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Digital Parenting in Edinburgh
It’s nearly impossible to walk down the street and not see people plugged into tablets, smart 
phones…. With thousands of children gearing up to an influx of latest gadgets and technology this Christmas we look at staying safe and still having fun in a brave and increasingly connected world for the modern family.
Better Safe than Sorry
The reality is that technology is a big part of modern family life. It moves fast, and children have embraced it so quickly, it’s difficult for parents to control it. Parents can feel in the dark about how and where they can apply parental controls leaving children unsafe online and exposed to potential dangers the online community can hold. The answer is educate yourself!
Only by learning what the children see and do in their virtual playgrounds can a parent truly begin to understand the risks the online worlds present, and help them to deal with the challenges. We’ve all seen the media tales of children facing the dangers of cyberbullying, chatrooms and social networking, or the unwanted results of sending a revealing selfie!
Install safety programs, parental blocks or security software to keep children safe.
Google Safe Search Kids: www.safesearchkids.com
Parent control software: www.family.norton.com/web/
Digital advice for parents: www.theparentzone.co.uk
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Parents have rules for bedtime and homework but what about time spent online? Today, an agreement about technology do’s and don’ts is crucial. Create a family IT policy – think about what age the children can sign up to social media, does a mobile count towards daily screen-time?, no technology at the dinner table. Today, “Tweens” (9-12 year olds) technology usage patterns resemble that of teenagers 5 to 6 years ago. And, thanks to social media, most babies under the age of 2yrs already have a digital footprint. Remember to be modelling a healthy balance with technology. Just as we instil good eating habits, children see how parents are using technology and they are going to emulate it!
The Trust Balance
As children get older, spying on children’s online activities is not the answer just as you wouldn’t hide behind a bush and watch them. Agree limits about how and what extent social networks and browsing history will be monitored – it doesn’t have to be kept secret, keep an open dialogue about online experiences. It’s important for teenagers to know parents can trust them, give them some privacy, make their own decisions but importantly parents can help ensure their online safety and reduce the need to snoop!
Slaves to the Screen
A third of under 3’s use a tablet so even the tiniest are becoming techno-savvy. An infant is refused a sweetie at checkout and does what children do at that age – throw a tantrum! Next, the embarrassed mother rummages in her bag to find the tablet and thrusts it into the child’s hands – peace is restored immediately. Nowadays, tablets and phones are being used as pacifiers and, children barely able to toddle and talk are expertly able to swipe on a tablet – not to mention the countless teenagers with smart phone in hand, lost to the real world as they tap out texts and engage with social media…..
Digital Detox
Does your child feel an uncomfortable sense of withdrawal when not online, becoming angry by small things when not on technology, only getting a buzz from technology and not from something else that is fun or consummated by talking about when they are next able to go online.
It does appear that the modern day playground is getting more and more virtual and older children are capable of concealing the extent to which devises are being used. Make sure children take a digi-detox to address developing an unhealthy dependency. If a child is really locked onto the screen, parents should talk to their GP, teacher or call Parentline on 0808 800 2222.
Mobiles at the Heart of the Family
Research has shown that the majority of UK parents and children believe their family relationships are enhanced by a mobile and helps children get along better with friends as well as being able to express themselves through technology. Mobiles bring a sense of security to both parents and children nowadays. Who knows, perhaps one day we can leave the keys and purses back at home as all we will need to do, is carry a phone!
Report any online concerns to The National Crime Agency’s CEOP Command: www.ceoppolice.uk
So kids, whilst Minecraft may improve problem-solving, communication and collaborative working skills, modern day family life has been catapulted into a global online community, making the world around us more accessible. In the real world just as we treat strangers with caution, similar stranger danger care should be taken in our online worlds. Remember to stop and think what is appropriate before hitting the send button and try to tame the appetite for too much of a good thing…...