The foundation for digital resilience is laid long before a child clicks on a screen for the first time. Parents can take proactive steps to prepare their children for the digital world, ensuring they develop the skills and mindset necessary to navigate it safely and effectively.
Digital resilience is using technology responsibly, recognising and managing online risks and recovering from any digital missteps. The impact of screen time on children’s well-being remains a topic of debate. Excessive screen time can lead to issues like screen addiction.
However, not all screen time is detrimental and as such the quantity of time spent, as well as the quality of content being consumed are critical. There is a huge difference between passive consumption such as scrolling on social media and actively engaging and creating content online.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) advises limited screen time for children under five. Infants under one should not have any screen exposure, while children aged two to four should have no more than one hour of sedentary screen time per day.
Establishing open communication before introducing children to the internet: It’s crucial to establish a foundation of open communication. Encourage your children to ask questions and express their concerns about the digital world. Discuss its benefits and potential dangers. Use age-appropriate language and examples to make the conversation relatable. Setting clear boundaries and expectations define when and how long your child can use digital devices.
Explain the reasons behind these rules, emphasising the importance of balance between screen time and other activities like outdoor play, reading and family time. Be consistent and enforce these rules, adjusting them as your child grows and gains more responsibility.
Educating about online safety: Teach your children about the importance of keeping personal information private and the risks of interacting with strangers online. Role-playing different scenarios can be an effective way to reinforce these lessons. Ensure they know to come to you if they encounter anything uncomfortable or need any clarification.
Introducing gradual exposure: Introduce your child to the digital world gradually. Start with supervised, age-appropriate content and activities. As they demonstrate responsible behaviour, you can gradually increase their autonomy while maintaining supervision.
Building critical thinking skills: Encourage critical thinking by discussing the content they encounter online. Ask questions about what they see, hear and read. Teach them to question the reliability of online information and to differentiate between credible sources and misinformation. This skill will be invaluable as they navigate the vast digital landscape.
Creating a family media plan: A family media plan can help manage digital use and set clear guidelines for everyone in the household. Include screen-free zones and times, like during meals and before bedtime. Regularly review and adjust the plan as needed, ensuring it evolves with your family’s needs and the changing digital landscape.
By taking these proactive steps before granting internet access, you can build a strong foundation for your child’s digital resilience. This preparation will empower him or her to use technology responsibly and confidently, laying the groundwork for safe and positive online experiences.
