We live in the digital age, and our children are being born and growing in an environment in which the Information and communication technologies are part of your day to day. The use of digital media and devices by children is not only not bad, but it can bring great benefits as long as they are used appropriately and moderately.
The American Pediatric Association (AAP) has just published a series of tips on the correct use of mobile technologies and devices in children of all ages. And parents play a fundamental role!
Make a family use plan
Using the screens properly can be beneficial and improve certain aspects of daily life. Therefore, the AAP recommends establishing a family use plan, to use them following our values and parenting style.
Know the technology our children use
Pediatricians recommend know the digital environment in which our children move, just as we should physically know your friends and the environments you frequent.
Parents cannot be technological illiterates, and we have to know the applications they use, what pages they visit or what they do when they are connected to the Internet.Play daily away from the screens
It is essential that children play daily away from the screens, encouraging your imagination and creativity. At the same time, we must ensure that they practice physical exercise and play outdoors.
Family online games
The time that our children spend in front of the screens do not have to live alone. Play with them and be interested in what they are doing on the Internet It also has many benefits, such as strengthening the parent-child bond, and promoting learning.
Therefore, from the AAP they recommend us to play a video game with them and take advantage of the moment to talk about sportsmanship, watch an online show and then share our impressions, play educational games, watch cultural or learning videos together ...
Set an example
We never tire of saying how important it is set an example to our children with our actions, and in this sense if they always see us attached to the mobile the message that we will be transmitting them will not be the most appropriate.
Let's play with our children, let's interact with them, let's get interested in their day, let's kiss them… let's leave the screens aside and show that we can spend time without looking at the mobile.Talk to our children
Numerous investigations have demonstrated the benefits of bidirectional communication with our children, from an early age. Children learn through face-to-face dialogue, and as they grow, chatting and debating with them will bring them endless benefits that they will not find with unidirectional communication through the screens.
Time limits
We have already talked several times about the time limits that pediatricians and experts recommend for use of screens and mobile devices. From the AAP, they advise us the following:
Avoid screens in under 18 months, unless they will participate in a videoconference.
Children from 18 to 24 months can start using screens as long as the content is of quality and the parents are present, interacting, playing or watching videos with them.
It is recommended that preschoolers (two to five years old) only make use of the screens for an hour a day, and whenever they see quality content. In addition, they emphasize the importance of reinforcing what they have seen, or of showing it physically in the real world.
In this sense, if for example they have seen a video about the letters of the alphabet, let's reinforce with them later this content through songs, games or examples. Or if you have played a game of butterflies or insects, let's take the opportunity to show you how these animals really are in nature.
- In primary school and adolescence, the consumption of technology and screens I should not steal time from other important activities and necessary, such as face-to-face interaction, family time, outdoor play, physical exercise and recommended hours of rest.
Create technology free zones
The pediatricians of the AAP advise us to avoid the use of mobiles and screens during family meals and social gatherings, and not to have technological devices such as computers or televisions, or mobile devices in children's rooms.
Do not use technology as an emotional pacifier
Surely many of us have at some time turned to mobile phones or tablets to keep our children entertained and quiet for a while. But experts warn of the risk this entails, since Children must learn to be calm and enjoy without the help of technology, to eat without the distraction of a mobile, and to devise games or creative activities to get out of boredom.
Beware of Apps!
Not all children's applications are educational and suitable for all ages. In fact, the AAP warns that there are more than 80,000 applications labeled "educational" Of which very few are really of quality.
Therefore, they advise to consult the Common Sense Media organization for reviews on the best apps, as well as games and programs appropriate for each age, so that we can make the best decisions for the interactive entertainment of our children.
Teach good use of social networks
There will come a time when our teenage children want to create a profile on social networks. The AAP pediatricians believe that this is part of their development, and that it is good that they do so as long as they have received the necessary education by parents to make good use of technologies.
Therefore, parents or guardians must be aware of them, teach them to use social networks and whatsapp correctly, ensure that in their "online life" they behave in the same way they do in real life, and show them how set up your social profiles, and the importance of the fingerprint.
Sexual dangers
We have to be aware that with the use of technology and social networks, the risks of encountering sexual predators and practices such as sexting, grooming and cyberbullying increase. That is why it is essential to show our children that all the content they share over the Internet It will escape innate control and they will never be able to eliminate it.
Hence the importance of teaching them not to share inappropriate content through the Internet, and not to talk to strangers through social networks, chat or email.Learn from mistakes
When children learn something, it is normal and logical for them to make mistakes, and this can also happen with the use of technology. So, if we detect a misuse or an error on your part We must handle the situation in the best possible way and turn the moment into something educational.
Likewise, if parents detect that our children are hooked to the mobile phone, or show strange behaviors that can make us assume that they are being victims of cyberbullying or any other type of practice, it is important to consult it immediately with an expert.
