablet, or computer to your child without any restrictions is a recipe for trouble. Instead, you can choose a day that is not associated with gift-giving and calmly explain to them that the phone, tablet, and/or computer are actually yours as the parent. Therefore, you have the authority to reclaim them at any point, including for the purpose of monitoring the websites and apps they access. Provide them with a comprehensive list of factors that could result in the loss of their phone or tablet privileges. Reasons should be comprehensive and cover a wide range of factors.
As a parent, it’s important to lead by example and prioritize quality family time by putting your phone away, especially during meals. It’s interesting to observe how many parents are just as engrossed in their phones and tablets as their children. Parents seem to be spending more time on their devices than their children, with Candy Crush, Amazon, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, texts, and emails taking up their attention. It is important for us to be mindful of the amount of time we spend on-air when our children are around. As time goes on, the challenge will only increase. Regarding our children’s challenges, here are a few examples.
Engaging in online bullying, Experiencing online bullying, Had an encounter with explicit content, Subjected to offensive language, Building social circles online and at school and Difficulty with sleep patterns.
These are just a few of the challenges our children encounter in our rapidly changing world. These are challenges that were unimaginable for us as children, given the lack of technology we had back then. Before our oldest daughter obtained her driver’s license, my wife and I had her sign a contract outlining the conditions under which she would lose her driving privileges. In retrospect, I would strongly recommend creating a contract for their tech devices.
Like all parents, dealing with the challenges of raising a teenage son or daughter can be quite demanding. Parents have numerous concerns to contend with. Here are some common issues that often keep parents up at night:
One of the main challenges is guiding their energy towards the right path and helping them build a career that aligns with their interests and potential.
The company my teenage children kept always caused me a great deal of anxiety and stress. Peer pressure has the power to shape individuals, for better or for worse. I consistently emphasized the importance of surrounding oneself with friends who share similar interests.
There was a concern about alcohol and drugs. Many teenagers are susceptible to succumbing to negative influences at a young age due to peer pressure. It has become increasingly difficult for parents to shield their children from these vices, as the situation has changed, and the challenge has grown.
It is crucial to educate individuals on how to safeguard themselves against any form of sexual misconduct or abuse. It is crucial to educate them about the importance of speaking up and standing against such behavior.
Parenting can be quite challenging. It can be quite nerve-wracking and cause many sleepless nights, but if you remain observant and attentive to their behavior and activities, you may achieve the desired outcome of raising them to be responsible citizens. In turn, they may bring you immense joy and a sense of pride.
(The writer is a veteran journalist and freelance writer based in Brampton)
