How to be a Parent in a Digital World
By Olivia Lynch, Nanna Jonassen, & Amalie Funch
Let’s face it: we are living in a digital world that keeps growing and developing. Parenting a child in this digital age can be both challenging and scary. Maybe you even feel like you are not in control because you don’t know what your kids are doing online. This page is a how-to-guide that provides tools and suggestions for families about technology being a part of your everyday life.
Applications (apps) are software programs that can be downloaded onto an iPhone or iPad. Downloading apps requires being connected to the internet via data usage or wifi. Below is a link to a list of applications that are not suitable for children and why:
How to Enable Privacy Restrictions on an iPhone: A Step By Step Guide
You can restrict usage of: Safari (internet browser), Camera, Maps, Location Services, App Store, iTunes Store (music)
How to Enable Privacy Restrictions on an Android: A Step by Step Guide
How to Change Your Keyboard to Spanish
- Find ‘settings’ and click on it
- Scroll down to ‘general’ and click on it
- There will be an option that says ‘keyboards’, click on it and you will see an option to ‘Add a New Keyboard’
- Click on ‘Add a New Keyboard’, scroll down to find the language you want and click on it
- Once you exit out of ‘settings’, you will be able to use that specialized keyboard in any app.
How to Conduct Oneself Online
CYBERBULLYING
Cyberbullying is a negative way of approaching people online. It can include making threats, saying derogatory things, and ridiculing others. It all happens through using digital means like cell phones, web-pages, e-mail or blogs. We encourage you as a Parent or Caretaker to talk with your children about Cyberbullying. An idea is to create a dialogue with your child. This can be done in many ways one of them is to do an activity. Here is an example:
- First of all ask your children if they have heard the term Cyberbullying. If so, what is it and what is involved?
- Discuss with your children if this has happened to anyone in their class.
- Ask your children what they would/should do if they are being bullied through any of these digital means. Help them with resources if it is happening in the school (such as talking to a counselor).
- Explain the consequences for those who might try and use these methods of intimidation.
- Discuss with your kids if there are more constructive ways to use technology.
Here is a link for additional information: http://www.bullyonline.org/related/cyber.htm
TIPS FOR FRIENDING ON THE INTERNET
Making friends via social media is a natural progression of the digital age and how a lot of kids spend their time and develop their social life. The scary part about all of this is that you never know who is on the other side: are people who they say they are? These are questions and concerns that a lot of parents share. It’s hard to do anything about or change since we are living in a digital world where social media is a natural part of your child’s life.
- Don’t friend someone who you haven’t met in person, even if you both have mutual friends.
- Don’t give out your personal information, including full name, phone number, address.
- Have an open dialogue with your child about the friends they have online and the purpose of having friends online (for example, staying connected to a friend who has moved).
TIPS FOR POSTING PHOTOS ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Sharing photos online can be fun and harmless if you follow these tips:
- Once something is posted online, it stays online.
- Think twice before posting pictures you may not want your parents or future employers to see.
- Stay away from posting pictures that include your location.
- If other people are in your pictures, make sure they are okay with you posting the photo.
Contracts
As a way to start an open dialogue with your child about internet safety, here are some printable contracts and pledges you can use to create boundaries around the use of technology.
How Technology Can Bring Families Together
Here are a few free apps that you can play with your child on an iPhone or iPad allowing you to explore the digital world together as a family:
Here is a link to more fun, educational apps for kids! http://www.familyeducation.com/fun/mobile-apps/21-free-educational-apps-kids
Technology can seem overwhelming when first learning to use different devices such as iPhones and iPads, so we hope this page has been helpful and has inspired you to explore the digital world with your child.
