What is Cyber Parenting or Digital Parenting?

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Parenting is no longer the same. Technology has also changed parenting. Children with access to the Internet, cell phones, tablets, and other technologies require digital parenting. Children can open social media accounts and interact with others. Kids use various apps to study, learn, play, etc. Adopting good digital parenting practices is extremely important because it is nearly impossible to monitor everything. Following are some tips and practices for good digital parenting. 

Setting the screen time

Monitor the amount and quality of screen time your child spends. Screen time is divided into three types: passive, active, and constructive. Passive screen time is time spent watching things like TV, videos, and more on a big screen or on a device. Playing games, moving along in a game, etc. are all examples of interactive screen time. The user's constructive screen time is the time when they are creating, writing, coding, etc. 

According to the requirements, children should only be allowed to view the screen for a limited period of time. It is important for parents to talk to their children about screen time and how they are using it. It is also important for parents to talk to their children about screen time and to encourage them to take short breaks. Parents can use the inbuilt screen time restriction feature of most devices.

Educating and raising awareness

Kids today understand technology better than adults. Any activity on the device can now be performed by kids in seconds, which may take adults several minutes to comprehend. It is important for parents to know what technology their children are using. It is important for parents to educate themselves on technology and devices.

Kids should also be educated about various vulnerabilities and issues associated with these technologies. Additionally, parents should teach their kids about every aspect of the device so that they can also be vigilant while using it.

Ergonomics

Few people think about this very important point. Ergonomics is the science of designing a work environment. Kids spend a lot of time on their devices, so ergonomics is really important. In the article, different aspects are discussed, such as what height the screen should be to prevent neck strain or what position the arms should be in while using the device to reduce stress injuries. Kids should maintain good posture when using computers. Set up a family computer station with adjustable furniture, if possible. Children should be reminded to take regular breaks and not sit continuously for too long. 

Controlling access to the internet 

As soon as the kids have access to the internet, things change. They are now able to access various types of content that they will come across.  You need to keep an eye on what your kids are reading, seeing, or doing. 

In order to prevent kids from viewing inappropriate content, parents should use parental control or a safe web browser for younger children. In addition, parents should teach their kids good online habits like avoiding bullying, not disclosing sensitive information, and not downloading random files. 

Social media 

A child using any social media platform must first be over the minimum age limit of that platform before they can use it.  Parents must be aware of all platforms their child uses if the child is older than the age limit. Parents should also discuss with their kids the safety precautions to take on these platforms. Parents should talk and avoid stalking their kids.

Parents should regularly communicate with their children about their social media activities. Parents should avoid humiliating or embarrassing their children on these platforms since this may have negative effects on them. Furthermore, parents should be careful about what they post online because their children will also see this. They should also teach their kids about cyberbullying and other inappropriate online behavior.

Talking

This is one of the most important practices in parenting.

Parents should always talk to their children. It is better to talk than to stalk them. Parents should discuss safe online browsing practices with their children. Children should be listened to and understood by their parents. They should be open to their children and also encourage them to talk about any issues openly. Parents should be involved in the activities of the children online and talk to them regularly about the experiences they have online.