This article takes a look at some of the key questions parents are asking and practical ways to support your child online. The world is shrinking around us; information is easier to access, devices are far more portable and people are becoming more connected. For parents, this means that they are having to face the dilemma of providing online access to their children at a far earlier age.
How do you know if your child is ready and what can be done to protect them when online?
Is my child old enough to have an online presence?
As many of us know, age is not a great measure of maturity. In my teaching career I have seen 10 year olds who could run multi-million dollar companies and 18 year olds who lack all types of common sense. Unfortunately there is no one size fits all approach to online safety, and as parents we need to use our own judgment and understanding of our children to guide the decision making process.
While there are many benefits for creating an online profile or email address for your child, we must be aware of the possible dangers and remain ever vigilant.
Some key questions to ask yourself are:
Why do I think my child needs an email address / social media account?
Firstly take some time to think about this question and write down some ideas. Is this pressure from your child because “all my friends already have one” or are there key educational and developmental benefits for going online now.
Is my child socially and emotionally ready?
You know your child best. If you feel that they are emotionally capable of understanding both the benefits and risks of being online, then maybe the timing is right. Are they socially able to communicate with others and make decisions that will protect them from possible risks? If you feel your child might not quite be ready then don’t feel pressured to get them online. Take time to do your research and explain to your child the reasons behind your decision. Rushing into online access without proper consideration and forethought could put your child at risk.
I think my child is ready – what steps should I take now?
If you feel your child is socially and emotionally ready to join the online community, then begin by sitting down and starting a conversation.
Remember, this is a partnership not a dictatorship.
By creating open two way communication, you are more likely to empower your child to make the right decisions and seek support when needed. Some steps to consider include:
Set clear expectations and guidelines
At the start of your journey it is important to sit down with your child and discuss what the benefits and risks of going online could be. Take time to listen to your child’s ideas and concerns, as these will help you develop meaningful expectations as you move forward. From here work together to create a list of mutual expectations and guidelines – it is ok that some of these may be more beneficial to one party or the other, however the key is to discuss and be willing to negotiate. If your child feels you understand them and are being fair, then this process will be far easier and pleasurable. Depending on the age of your child, you may wish to display these expectations near the computer and use them as a common language for discussions.
No Secret Squirrel
While we all like to have a certain level of privacy, it is important to let your child know that internet access is a public, family affair. As parents we should try not to be staring down the back of our child’s neck as they go about their online business, we should make an effort to ask them about what they are doing and take an interest in their work and achievements online. Asking questions and giving feedback is a great way to check in with their online activity, without becoming a member of the secret service.
Family Devices, Not Personal Devices
We all know it is important to have the home computer in a public space in the family home. However, it is now more common for family members to have a personal device that they use. This brings with it added benefits and dangers – so set the expectation that phones, tablets and other devices are used in a public place in the family home. It should also be made clear that no device is the property of one person, however they are shared family items that should be open and usable by all.
Are certain social apps & websites safer for my child to use
There are not necessarily good and bad social apps & websites, however the way in which they are used is what is important. Apps like Snapchat which delete content shortly after sending, make it harder for parents to monitor online activity and protect their children.
As a parent we should evaluate the benefits and risks of each application and website, using our own judgement to determine child friendliness. This can be an onerous task for parents, requiring them to install and use the app in order to determine it’s suitability. In my opinion, Apps like Snapchat should be reserved for young adults, with other safer and more open options being better for younger children.
By Jay Thompson
Head of Educational Technology (K-12),
XCL World Academy