As the kids are home for the Christmas break, you’ll notice that their time on computers and/or phones has escalated, much to your dismay.
It’s a given that kids are going to use technology but if you are concerned about their wellbeing and overall safety, we have a number of tips and tricks to ensure that your children are educated and protected online.
Parenting expert- Lorraine Candy – who is the author of 101 Things Only Mothers of Teenage Girls Know shares her top tips to help parents.
Learn about active listening
This means really listening, without interrupting, to what your teens say about their social media use and screen time needs.
Establish your rules early on
Perhaps set a digital sunset, e.g., the time each night they come offline. Negotiate with them and then review the rules regularly.
Don’t assume the worst
Sometimes parents may expect the worst out of fear or ignorance. Educate yourself about social media and engage with your teens around it. Stay calm.
Side-by-side conversations
Be curious about how screen time on social media affects your teenager. Do you notice changes in their behaviour? If so, talk to them about it calmly—side by side, e.g. in the car, on walks, or shopping trips. It will feel less confrontational for a teen than face to face.
Help your teen curate a positive presence online
Encourage them to find the accounts that make them feel better about themselves or are indeed useful to them, and balance out time online with time outside—alone, with friends, or with family
Lorraine has partnered with Instagram for its 'Parent and Carer's Guide to Instagram' to share her top tips. For more information, visit htpps://about.instagram.com/community/parents