ArticleRaising a Digitally Smart Child. Why Not?

Technology offers opportunities for your child to learn and expand their interests. As part of this journey, they need to learn how to use devices and navigate platforms responsibly and in a safe manner.

• Practice appropriate device usage
  Give an appropriate amount of time to spend on their digital devices per day, given their commitments (e.g., studies, CCA, art class).

 

• Manage over-reliance on devices
  Speak to your child to understand more about their behavior, and share your concerns with them. It’s tough to alter habits overnight – give your child time to adjust their digital habits.

 

• Handle Cyber Bullying
  You may not always know if your child is being bullied online, but you can give them some pointers to help them deal with cyber bullying:
  *  Block all lines of communication with the cyber bully.
  *  Report the case to the police if personal safety is threatened or your reputation is being damaged.

 

• Show Cyber Kindness
  Here are some ways your child can be kind in their online interactions:
  *  Focus on the positive, not the negative
  Encourage your child to leave positive reviews, compliments, and share uplifting content – remind your child that the internet is not just for ranting.
  * THINK before sharing
  Before circulating content, check that it is authentic and does not harm anyone upon sharing. Is it True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, and Kind?
  * Respect other users’ privacy
  Refrain from sharing personal information about others online as it can be considered doxing, which is a crime.
  * Practice empathy
  Get your child to think about how they want to be treated online – then ask your child to treat others in the same way.
• Differentiate real news from fake news
  It is key to verify the source(s) and intent of the information we come across online. Look for facts rather than opinions.