Is your family unwrapping new technology presents this holiday season? It's a popular time for gifting new devices like tablets, smartwatches, gaming consoles and phones.
A shiny new gadget can be exciting, especially for kids. But it can also feel overwhelming. You may be asking yourself, "What can I do to keep my child safe when using one of these devices?" or "How can I set appropriate media use limits?"
Use these simple tips to help set up, manage and keep tech in your home safe, while ensuring it stays fun and balanced.
1. Setup device control settings
Enable parental controls: Turn on
parental controls to block access to risky or inappropriate content, based on your child's age. This helps create a safer online experience. For example, you can add website content filters to iPhones, iPads, laptops and other devices that use Apple iOS. Gaming consoles like the Nintendo Switch often have parent control apps available to help you set limits based on your family's preferences.
Learn about the 5Cs of media use to better understand what content and boundaries are appropriate for your child based on their age.
Ensure a good night's sleep: Many devices have specific restrictions for nighttime, such as Apple's
Downtime, to prevent devices from getting in the way of sleep routines.
Set time limits and reminders: Use built-in tools or downloadable apps such as Google's
Family Link to limit your child's time on their devices. You can also set reminders to help them manage device use effectively.
Encourage screen breaks: Apps such as Time Out offer useful reminders to step away from the screen.
Learn the digital landscape: AAP's
Glossary of Digital Media Platforms provides detailed information (including control settings) about social media, video sharing and gaming apps that might be available on your child's new device.
2. Talk about online privacy and security
Set up privacy settings: Make sure privacy settings are turned on to protect personal information.
Know what data apps collect: Walk through the various app settings together so you know what data they are collecting and how it is being used. Some devices such as smartphones offer the option to review or change an app's permission to track your data.
Take a digital citizenship class: Consider learning about online safety and responsible internet use together. Find more information on digital citizenship classes and resources you can explore with your teen
here.
3. Set initial boundaries and check in on a regular basis
Establish rules around media with input from your child. (See "Make a Family Media Plan.")
Have regular check ins: You can ask things like: "What's working well?" or "What could I be doing better to role model healthy technology use?" Check out these
conversation starters for more tips on how to talk with your teen about media use.
4. Learn about social media
Stay up to date about different social media platforms and trends. In addition to information about device controls, the
Glossary of Digital Media Platforms covers customizing your feed, advertising policies and notification settings. Together you and your child can decide which social media apps may be worth downloading versus others.
As you explore technology together,
be open to learning from your kids. They may have valuable insights or tips to share!