Can Parents Raise Internet Intelligent Individuals? Part 1

As we move faster in the world of modern technology we constantly worry about what our children are doing online and what we can do to keep them safe. With just a few steps we can put our mind at ease that we are doing the right things to educate our children to be safe and smart online.

Familiarizing yourself with the technology your students are using – if you lack in technology skills then it’s time to learn. Sometimes we have a fear of admitting that our children may know more than we do. Even IT staff are continuously studying and learning about new technology to stay ahead of the game. It’s not important to know everything but be familiar. How do you do that? Here are some really simple ideas for learning more about technology:

• Buy a device – if you have really old technology, you won’t understand what’s going on with newer technology. This doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. Technology can be very inexpensive.
• Ask for help – it is really ok to ask someone to show you how to do something.  As a matter of fact, your student would LOVE to show you! Learning from them not only helps you learn but gives you some time with your child.
• Google or YouTube it – yes if you don’t know how to do something with technology, chances are someone has made a video of how to do it.  What a better way to learn about technology while you are using it.

Setting limits –

How much time should your student spend online? 
Since the introduction of eBooks parents consistently worry if their child is studying, playing games or just surfing the web. Having specific study times and locations is the key to success. For example, maybe you are preparing dinner or working yourself. This would be a great time to have your student at a bar or dining area working on their school work so you can be aware of what they are doing, answer any questions or just have discussions about their homework practices. Darlington resident students have specific study hall times with teachers available to answer questions. Why not have this type of session at home if your student is a day student? Setting limits is so important. Encouraging your students to live outside technology with sports, exploration, music, art or other interests gives them a well-rounded intelligent mind. 

Should their technology be in their bedroom?
I get this question often from parents and to be honest I don't like to answer it. This depends on the age, maturity and trust you have in your child. Several questions have to be answered before I can give a definitive answer:

• What is your child's age? Children from age 3-13 should not have technology in their bedroom, especially at night after bed...not even cell phones. You should set up a charging station somewhere in your house for all devices to charge and not be touched after a certain hour. You lead this example by putting your own devices in this same area.
• What is your child's maturity level? If your child is over the age of 13, do you feel they will use technology wisely? Will they be using the device to study, read or play games at a decent hour? Do you feel they will put the device down when it's time to sleep? If you decide that you'll allow your student to use technology in the bedroom, be aware of what they are doing and reconsider if you find it hard to wake them in the morning or changes in their behavior.