Parenting in the digital age

The internet can be a useful tool for adults as well as children. When used correctly, it can greatly enhance a student’s learning process, and open a window to the world from one’s home office. However, it could also pose a threat to a child’s safety and wellbeing. By following a few simple tips, you can help your child use technology in a positive, meaningful, harmless way.

Make sure you maintain a channel of communication regarding your child’s life on the Internet. Encourage them to discuss their online activities, their favourite websites, and the online games they enjoy playing.

Just like you do in the offline world, make sure you always know the three Ws: who your child is communicating with online, where they go online, and what they do there.

Remember to discuss online safety in detail. To initiate the conversation, you can simply ask them to give you advice on how to stay safe on the Internet. Inform them about ways to protect their online identity, such as privacy settings, and ways to report or block certain services and users. Ensure that in case of need, your child knows where to go for help. Maintaining a warm, non-judgmental manner of communication will allow them to confide in you if they ever find themselves in digital trouble.

You can also contemplate on your personal use of the Internet, and ask your child how the internet could possibly become a better place for everyone. Encourage them to use it in a creative, productive way, perhaps even in fun family activities.

Remember that you don’t need to be a technical expert to monitor your child’s online activity. Never hesitate to communicate with an expert. There are many organisations you can contact for more information, such as www.saferinternet.org.uk.

By following this simple advice, you can help your child flourish online, and reap all the benefits of our digital age.