Teaching Children to Use Technology Responsibly #Tech #App

Teaching Children to Use Technology Responsibly

Unlike generations of the past, kids are born into technology. They don’t have the luxury of easing into it or using a “wait and see” approach. Technology is everywhere and unless kids spend the rest of their lives living in a cave, there is no way for them to avoid it. For instance, many school districts have switched to strictly digital learning systems. Instead of books, the schools issue each child a computer or electronic tablet to do their work. These computers go unmonitored by adults, which is why some districts have struggled with kids bypassing the security features and using the devices to access inappropriate websites.

While technology is certainly a good thing, parents shouldn’t take for granted the importance of teaching their kids how to use it responsibly. Between cyber bullying, maxed out credit card bills, online predators and damaged reputations, many moms and dads have learned the hard way that letting children loose with electronic devices before teaching them how to use them responsibly is a bad idea.

Outline the Rules of the Digital Road

Explain to kids that they are responsible for everything they post online, as well as the reputation they create for themselves in cyberspace. Every time they send a text, use a social media app or post materials, they are creating a lifetime record of their lives. Behaviors and posts that portray children in a negative light can keep them from getting accepted to colleges and hinder their ability to land decent jobs in the future.

Let children know that they will be held accountable for any inappropriate behaviors they take part in while they are using apps, text or other forms of digital media. Come up with a list of consequences for violating the rules of responsible use. When kids break the rules, lay the hammer down on them. Eventually, they will learn to regulate their own behavior so they are less likely to misuse technology.

In addition, parents should take the time to learn about the privacy settings of the apps and social media sites their kids use. Advise them to set their privacy settings so only close friends and family can see their pictures, videos and posts. Also, have them leave fields such as phone numbers and addresses blank when they are filling out their profiles.

When children don’t use technology responsibly, it can negatively affect their future opportunities. Parents have to take measures to make sure their kids understand the damage that can come from misusing technology. Just as they teach youngsters to stay away from strangers and look both ways when they’re crossing the street, they should be just as diligent when it comes to teaching them to exercise good judgment in the digital age.

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Bonnie Woodrum’s background is eclectic to say the least. In the 80’s, she spent 10 years driving a semi-truck traveling the highways across the U.S., Canada and Mexico, at a time where that type of work was (and still is) dominated by men. During the 90’s, Bonnie moved into a business altogether different and spent a decade as an accredited daycare owner and operator. Today, Bonnie (or LeahSay as she’s also known as), is a full time writer and owns her own blog, LeahSaysViews.com. LeahSaysViews has been active daily for the last five years and is focused on family-friendly topics that include reviews for products and services.

Bonnie blogs for a number of children’s entertainment and mom-targeted/kid-centric brands such as Purex, Disney, Safety 1st, National Geographic, USA Creative Baby, PBSKids, American Greetings Properties, owners of Care Bears & Strawberry Shortcake, Outfit7 Limited, producers of Talking Tom and Friends and Talking Angela, and Bandai America, one of the largest public toy companies in the world and makers of Power Rangers action figures, Tamagotchi and more.

Bonnie attended Crowder College with studies in transport technology and agriculture. Mother to five, and grandmother to ten, Bonnie enjoys gardening, cooking, reading, traveling and spending time with her family. Bonnie lives the American dream in Joplin, MO in a farm complete with barns, livestock and hay.

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