Expert advice on how to improve your relationship with tech โ and each other.
Raising kids in the digital world can be hard. Technology is changing fast. Itโs not always easy for parents or teachers to guide children. But by working together, we can help kids stay safe and smart with tech.
1. Ask your child questions
Teacher: โParents, talk to your child about their devices like you do with their schoolwork.โ
Parent: โWhat games do you like? What donโt you like? How much time do you spend on it?โ
Child: โI like drawing apps! I donโt like too many ads.โ
2. Discuss the risks of technology use.
Parent: โSometimes I worry you might see something not good online or spend too much time on the phone.โ
Child: โI didnโt think about that.โ
Teacher: โTalking honestly helps kids understand whatโs okay and whatโs not.โ
3. Be on the lookout for underlying issues.
Teacher: โIf your child is always on their phone, maybe theyโre feeling left out or stressed.โ
Parent: โLetโs talk. Are you okay? Is something bothering you?โ
Child: โSometimes I feel nervous about my school friends.โ
4. Make โyesโ and โnoโ rules.
Parent: โYes rules: Be kind online. Use your time well. Learn something new.โ
Child: โOkay! What about the no rules?โ
Teacher: โNo rules: Donโt share personal info. Donโt be mean online. Donโt use unknown websites.โ
5. Create tech-free zones.
Parent: โLetโs keep phones away during dinner and bedtime.โ
Child: โCan we make a charging box in the lounge?โ
Teacher: โGreat idea! Sleep and family time are very important.โ
6. Establish expectations around content.
Teacher: โUse apps that match your childโs age and understanding.โ
Parent: โAsk us before installing anything new, okay?โ
Child: โSure! Can we check a new game together?โ
Be aware of your childrenโs use of devices.
7. Explore technology together.
Parent: โLetโs watch a fun learning video together.โ
Child: โIโll show you how I made this digital drawing!โ
Teacher: โWhen parents join in, it becomes a shared experience.โ
8. Know when to take a step back.
Parent: โWeโll help guide you at first, and slowly give you more freedom.โ
Child: โThat sounds fair.โ
Teacher: โItโs all about trust and learning step by step.โ
Model healthy habits for your children.
9. Act as a team.
Parent: โWeโll also try to use phones less during family time.โ
Child: โLetโs have a no-phone Sunday!โ
Teacher: โThatโs teamwork โ not just rules for kids, but for everyone.โ
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10. Make it playful!
Child: โCan we find a cooking video and try it together?โ
Parent: โYes! And later, letโs play that math game you love.โ
Teacher: โWhen tech is used for fun learning, it becomes a great tool for bonding.โ