When asked how we spent our childhood, many of us think of; It comes from playing ball on the street, climbing trees, or playing hide and seek games with the neighborhood children. However, in recent years, when such games have been replaced by digital games and even basic education has been given digitally under pandemic conditions, raising children without being harmed in such an intense digital environment can be a situation that requires care. Today's children have more knowledge about technology than their parents. In addition to benefiting from technology, children may also face serious risks. While the sea of technology has turned into an ocean, parents; Children should be made aware of how to use the digital environment correctly and safely. Of course, this is only possible if the adult parent educates himself first.
Many children learn to click on touch screens before learning to ride a bicycle or tie their shoes. Warren Buckleitner, an expert on the relationship between children and what technology offers, says, “technology is like fertilizer. If you use a little at the right time, the plant will thrive, if you use too much or the wrong kind, you will dry out the plant.” says. In other words, guidance with the right behavior in the right place is also very important for children.
So what path should families follow?
The developmental characteristics of each age are different. Families' knowledge of these developmental characteristics will be useful in determining the limits of use within the home. At this point, the aim is to ensure appropriate use rather than prohibiting it. One of the most important points here is this: The child must first be aware that he must fulfill his own responsibilities, and then it should be decided together with the family in which areas and times they can use digital devices.
The child, whose priority is to play computer games or watch television, must then fulfill his responsibilities. has difficulty bringing it. He postpones his homework and his motivation to study decreases. The permission or reward that follows positive behavior improves awareness of responsibility and increases control and internal motivation by improving planning skills.
Practical but effective solution suggestions
-
Can I play with a tablet? A clear answer to a question such as "You can play for half an hour after tidying up your room" in which you set limits will make your job much easier.
-
Make sure to tell your child the behaviors that are his/her responsibility.
-
You should determine a common day and time for boundaries.
-
Guide your child to various activities such as sports or art.
-
When making restrictions, explain the reasons for these limitations to your child.
-
As parents who set limits on digital devices, you should also be an appropriate role model in using digital devices.
-
When setting limits, try to adjust them in accordance with your child's age-specific situations and personality.
-
Show him that there is a life outside of digital life. If you make it enjoyable, your child will automatically accept these limits.
-
If you give your child more responsibility, he will develop self-control.
-
When he performs the behaviors you expect from him. Appreciating these attitudes will also increase his motivation.
Read: 0
