Set limits about how long your child can use a tech device. Consider factors such as your child's age, maturity, skill level, and daily schedule. It usually is best to start with short time periods and extend them after your child shows you that she can use a tech device responsibly.
For example, you might let your 10-year-old log onto instant messaging for 30 minutes after dinner if his homework is done. Your 13-year-old might get to log on earlier and for a longer time period.
Before you buy an item, ask your child about why he wants it and what he hopes to do with it. Use this conversation to make sure that you and your child have the same plans for the technology item. Children and parents often want the same tech device, but they have different plans about how to use it.
For example, many kids want a cell phone so they can call their friends and send text messages while parents think that a cell phone is good for kids to have in an emergency. Or, parents sometimes think that the latest computer will help a child with school assignments, while the child is thinking about how many songs he can put on the hard drive or how he can text message his way through a test.
Look for ways to compromise when you can. For example, maybe your child can use the cell phone to call his friends on the weekend when your calling plan offers free minutes. And maybe he can keep up to 25 songs on the hard drive at any one time.
Technology items can be fun for kids and can help them to build new skills, but children need to use tech items in moderation so that they have time to explore other interests. Talk with your child and set rules together about technology use. Be prepared for your child to complain about limits at the beginning, but remember that rules such as these help protect children and will help ensure that they use tech items wisely.
Sources
National Institute on Media and the Family
Center for Children and Technology
Net Family News
Safekids.com
Staysafe.org
- If you could own any technology item, what would it be? Why? What would it help you do?
- If you could invent a new tech item, what would it be? What would it do? How would it help people?
- What do you think my concerns are for your use of this technology?
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