Kids and Technology

Chances are that if you're reading this as a parent, then you didn't have to deal with the complications and drama of online communication as a child. Those blissful, quiet times, when your mom’s phone wasn't always beeping alerts and when school friends didn't snub each other in favour of being glued to technology.

Nowadays, mobile phones, computers, and the internet play a huge role in every aspect of our lives. It’s unavoidable as technology is now even adopted by schools and government organizations. The issue is that If you decide to hold off on getting your children a mobile phone, there would be pressure from other kids at school who have one already. If you tell your kids they can't bring the tablet into the restaurant, there will be a table next to you full of people who are all on theirs.

Here are a few rules for teaching kids to survive and even thrive in personal relationships in a high-tech and fast-paced modern world.

Guard against technology OCD

We are all prone to becoming obsessed with technology. Whether it's email alerts, searching on Google about everything that enters our minds, losing sleep over a negative social media conversation, or just the need to be constantly connected. We all do it!

Kids should be taught from an early age that these impulses should be guarded against, as they can negatively impact their relationships with real people who care about them. Too much technology can also stifle their urges to get out and experience real life through all five of their senses.

Eye contact and verbal acknowledgment go a long way.

If someone interrupts you in the middle of texting, the respectful thing to do is look up and speak to them. Even if it's only to say "I'll be with you in two seconds, I just want to let Janine know that we'll be meeting them at 6." This way, the real live, in-the-flesh person with whom you're speaking will have a sense that they are important to you, and that you care enough to update them on what you're doing instead of leaving them guessing.

If you wouldn't say it to someone's face, don't say it in text.

Any parent who wants to raise kind and empathetic children would speak out against gossip or spreading rumors. This should also extend to text messages, email or social media. Not only is it morally wrong to gossip about people who aren't there, but if someone were to forward your message in a moment of doubt you could be looking at a hurtful and awkward situation.

Online communication should be used for connection and understanding, not as a tool for manipulation. This includes pestering someone via text who has asked to be left alone, cyber-bullying, peer pressure, and other means of spreading negativity. Under no circumstance is it ever appropriate to threaten another person, whether it is in person or via text and social media.

Put a block on all inappropriate content.

Children should never be left to their own devices (no pun intended) when visiting websites or surfing Facebook or YouTube. Locate your family computer in a public area of the house so that all internet activity can be monitored.

Moms and Dads, don't be tech hypocrites. If your kids are only allowed screen time at certain hours of the day, then apply the rule to yourselves as well. Maybe you can all designate "online time" where you can all check for messages, post on social media, watch videos or play games online.

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