4 minutes
Technology surrounds us in everyday life. Televisions, mobile devices, computers, and many other devices offer constant information that is easily and quickly accessible, but can also be a major distraction, among other risks.
You cannot forbid your children from using technology, but you can regulate its use and, above all, teach them to use it cautiously and responsibly so they become adults prepared for the digital and audiovisual world.
RISKS OF INAPPROPRIATE USE
Digital and audiovisual media are excellent tools for informing, communicating, learning, and having fun.
However, misuse can have negative effects, including:
- Overexposure to information and, in some cases, addiction.
- Access to inappropriate content.
- "Cybercrime."
- Isolation and difficulty relating to others.
- A sedentary lifestyle and physical problems.
That is why you should keep audiovisual media and new technologies firmly in mind when educating young children, to take advantage of all their benefits, avoid dangers, and help children use and manage them independently throughout life.
We therefore want to share five tips to consider when raising your children in a technological society:
Five tips for raising your children in a technological society
Establish rules and encourage appropriate use.
Digital and audiovisual leisure can and should be part of your children's daily lives, just as it is part of yours. But it must follow rules that integrate it sensibly into family routines, avoid overuse, and prevent dangers.
It is advisable to set a schedule for your children to watch television, play video games, access their mobile devices, or browse on the computer.
For the internet, teach your children about dangers that may lurk online and explain that digital media should be used for a limited time and responsibly.
Monitor the content they access.
The internet is an enormous universe containing all kinds of information. It is therefore essential to regulate technological device use and monitor the pages your children visit, the applications they use, and the programs they watch.
On the other hand, there may be very interesting, high-quality cultural and educational content appropriate to their age that contributes to their development.
Develop critical thinking.
The internet and television not only provide entertainment and information but also convey ideas, behaviors, attitudes, and concepts affecting how your children form opinions, act, or see the world.
Prevent this from becoming a passive pastime. Explain that they should not believe everything they see online or on television. Encourage them to view television programs, websites they visit online, and their favorite games critically, and respond consciously.
For example, ask them to explain why these attract their attention, what story they convey, and what they think website advertisements or commercial breaks intend to do. You can also teach them to select programming and content themselves, so they learn to inform themselves and make reasoned decisions.
Avoid using technology as a babysitter
Device use should be conscious and shared, and must never be your children's babysitter. Do not turn on the television during family meals merely as background noise.
Do not allow simultaneous use of television, mobile devices, or the computer. This can create overstimulation that may be very negative for children or adolescents.
It is also inadvisable to overuse cartoons, movies, or video games to entertain children while adults attend to their own affairs.
It can be a solution at certain times, such as during travel or dinner at a restaurant, but it is better to avoid this use routinely.
Encourage other forms of entertainment.
Digital leisure should be combined with other activities to offer children a balance of entertainment options.
You can reserve time for other leisure activities such as reading, writing, drawing, enjoying the outdoors, playing sports, or playing board games.
It is not always easy to draw them away from screens, but you will succeed if you suggest fun activities, let them choose, and do them together.