We know how important smartphones and all the tools that provide access to the internet have become for this generation. Buying a smartphone gives a child a sense of independence, just like the feeling of freedom that comes with getting a driver's license. Phone, tablet, computer etc. Whatever the name, this device is meant to be a way to connect more with both existing friends and potential strangers.
Owning a smart device has as many benefits as driving a car, but the consequences of misuse are huge. may be high. So, how can we guide our children to use this powerful device(s) safely?
'Social Media and Smart Device Usage Is Much Like Driving'
Let's make an analogy. When it's time for our kids to drive, we don't just give them the car key after a short talk about the importance of seat belts and speed limits, right? Instead, we hit the road together first. Or we don't practice on the highway during peak hours. First, we start with a quieter and safer road route. Then, as our children show us that they are ready, we move on to busier roads. Parents should do the same for smart devices and social media use.
5 critical points to keep kids safe on their smart devices:
1. Get a student certificate before getting a driver's license.
We can say that a child is ready for a device of his own only after he proves to his parents that he is using a smart device belonging to a member of the household correctly. By using it correctly I mean content and duration. During this use and preparation phase, parents should closely monitor their children's use of technology and observe who they often interact with and what type of content they watch. If they have a negative observation, they should definitely talk about what is wrong and why.
2. Before you start the engine, talk about the car and what it can do.
Just like in driver training, you need to teach your child the basic technical knowledge first. Talk together about the device's privacy and security settings. You have many things They may know how to use the device and the internet in a more equipped way, but you should definitely share the risks and necessary security measures with your child from the perspective of an adult. You should make sure that they learn how to behave in a possible negative situation.
3. Before you start the journey, create a route.
Sign a technology contract. Speak and write down the contract clauses at a family meeting. Thus, everyone can know the terms of use of their smartphone, tablet or computer, what is expected of them and why. Have a common decision list to refer to when a problem arises. If you know the videos your child watches, the video content channels he follows, the phenomena he cares about, the games he plays, you can write more concrete clauses in the contract. You must make clear decisions for any content that negatively affects or may affect your child.
4. Know how to brake before you step on the gas.
Knowing when to turn off our devices is just as important as knowing when to use them. You have to establish a usage pattern. Let him know when and how much to use the device and when to let it go. For example; such as during meals, while doing homework, during family gatherings. Or setting a time limit of 1 hour per day and removing the charger for a while when the time is exceeded. If you stick to the rules you set as a parent, it will be easier for your child to turn the rules into a habit.
5. Before you get on the highway, explain the potential for danger on the road.
There are dangers on the Internet, just as there are dangers posed by angry drivers or misbehavior in traffic. Children need to learn how to deal with the inevitable risks they may face in the world of the unlimited internet. For example; How will he react when a friend says something bad about someone in his chat? What will he say when someone asks him for an inappropriate photo? If he encounters bullying, how will he stop it? These and more are real scenarios your child may experience while using the internet. consecutive. For this reason, you should make your child aware in advance of how to deal with possible dangers during his journey. You can chat over real-life examples. You can say that open communication with you in risky situations would be the safest option for him.
In summary; whether you are driving or surfing social media; More freedom means more responsibility. You must teach your child to fasten his belt. This safety belt will help him stay safe while using the internet as well as in traffic. And you should make sure that they know that they can talk to your parents before anyone else, about any obstacle or any negative situation they encounter in their life journey, not just for social media and internet use, and that they can always openly and transparently tell you what happened.
Dilara Sayar
Expert Clinical Psychologist&Family Counselor
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