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How to navigate parenting challenges in the digital age 

How to navigate parenting challenges in the digital age 
Be a digital role model. Show them how to engage positively on social media and respect others’ privacy. PHOTO/Pexels

In today’s digital age, parenting has become a whole new ball game. Technology and social media bring countless opportunities for learning, connection, and entertainment.

But they also present unique challenges. As a parent, it’s crucial to strike a balance and guide your children toward responsible online behaviour.

And this, of course, must be age-appropriate. Hiding your head in the sand will not make this ‘monster’ of social media just go.  

Open dialogue

Foster open and honest communication with your children about the Internet and social media. Encourage them to share their online experiences, challenges, and concerns.

Explain to them that not all people they are chatting with are honest and some can even play dirty games such as revenge porn. That means no sharing of any explicit photos or videos on social media under any circumstances. 

Set clear boundaries

Establish clear rules regarding screen time, device usage, and online activities. One of the cardinal rules we have in our house is that no laptop or social media is allowed during school days.

We limit it to weekends and on condition that school homework has been completed satisfactorily.  

Educate about online safety

Teach your children about online safety measures such as creating strong passwords, protecting personal information, avoiding suspicious links, and practising responsible social media behaviour.

Limiting or not revealing too much information is necessary for a generic conversation.  

Be a digital role model

Children learn by example, so demonstrate responsible online behaviour yourself.

Show them how to engage positively on social media, respect others’ privacy, and think critically about the content they consume.  

Demonstrate your ability to break off from the devices and show that it’s possible to stay offline for days and the world will not come down crashing.

If you are struggling to be off the phone every few minutes, then you are a bad example. 

Balance online and offline activities

Encourage your children to engage in a variety of activities beyond screens. Encourage hobbies, sports, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

Life is not always on the gadgets. There are more productive things that can be done offline.

Introduce indoor and outdoor games that you can engage your children in to kill boredom.  

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