Many kids are addicted to screens. Parents want to protect their toddlers after seeing the dark side of the Internet, but a lot is also lost.
Checking out resource pages such as Common Sense Media, Protect Young Eyes, and Wait Until 8th can be beneficial for the child. Looking at opposing views may also help develop your own view.
Some experts say that reduced screen time is not the solution, as kids need the Internet to communicate.
Technology rules will be different for every family. Brooke Shannon, executive director of Wait Until 8th, argues that parents should wait until 8th grade to give their kids phones.
When the toddler starts to get hold of technology and is experimenting with it, it can be overwhelming. But it’s best to talk about it with your partner to figure out what limits to set on their devices. Set up parental limitations as well.
Brooke Shannon’s household has a few rules. First, no devices in bedrooms, including TVs. Second, toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary kids never get personal devices unless they are traveling. Third, no technology during playdates at home. Fourth, an “educational” app or game never gets a free pass.
If or when your child gets frustrated, always have a answer in mind. Shannon likes to say that “In our family, we follow the research.” For older kids, you might have to explain the research.
Ways the Internet is trying to manipulate you
To cancel an Amazon Prime membership, you have to go through six separate pages, and on each one they urge you to keep the membership.
These cases are so common they even have names like “obstruction” and “nagging.” Both of these are cases of the “dark pattern.” Websites use this to manipulate your behavior online.
If you have been on the Internet, you have encountered this pattern before. Why do tracking cookies have two options, “I agree,” and “More options,” but the “No” button is missing? Why do discount popups shame you with “No, I hate saving money.” Why do websites show how many people are “currently viewing” a product? It’s most likely fake.
So, kids should be given devices and freedom of technology at a certain age. It’s not just about obstruction and nagging, it’s also about online safety and addiction. So, there’s no need to rush it.
Checking out resource pages such as Common Sense Media, Protect Young Eyes, and Wait Until 8th can be beneficial for the child. Looking at opposing views may also help develop your own view.
Some experts say that reduced screen time is not the solution, as kids need the Internet to communicate.
Technology rules will be different for every family. Brooke Shannon, executive director of Wait Until 8th, argues that parents should wait until 8th grade to give their kids phones.
When the toddler starts to get hold of technology and is experimenting with it, it can be overwhelming. But it’s best to talk about it with your partner to figure out what limits to set on their devices. Set up parental limitations as well.
Brooke Shannon’s household has a few rules. First, no devices in bedrooms, including TVs. Second, toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary kids never get personal devices unless they are traveling. Third, no technology during playdates at home. Fourth, an “educational” app or game never gets a free pass.
If or when your child gets frustrated, always have a answer in mind. Shannon likes to say that “In our family, we follow the research.” For older kids, you might have to explain the research.
Ways the Internet is trying to manipulate you
To cancel an Amazon Prime membership, you have to go through six separate pages, and on each one they urge you to keep the membership.
These cases are so common they even have names like “obstruction” and “nagging.” Both of these are cases of the “dark pattern.” Websites use this to manipulate your behavior online.
If you have been on the Internet, you have encountered this pattern before. Why do tracking cookies have two options, “I agree,” and “More options,” but the “No” button is missing? Why do discount popups shame you with “No, I hate saving money.” Why do websites show how many people are “currently viewing” a product? It’s most likely fake.
So, kids should be given devices and freedom of technology at a certain age. It’s not just about obstruction and nagging, it’s also about online safety and addiction. So, there’s no need to rush it.
