Gadgets and Internet Safety: How to Teach Your Child to Use Them Responsiblely

Internet safety is one of the key issues of modern parenting. Children spend hours online every day, communicating on social networks, playing games and watching videos. However, not everyone is aware of the risks of the digital world. How can parents teach their children to use the Internet responsibly, avoid conflicts and make the online environment safe? We talk about effective approaches and useful resources.

According to a recent Google study, the majority of teens ages 13-17 spend more than 3 hours online each day (79%). And while parents have started to discuss the topic more actively with their children, about 20% of parents surveyed believe that they initiated the discussion about online safety late and wish they had done it sooner.

Modern children can hardly imagine their lives without gadgets. Therefore, for many parents, the issue of using the Internet often becomes a source of conflict in the family. How to avoid disputes and find a balance between the child's desires and rules that will help him be in safety?

Why is it important to talk to your child about internet safety?

Many parents put off talking about online risks until their child has a problem. However, the earlier you start the discussion, the easier it will be for your child to accept the rules. It’s important to explain that online safety is not just about screen time, but also about protecting your privacy, communicating with strangers, and avoiding cyber risks.

How to explain to a child the importance of rules for using gadgets?

Often, a child perceives a request to put down the phone as punishment. Instead of categorical prohibitions, it is important to explain the consequences of prolonged use of gadgets:

• negative impact on vision and posture;

• decreased concentration and memory;

• lack of physical activity.

A child will be more willing to accept established agreements if they understand their purpose.

Source: freepik

What to do if a child doesn't want to give up gadgets?

Gadgets are not only entertainment, but also a way to escape boredom or stress. Therefore, it is important to offer an alternative:

• creative activities (drawing, sculpting, designing);

• reading books or comics;

• walks, active games in the fresh air;

• board games or a shared hobby.

If a child has a choice, they will more easily accept the limitations of gadgets.

How to agree on rules and avoid conflicts?

To avoid misunderstandings, your child should be clear about how much time they can spend online. It's best if these rules are created together so they don't feel forced. It's worth agreeing on:

• acceptable time on weekdays and weekends;

• using gadgets before bed;

• no phones at the table during meals;

• time without gadgets during study or leisure.

Useful tool – Family agreement, where the rules are recorded in writing.

Source: freepik

How to teach your child internet safety rules?

As technology changes rapidly, parents should stay up-to-date on online safety news. We recommend watching educational videos NGO #stop_sexting together with the child.

We created a series of interviews with children and discussed the following topics:

• online games: benefits or risks;

• social media security;

• the threat of sexting;

• military risks online;

• artificial intelligence: benefits and dangers.

You can view all the interviews at here.

Internet safety: where to find support?

If you need help, please contact:

• Hotline #stop_sexting on online safety issues: 1545 (hereinafter referred to as 3).

• Free psychological consultations for young people, parents and specialists:
   or in Telegram (@stop_sexting).

Stay protected and help your children protect themselves from online threats.

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#stop_sexting – Ukraine’s leading public organization on child protection online. It has received the UN Global Compact Award and has trained over 1 million children and parents. As part of the information campaign, it touched millions of Ukrainian families, and also created the country's first consultation line on child safety on the Internet 1545 (hereinafter 3) and a psychological support line for children and parents on the topic of online risks on site that in Telegram.