The use of technology in children is an important parental responsibility in the modern world. Smartphones, tablets and computers have become integral parts of children's daily lives. This situation makes it necessary for parents to approach issues such as "technology use in children", "screen time" and "digital safety" more consciously. So, how can we ensure that our children use technology in a healthy and safe way? Here are the important points you need to know!
Contents
- Screen Time Control in Children
- Digital Safety: Cyberbullying and Internet Threats
- Parental Control Tools and Applications
- Building Healthy Digital Habits
- Conclusion: Balanced and Safe Use of Technology
Screen Time Control in Children
Screen time management is critical when it comes to technology use in children. Excessive screen use can cause physical, mental and emotional problems in children.
- Set Time Limits: Determine daily screen time appropriate for your child's age. For children of primary school age, approximately 1 hour of screen use per day is ideal.
- Offer Alternative Activities: You can reduce your child's screen use by directing them to different activities such as reading books, sports and art activities.
- Watch and Play Together: By following digital content together, you can both control the content and spend quality time with your child.
Digital Safety: Cyberbullying and Internet Threats
Children may face various risks in the internet environment. For this reason, digital security is one of the priorities of parents.
- Communication Against Cyberbullying: Communicate openly with your child and make sure that he/she feels comfortable talking about the problems he/she is facing.
- Strong Password Usage: Teach your child to use strong and different passwords.
- Protection Against Internet Threats: Use antivirus software and explain that your child should not click on links from unknown sources.
Parental Control Tools and Applications
There are various parental control tools to keep technology use under control:
- Family Filters: Activate filters that block access to inappropriate content.
- In-App Purchase Controls: Use additional verification methods to prevent children from paying by mistake.
- Location Tracking: You can use location tracking applications for your child's safety.
Building Healthy Digital Habits
Instead of banning technology completely, it is important to promote healthy digital habits:
- Quality Content Preference: Choose educational apps and quality content.
- Set Common Rules: Determine the rules of technology use together with your child and apply them together.
- Lead by Example: Parents' use of technology sets an example for children. Balance your own use of technology.
Conclusion: Balanced and Safe Use of Technology
Technology use in children is possible with balanced screen time and digital security. Conscious guidance of parents enables children to use technology correctly. In this way, you can make positive contributions to your children's social, academic and personal development.
Frequently Asked Questions
With technology becoming an integral part of our lives, it has become important for parents to determine the correct usage methods for our children. Here are frequently asked questions and answers about the use of technology in children:
1. How should the child-family relationship be in the use of technology?
Family relationships are critical in children's use of technology. Parents' open communication with their children reduces the risks they may face in the digital world. You can do joint activities with your child using technology, so you can both ensure their safety and strengthen family ties.
2. What are the Benefits of Technology? (5 Examples)
Technology provides many benefits for children when used correctly:
- Provides easy access to training materials.
- Contributes to development with practices that encourage creativity.
- Provides distance education opportunities.
- Provides applications that support language learning.
- Includes interactive games that support social skills.
3. How does technology addiction affect family relationships?
Technology addiction can negatively affect family relationships by reducing communication within the family. Children and parents constantly looking at the screen can weaken the emotional bonds between family members. Therefore, it is important to limit the use of technology and encourage family interaction.
4. How many hours a day should a child look at the phone?
According to experts;
- Children aged 0-2 years should be kept away from screens as much as possible,
- Children 3-5 years old no more than 1 hour a day,
- Children aged 6-12 years should use the screen for a maximum of 1-2 hours a day.
5. What is the 3-6-9-12 Rule?
This rule is a guideline that organises children's use of technology according to their age:
- Up to 3 years old: Should not be introduced to the screen.
- Up to 6 years old: There should be no screen usage per se.
- Up to 9 years old: Internet use should be under parental control.
- Up to 12 years of age: Social media use should not be started.
6. What Causes Looking at the Phone Too Much?
Excessive use of mobile phones can lead to the following problems in children:
- Sleep problems
- Attention deficit and focussing problems
- Social isolation and impaired communication skills
- Physical health problems (eye strain, posture disorders)
7. What are the harms of looking at the screen too much?
Long-term screen use in children can cause various health problems:
- Eye disorders and vision problems
- Obesity and decreased physical activity
- Behavioural problems and aggression
- Decline in academic achievement and attention problems
