UNICEF shares 7 ways to create healthy digital habits for children
Every parent finds it challenging to raise their kids rightly in this digital age. Balancing the risks and opportunities that come with emerging technologies can sometimes be difficult. To help every parent, UNICEF has shared 7 ways to create healthy digital habits for children.
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Ask questions: As a parent, it is essential to ask your children questions about the digital devices they are using. Find out what they like about them, what they don’t like, how often they use them, and what’s working.
Discuss the risks of technology use: Take time to connect with your children about your concerns regarding the use of technology in their lives. Discuss the risks involved with using technology in this new age world.
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Address the underlying issues: If you, as a parent, feel your child is having issues related to their use of technology, you need to address them. Talk to them freely and sort out the problems they are facing.
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Make “yes” and “no” rules. “Yes” rules are things your child should do, like how you want them to act online, what it means to be a good digital citizen, etc. "No" rules are things you don't want your child to do, like bullying others online or giving personal information to any online person.
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Establish expectations around content: Check what content your children are accessing online. Once you come across anything you dont want your child to see or hear, you need to consider parental controls available to you.
Make it playful: The best way to gain your children's confidence is to make things playful rather than serious. Use technology to facilitate play and fun opportunities with your children. That could be using an app or playing a game together.