Can your kids develop skills and assets in technology without engaging in social media?
In today’s digital age, it’s essential to equip our children with the skills to navigate technology both confidently and responsibly. However, many parents are concerned about the impact of social media. We want our kids to develop themselves within the ever-growing world of technology, but in a responsible way, without the negative impact that social media can have on young minds. To achieve this, we’ll explore strategies for raising tech-savvy kids who can enjoy the benefits of technology without the pitfalls of social media.
Tech savvy [tek-sav-ee] - having much knowledge or skill about modern technology, especially digital technology
It's important for children to be tech-savvy in the modern world. As an example we are experiencing a time where the use of technology in schools is expanding. After Covid-19, we have seen the importance of digital communication and working from home in the workplace, a trend that has persisted even after the lockdown. The topic of using smartphones and smartwatches in school has arisen, but it’s safe to say that technology is here to stay and is increasingly incorporated into everyday life. While it is important to work with technology and not against it, it’s equally important to do so responsibly to reduce any negative impact. Being tech-savvy is therefore not just about using technological gadgets but also understanding how to use them wisely.
Manage Screen Time
Screen time anxiety is a growing concern in today’s digital age, affecting individuals' physical, psychological, and social well-being. By recognizing the symptoms and managing screen time effectively, individuals can reduce anxiety and promote a healthier relationship with technology.
Balance Screen exposure with IRL (in real life) experiences
Some of the concerns related to social media for young children include cyberbullying and the pressure of social media posts. The ability to forge your own identity on social media and present only what you want people to see can have a damaging effect on both yourself and your audience. Many public social media figures target children and teens, profiting from this negative impact. By helping your child focus on real-world interactions, you can prevent your kids from this exploitation and reduce screen time anxiety. Even if the world is becoming more tech-based, it is still important to emphasize offline activities as a family, ensuring technology-free time and allowing children to be children and families to be families. For inspiration this summer, take a look at this list of 30 Offline Activities for You and Your Family.
Harvest the benefits of enabling technologies
Adults and guardians might associate technology interactions with less learning and activity for their children, but that isn't the case. By using Xplora's own activity platform as an example, kids are encouraged to stay active and even play games, which you can read more about here. Additionally, many schools now offer coding programs for kids as a way to foster logical thinking and problem-solving abilities using digital tools. Teaching children to code is more than just a valuable technical skill; it's a comprehensive educational tool that enhances various aspects of their development. From fostering creativity and critical thinking to preparing them for future careers and boosting their confidence, coding offers a wealth of benefits that can help children thrive in many areas of their lives. Encouraging kids to learn coding can set them up for success in an increasingly digital world and allows them to take part in a digital playground without social media.
Teach kids online safety
When introducing children to this digital world, it’s important to teach them about online safety, and there are several things parents can do to help their children protect themselves. Some topics to discuss include the importance of privacy, recognizing online scams, and setting strong passwords on their digital platforms. For instance, focus on teaching your kids how to research information online responsibly, distinguishing between credible sources and misinformation. Another important topic is the role of parental controls and monitoring tools on their platforms. Although kids might feel this invades their privacy, it’s important to emphasize the necessity of ensuring a safe online environment and creating a good experience for them.
While many kids today have access to social media, there are countless ways they can stay connected with friends and family without engaging in social media. By using social media-free alternatives like the Xplora watches, your child can stay in touch with loved ones and use technology safely. Other ways your child could stay connected include setting up an email or private blogs or digital journals accessible to friends and family. These options allow you to teach your child proper online communication etiquette, with privacy and security.
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Strive to be a good role model
Children often mimic adult behavior, especially their parents' and families' routines and habits. It’s important to keep this in mind when considering your own tech habits and screen time. By using technology for productive purposes such as smartwatches with functions like step-counting, which can be transferred to offline activities, you can model healthy tech habits for both you and your children. Be mindful of your digital device usage, especially social media, and limit this during family time.
We have learnt that it’s possible to raise tech-savvy kids while keeping them away from social media. Ultimately, it's about finding a balance that allows children to benefit from technology while protecting them from its negative effects. With thoughtful guidance and a focus on both online and offline activities, we can raise tech-savvy kids who are well-prepared for the future while preserving their well-being and happiness. Share this blog post with other parents and caregivers who might benefit from these tips, helping shape the trajectory of children's safe use of technology! And, if you have additional tips to share we would love to hear from you!
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Written by: Maren Strand
