10 Tips for Educating Children in the Digital Age | Clever

Raising a child in this era of technology can be both challenging and daunting for many parents. With the freedom offered by the internet, children can learn many things and explore their various interests. On the other hand, their security on the internet is a concern.

As parents, we are required to adapt to the digital age and help our children learn about how to be healthy. But with so many new apps and content appearing every day, how to educate children properly without curbing them too much?

Here are 10 careful tips that you can apply to educate your baby in the digital era. Set limits

The duration that is generally recommended for children is 2 hours of screentime per day. Today, however, the internet is not only used for entertainment but also for learning. Sometimes, there are schoolwork for children who need internet access.

Therefore, you can set reasonable limits for your child's media use based on his needs. No less important is to make sure children have enough time outside of their media use and interact with the world around them. Accompany your child while playing gadgets.

Being here doesn't just mean monitoring them. What is meant here is to really accompany and spend time studying and playing together, including when using gadgets or watching television.

For example, you can draw with your child on your iPad or watch Youtube together. This method can also be applied to encourage children to learn through fun content, such as educational videos on Youtube.

By accompanying your child, you can discuss with your child about the content you read, listen to, or watch, which is important to support your child's brain development. So, instead of using it as a child's "caregiver" use gadgets as a way to have fun with the child. So role models for children

Remember, children are very easy and quick to imitate what they hear and see. If you're always sitting in front of a laptop or spending time with your smartphone all day, what message will your child receive?

Build healthy media habits for children, one of which is by building healthy media habits from yourself. The importance of open direct communication

Media is indeed very helpful communication process, especially with people who are far from us, such as via chat or video call. However, direct communication remains important because it can support brain development, mental health, and build relationships with children.

Instill a sense of trust and honesty since your child was a child and create an open communication style. If your child is used to being open with you, they'll feel comfortable talking to you when they're dealing with something that makes them less safe on the internet. Create a "technology-free" zone

Sometimes technology can interfere with relationships or bedtimes. You are certainly upset if you are talking to your child but he is preoccupied with playing games. Or when your child misses his sleep hours because of the preoccupation of watching Youtube. Or even habits that endanger security, such as walking while looking at a mobile phone.

Therefore, you should set an area or time where your child should not play gadgets, for example at the dinner table, in the room, during family events, while walking, and so on. You should also follow these rules as an example for your child.Do not use technology as a way to calm children.

Facing a child who is crying or whining can be annoying. Not to mention if this happens in a public place, not only embarrassing but also disturbing to others. Many parents calm their children by giving them gadgets.

However, this makes technology a "candy" or "dot" for them. This indirectly instills habits that are not good for children. Children will think technology is the solution to their annoyance and boredom. Children need to learn how to handle and manage their emotions and boredom without the help of gadgets or the internet. Monitor the apps your child uses

Don't let your child surf the internet or play games or apps freely without checking them first. Find out about the applications used by children, the videos they watch, the games they play.

But do not be impressed by forcing and do not put a sense of trust in the child. Instead, show your interest in what your child is interested in. For example, if your child likes to play games, ask about the game, how to play it, what makes them like the game, and so on.

Avoid secretly checking your child's gadgets without permission and end up undermining their trust. If you can monitor them without ways that violate their privacy, your child will certainly be more willing to open up to you. Teach your child about the healthy internet

While spending time and monitoring them, teach them the importance of a healthy internet. Show your child how to use various apps and online sites safely.

Explain to them the importance of privacy. Explain that the internet can sometimes be insecure, what should they do if someone says something inappropriate or bad, and when to stay away from unhealthy social conversations.

Tell your child, especially if he or she has started to enter adolescence, that what they are spreading on the internet is irrevocable, including photos. If your child understands how the internet works, they'll be better equipped to handle situations that might arise in the future when they're older. Sensitive to the child's attitude

Once your child has reached the age where they use social media to communicate with their friends, it's important that you pay attention to their attitude at home. Do they look quieter than usual? Are they more self-locked up and don't socialize much? Have their attitudes and personalities changed?

Online bullying is sometimes difficult to track or realize. Therefore, it is important for us as parents to be able to detect if there is something strange from the child's attitude. If this happens, try talking to your child in a way that makes them feel safe. Involve children in extracurricular activities

Encouraging your child to actively engage in activities where they can socialize with their peers is critical to developing healthy social skills.

In addition, extracurricular activities also give them something to work on besides playing games or social media. It can also be a way to instill positive hobbies for children and analyze them to new things. Who knows, your child finds his interest through these activities.

How the internet brings influence to children, back to how we as parents educate them. The internet doesn't always have a bad impact on children. There are many benefits that can be obtained from the internet, for example to learn English for children.

The tips above can be a guide to teach you how to use and utilize the internet. For example by inviting them to learn English at Cakap Kids. Let's list Cakap Kids for your child!

With interactive materials, children will not get bored easily when learning a language!

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• Parents, It's How to Discipline Children Without Snapping
• Various Recommendations for Educational Children's Games