When it comes to exposing your toddler to the internet, it is critical to exercise caution and set up technological boundaries. Brooke Shannon, executive director and founder of Wait Until 8th, shares some tips that she believes can help any parent strike the right balance between our daily lives and technology.
It is never too early to start researching and strategizing with your spouse about how to approach the situation. The Washington Post recommends visiting the websites of children’s advocacy organizations such as Common Sense Media, Protect Young Eyes, and Wait Until 8th. To gain a better understanding, the Washington Post suggests seeking out opposing viewpoints.
Brooke Shannon suggests creating technological boundaries for your toddlers and children. Technology boundaries can vary depending on family, but the executive director suggests waiting until 8th grade to give your child a smartphone.
Another tip is to educate your toddler long before they start asking you to use phones or iPads to help them gain an understanding of family values and regulations for technology.
When your toddler does begin to experiment with phones or tablets, it is important to start slow.
Brooke Shannon also suggests talking to your spouse about setting a time limit on a phone or I-pad, or a scheduled time for television watching. Before you introduce any new apps, make sure to add parental controls so you can enforce limits without having to wrestle the phone or I-pad away from your child.
Having rules also helps with monitoring technology use. Shannon’s family follows a few ground rules, she explains. First, no electronics, including televisions, in bedrooms. Second, unless the family is traveling, toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary school children are never given tablets or other personal devices. Third, no technology during playdates at home.
Fourth, an “educational” app or game never gets a free pass.
Be ready for when your child starts asking questions. Shannon sticks with following the research. As the child ages, start backing up your research with findings and articles. It is also important to be flexible. Sometimes screen time rules can go out the window, but it does not mean you failed. There is always time to reteach the regulations.
Common Sense Media has also suggested that parents should choose high-quality, age-appropriate media content. Not everything has to be educational, but think about how it engages your child. With older kids, check online reviews and help them find apps, games, or shows that explore their interests.
It is never too early to start researching and strategizing with your spouse about how to approach the situation. The Washington Post recommends visiting the websites of children’s advocacy organizations such as Common Sense Media, Protect Young Eyes, and Wait Until 8th. To gain a better understanding, the Washington Post suggests seeking out opposing viewpoints.
Brooke Shannon suggests creating technological boundaries for your toddlers and children. Technology boundaries can vary depending on family, but the executive director suggests waiting until 8th grade to give your child a smartphone.
Another tip is to educate your toddler long before they start asking you to use phones or iPads to help them gain an understanding of family values and regulations for technology.
When your toddler does begin to experiment with phones or tablets, it is important to start slow.
Brooke Shannon also suggests talking to your spouse about setting a time limit on a phone or I-pad, or a scheduled time for television watching. Before you introduce any new apps, make sure to add parental controls so you can enforce limits without having to wrestle the phone or I-pad away from your child.
Having rules also helps with monitoring technology use. Shannon’s family follows a few ground rules, she explains. First, no electronics, including televisions, in bedrooms. Second, unless the family is traveling, toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary school children are never given tablets or other personal devices. Third, no technology during playdates at home.
Fourth, an “educational” app or game never gets a free pass.
Be ready for when your child starts asking questions. Shannon sticks with following the research. As the child ages, start backing up your research with findings and articles. It is also important to be flexible. Sometimes screen time rules can go out the window, but it does not mean you failed. There is always time to reteach the regulations.
Common Sense Media has also suggested that parents should choose high-quality, age-appropriate media content. Not everything has to be educational, but think about how it engages your child. With older kids, check online reviews and help them find apps, games, or shows that explore their interests.
