It's important to keep yourself up to date with the technology you child is using
If your child got a new tablet or phone you would be forgiven for thinking that they will know what to do and that you can trust them to use it properly.
However, while most kids will be responsible, it is so important to prepare your child for a life around social media and the internet. It can be daunting for a parent as we are sometimes unsure of these technology devices but, there is help at hand and here are some things you should know about your child’s new phone or tablet.
- You will need to monitor it- If you are unsure of how to work the device you should sit down with your child and learn together or ask a family member or friend to help you. If you are unable to get around your child’s device you will not be able to monitor it properly? Learn and learn quickly!
- Decide on the apps allowed- Some kids are mad about snapchat, Facebook or Instagram but you need to ask if your kids needs to have them all or any. Depending on your child’s age, there are restrictions on these sites, so this can be a good way to start the decision whether they should have it or not. Be aware of in-app purchases mostly for games as many parents have gotten nasty surprises after their kid unknowingly buys apps and run up huge bills.
- Explain internet safety to your child- If you are unsure you can search many sites for a run down on internet safety. Consider this whole process a shared effort and remind your child you will be watching them regularly with their device.
- Back up content to your own PC- You can back up the content your child looks at onto your own PC if you would like to and again all this information is readily available on the internet. If you are unsure you can speak to the phone shop or the shop you brought the device and they will help you in ensuring you have everything set up properly.
- Look at parental controls/privacy setting and use them! – All phones and tablets have parental controls and you should of course use them. Privacy settings can be used on the apps your child downloads like Facebook or Instagram and you can ensure their accounts are private and explain to your child why privacy is so important.
- It is recommended by all the experts not to give children free reign with their device- Allowing them to head to their room and hide away for hours on their new device is not recommended as you don’t know what they are looking at. Agreeing with your child times they can use their device and explaining that it must be used in the living area are a good idea. Remind your kiddie about cyberbullying the long term effects of it. Remember that every post, message or photo has a digital imprint and lives online forever so be careful.
Written by Emma Hayes. Emma is a writer with Family Friendly HQ and also writes her own parenting musings over at www.emmasmadjotters.com
