Computers play an important part in a rapidly changing world. Not only will computers play a much larger role in the adult lives of our children than today’s parents, but, in many cases, they already do.
Computers can be a wonderful developmental tool. They engage children in logical thought, enhance hand eye coordination and offer them a world of learning opportunities, but can help prepare them for their future workplace.
Potential problems from computer use are:
- Computer ‘Addiction’
- withdrawal from other healthy, learning, social and physical activities
- exposure to ‘adult’ content such as violence, sexual content, or teachings that you might not want children to learn about on their own: Religion, Racism, Scientific experiments, etc…
- opportunities for children to be harassed or taken advantage of sexually, financially or otherwise.
Ways to understand and manage your child’s relationship with the computer:
Talk to your kids about their computer use:
- Encourage frank, honest discussion about computers and computer activities. It will give you a better idea of what your child is experiencing and they will be less likely to hide their activities if the feel they can discuss them. Try to be non-judgmental and see the exercise as an opportunity to learn together.
- Discuss problems with computer use and outline the dangers. Discuss the sort of content your child is or may encounter and ways in which they can interpret it. If possible, try to discuss ‘questionable’ content and dangers before the child encounters them. Don’t forget to talk about the fun stuff too: find out what’s interesting or fun in their surfing experience.
- Teach your child ways to recognize signals their own body may be sending them when interacting with the computer: tiredness, watery eyes, frustration, grumpiness. Help them find out what their body is trying to say to them.
Remember, you can’t be around every time the child is on the computer, so give them the skills to understand and make appropriate decisions themselves. Encourage your child to ask questions and discuss real life consequences of dangers online.
Take a healthy interest in your child’s interest in the computer:
Play the games your child plays, participate in their computer activities. The more you know, the better you will be able to understand and deal with what your child is encountering on the computer, not to mention catch warning signs before things become a problem.
Limit computer hours:
Sit down with your child and work out acceptable computer times and limits. Like most activities, computer overuse can be a problem, taking away from other positive activities like exercise, playing with friends, sports, reading and developing hobbies. Many organizations recommend limiting your child’s television watching hours to 1 or 2 hours a day. With a computer in the household, ‘screen’ time should take into consideration both computers and television and limited to allow time for other activities.
Be a role model:
Remember, children learn as much from what you do as what you say. Don’t forget to monitor your own involvement with the computer.
Watch the placement of the home computer:
- Avoid putting computers in children’s rooms, particularly when they have access to the ‘outside world’ like through the Internet or E-mail.
- If you are particularly concerned about a child’s activities on a computer, place the computer in a public room where there are often family members around. This will not only help you monitor your child’s activities, but present opportunities for you to participate and to discuss your child’s learning experience.
Related resources:
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www.Safekids.com |
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www.getnetwise.org/ |
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www.media-awareness.ca [Section: for parents] |
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