Parenting in this era, namely the Digital Age, can be daunting, to say the least. On one hand, we do not wish for our children to be left behind in this fast-paced technology-driven world, and on the other hand, we do not want to raise children who have their faces buried in their screens during family events. So, the question seems to be, is there a line to be drawn somewhere, on how much screen time can a child be allowed a day, or do parents just play by ear and trust their own judgements?
Bringing up babies today
No parent alive today can be expected to function without his or her cellphone. They would need it to contact family members, check and compare the prices of items, look up important information, and the list goes on. This includes parents of babies, who, at some point of their parenthood, will begin to appreciate the convenience of using that important gadget of theirs to keep their little ones occupied or distracted long enough to have a quick shower, or perform a household chore undisturbed, etc. Now, here’s the thing though – while there might not be any specific local guidelines on screen time for babies and small children in Malaysia, the World Health Organization (WHO), however, recommends zero screen time for babies under a year, and an hour or less a day for two- to four-year-olds. Instead, spending precious time reading and playing with babies is the top advice for parents today, to ensure truly nurturing early experiences for them for the first 12 months or so of their lives. Once little ones reach two years of age, they may begin to educationally benefit from selected age-appropriate apps. Remember though that supervision and moderation are crucial, for there is emerging research that too much screen time may lead to children having a small vocabulary, being less able to control their temper and being more temperamental and aggressive.
Screen time for toddlers and preschoolers
There is no escaping the use of technology when children get enrolled into nurseries, play schools and preschools. There will be lots to learn from the television, as long as teachers and parents pick, choose and filter what the little ones end up viewing. And, if parents were to allow their little ones to use their smartphones, the same applies for the apps used – choose them wisely! It will also be a good idea to know the app well enough before you allow your young child to use it. That way, you will always be aware of what your child is exposed to.
Parents’ responsibilities are real
It’s a digital world we’re living in today, in every sense of the word. Hence parents today have the added responsibility of teaching their kids the best ways of digital use. Here are a handful of tips that may be helpful for parents who are trying to manage the digital landscape which their children are exploring whether it’s for education or for fun.
Set limits
Ideally, your parenting guidelines should match up in both non-digital and digital environments. So, go ahead and set limits wherever applicable. Know who your children’s friends are, both online and offline as well. Know what platforms, software, and apps your children are using, where they are going on the web, and what they are doing online.
Unplug every now and then
A healthy life is a balanced one. Hence, every now and then, make it a point to unplug and engage in some non-digital playtime. It doesn’t really matter what kind, as long as it promotes and stimulates creativity and/or encourages physical movements. It could be indoors, or outdoors; seated or on the move – Unstructured and offline play keeps children grounded with a sense of reality. It gives kids back their childhood. Whenever you can, you too should unplug and join them!
Family digital time
Digital activities such as video games can be a source of fun and may offer family bonding opportunities. With all the interaction it takes, and not to mention, laughter, teasing, joking, etc, coming together as a family for a fun-filled digital activity can be greatly gratifying, and at the same times, it instills in children a sense of appreciation and love for family members, besides demonstrating good sportsmanship and gaming etiquette.
Kids see, kids do
Whether it’s interacting with a Facebook friend, or communicating with an online customer, never miss an opportunity to model kindness and good manners online, for your little ones to mimic and imitate. After all, as we head towards a rapidly evolving world of high tech communication, etiquette and courtesy should never be left behind, for these qualities will bring children further and make them more likable, online and offline. Also, since kids are such great imitators, try limiting your own digital use and be available and connected to them, and in time, they’ll do the same.
Know the value of one-on-one communication
Here’s golden advice for parents of just one kid: Nothing beats two-way communication when it comes to teaching a child anything. While it’s fully understandable that it’s almost impossible to resist the temptation of using the phone to keep Junior distracted while you take care of a few chores around the house, resist you must, from making it a habit, that is. Keep in mind that engaging in back-and-forth “talk time” is critical for your child’s language development, having been proven by science to improve language skills more effectively compared to one-way interaction with a screen.
Allocate no-tech zones @ home
It may be easier said than done, but keeping family mealtimes and other family and social gatherings tech-free goes a long way in building tighter family bonds as well as healthier eating habits. Try recharging devices overnight outside the bedrooms and as far away as possible from it, to discourage the temptation to use them when they should be sleeping. After all, at the end of the day, more family time, healthier eating habits, and better sleep are all crucial factors for your child’s wellbeing.
Your phone is not a babysitter
Yes, we understand how quiet and well-behaved your little one is when your phone is in their hand, but in the long run, it isn’t actually helping at all. Think about it – when we did not have cellphones in our lives before, we seemed to know that our children needed guidance on how to identify and handle strong emotions, overcome boredom, or even calm down through breathing. We didn’t think twice about discussing ways to solve the problem and seeking advice from other family members. If the phone wasn’t an option then, why should you depend on it now, especially when children needs?
Choose the right apps for your kids
A look into your app store will reveal countless apps being labeled as educational. However, many of these apps do not have any backing that can demonstrate their function as educational, or even ‘interactive’, as they are often labeled. While it may be a good idea to choose products that have good reviews left by parents who have used them, it’s always best to discover and test an app’s best features for yourself before downloading it for your child, to ensure you are making the best choices for them.
Help your kids be aware of internet safety
No matter how obvious it is to us, children don’t necessarily know about online safety, including the importance of not sharing personal information, avoiding suspicious websites, or even recognizing online bullies. In fact, you should not neglect to let your child know they can always turn to you if they experience or witness any form of online harassment, or if anyone online is making them feel uncomfortable.
The Two Pillars of Childhood
In this world of bits and bytes, children must understand that family is the most important element of their lives, simply because we are human beings. The world around us may be changing and evolving with its high tech and digital advancements, but our kids will always require lots of quality time with us. Wholesome family experiences are capable of shaping children’s brains, and they foster their happiness and self-esteem too.
As we embrace modern advancements, let’s remember that our children’s well-being should always be at the heart of what we do. By guiding them through the digital age, we’re preparing them for a future where technology is a tool for success when used correctly, responsibly, and with care.
