The era of technology poses its own set of difficulties, and parenting in this digital age is a prominent concern. Parents struggle with the escalation of screens, countless applications, and the pervasive online world, which often appears to have a greater impact on their children's thinking than they do. Navigating this novel landscape of parenting may appear intimidating. Nonetheless, like any challenge, it can be conquered through patience, comprehension, and well-informed approaches.

 

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According to a 2020 study by Pew Research Centre, parents who have young children express their concerns about the potential negative impacts of screen time.71 per cent of parents with a child under the age of 12 indicate that they have at least some level of apprehension that their child may spend excessive time in front of screens. This includes 31 per cent of parents who are highly concerned about digital exposure and children..

What steps can we take to safeguard our children's well-being in both offline and online environments? How can we ensure that excessive screen time doesn't hinder their prospects of gaining admission to college? How do we shield them from exposure to explicit and harmful content, such as violent pornography, before they turn 12? Additionally, how can we assess whether the use of social media beauty filters is negatively impacting their self-esteem?

 

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How Much Digital Exposure is Too Much?

Technology can be likened to a sugary dessert or candy, providing a rapid surge of dopamine and a sense of reward. According to a 2023 study by Frontiers in Psychology published  in  Psychology Today shows that children's brain development is heavily influenced by their experiences. Diverse experiences are essential for the formation of neural pathways and for facilitating the learning process. 

Parents, as a collective, express significant concern about the lasting impact of smartphones on children's development. As per a 2020 survey by Pew Research Centre, 71 per cent of parents believe that the widespread use of smartphones among young children could potentially yield more harm than benefits. While many parents acknowledge the platform's entertainment and educational value, a majority also express concerns about the potential exposure of their children to inappropriate content on the site.

Pew Research Centre shows that YouTube has become a significant platform for children of various age groups, with a high percentage of parents reporting their children's engagement with it. Specifically, 81 per cent of parents with children aged 3 to 4, and 57 per cent of those with children aged 2 or younger state that their child watches videos on YouTube. 

Balancing daily physical activity, sleep, school, homework, meals, and chores leaves children with limited discretionary time. The allocation of this remaining time for consuming digital media and engaging in other diverse activities can depend on several factors, including age, individual needs, and family preferences.

 

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Tips to Raise Kids in Digital Landscape

Approaching a child's access to technology in a gradual and structured manner, like the continuum you described, can be an effective strategy to ensure responsible and safe usage as they grow and mature. This methodical progression allows parents to gradually introduce technology while maintaining control and monitoring. 

• Establish clear rules and guidelines for screen time, including when and where devices can be used. Create designated screen-free zones in your home, such as the dinner table or bedrooms. Beginning with basic phone functions like voice calls and video chats can help children become familiar with the device and its primary purpose, which is communication.
• Once the child has demonstrated maturity and responsibility, allowing them to use texting (perhaps on a parent's phone) introduces a new level of communication while still maintaining some parental oversight. Demonstrate responsible technology use by setting a positive example. Model the behaviour you want to see in your children.
• When the child reaches an age of increased maturity and responsibility, parents can consider their access to social media and messaging apps. Maintain open and honest conversations with your children about the internet, social media, and online safety. Encourage them to come to you with questions or concerns about their online experiences.
• Allowing gaming, but with restrictions on interacting with strangers and only with games that have appropriate ratings, is a good way to introduce them to the gaming world while maintaining safety measures. Teach your children about online safety, privacy, and the potential risks they may encounter online. Discuss topics like cyberbullying, online predators, and the importance of not sharing personal information.
• Promote a balanced lifestyle that includes physical activity, face-to-face interactions, and offline hobbies. Ensure that screen time does not replace essential activities like homework and sleep. Encourage your children to use technology for creative and educational purposes, such as learning apps, coding, or creating digital art.

Finally, as they continue to demonstrate responsibility and understanding of online etiquette and safety, they may gain access to the full range of smartphone or device functions. Throughout this continuum, ongoing communication between parents and children is crucial. Discussing the potential risks, responsible online behaviour, and the importance of digital literacy should be an integral part of the process. Parents should also remain aware of evolving technology trends and adapt their approach accordingly.

 

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