We live in a time of unparalleled access to information just a click away. Technology is a wondrous tool that can help your child with projects, research, and learning. However, it also opens the door to a world they might not be ready to face.
Platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok were developed to enhance communication and social interaction. Yet, these platforms can also be misused by sexual predators and other malicious individuals who prey on unsuspecting children. It’s not the platforms themselves that are inherently dangerous, but they can become a conduit for harmful activities. As a parent, it’s critical to be aware of these potential risks.
The anonymity provided by the internet and social media can create situations where people pretend to be younger, smarter, or more attractive than they really are. While adults are often sceptical about what they read online, children and teens can be naive, which may frustrate you as a parent. It is essential to guide your child to understand that not everything read or found online is trustworthy.
To help your child navigate this world safely, you must first understand the technology yourself. If you’re not familiar with how these platforms work, ask for help from someone who can assist you in monitoring your child’s use of technology. It’s not ideal to rely on others, but it’s better than leaving your child unprotected.
For example, Facebook has an age restriction of 18, though children older than 13 can join if they are in high school. These platforms are aware that some of their content may be inappropriate for younger audiences and have rules in place to limit access. However, it’s your responsibility as a parent to ensure your child adheres to these rules. If you allow your child to use these platforms in violation of age restrictions, you share the responsibility for any compromising situations they may face.
Breakdown by Age Group
Ages 0-2: Limit Exposure and Encourage Sensory Exploration
At this age, children should have minimal exposure to screens. Although video chatting with family members is acceptable, the focus should be on sensory play and interactions with the real world. Technology can wait until they’re developmentally ready.
Suggested Screen Time:
0-18 months: No screen time except for video chats.
18-24 months: 15-20 minutes of high-quality, supervised content.
Alternative Resources for this Age:
Sensory toys, picture books, and interactive activities.
Ages 3-6: Interactive Learning and Limits
Children at this stage can be introduced to educational apps and videos, but technology use should still be heavily supervised. The content should be educational, fostering creativity and language development. Be cautious with what platforms they access.
Suggested Screen Time:
1 hour per day of high-quality, interactive content.
Alternative Resources:
Creative play with blocks, outdoor physical activities, and reading.
Important Tech Precautions:
Discuss with your child that personal information should never be shared online.
Teach them the importance of following rules and understanding that not everything online is safe or true.
Ages 7-9: Educational Exploration with Supervision
Children begin using technology for schoolwork, but also for entertainment and socialization. It’s important to ensure they are using safe and age-appropriate platforms. They should start learning basic online safety, such as not talking to strangers online.
Suggested Screen Time:
1-1.5 hours per day, combining schoolwork and safe entertainment.
Alternative Resources:
Board games, craft projects, and outdoor play.
Important Tech Precautions:
Teach them about privacy and why it’s important to never share personal information online.
Set rules around which websites they can visit and for how long.
Ages 10-13: Responsible Use and Tech Awareness
Preteens are often more active online and might want to engage in social media. At this age, they must learn about digital citizenship and the potential dangers of interacting with strangers. Cyberbullying, privacy risks, and online predators are more prevalent concerns at this stage.
Suggested Screen Time:
2 hours per day, balanced between schoolwork, entertainment, and safe online socialization.
Alternative Resources:
Hobbies like coding, drawing, or sports.
Important Tech Precautions:
Monitor social media usage and make sure your child understands the risks of sharing personal information.
Regularly discuss the content they are exposed to and make sure they understand how to block or report inappropriate behaviour.
Ages 14-16: Balanced Independence and Monitoring
Teens in this group may be highly independent in their tech usage, but they still need parental guidance, especially regarding social media. They should know the risks of interacting with strangers and the importance of protecting their privacy. It’s also important to discuss the permanence of what they share online.
Suggested Screen Time:
2-3 hours per day, focusing on a balance between schoolwork, entertainment, and communication with friends.
Alternative Resources:
Encourage participation in sports, arts, and volunteering.
Important Tech Precautions:
Have open discussions about online privacy and the long-term consequences of sharing inappropriate content.
Ensure they’re following age restrictions on apps like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Ages 17+: Independence and Self-Regulation
Older teens are preparing for adulthood, and most will need to manage their technology use independently. The focus should be on reinforcing healthy habits, online responsibility, and time management. Encourage them to be aware of digital footprints and privacy concerns as they transition into adulthood.
Suggested Screen Time:
3 hours per day, while teaching them the importance of balancing screen time with real-world activities.
Alternative Resources:
Encourage career-building activities such as internships, part-time work, or volunteering.
Important Tech Precautions:
Reinforce discussions around privacy and online safety.
Teach them to critically evaluate information and media they consume online.
General Safety Guidelines for Parents:
- Understand the Technology: Take the time to learn how different platforms work, so you can help your child navigate them safely.
- Teach Privacy: Make sure your child knows never to share personal information like their address, phone number, or school name with anyone online.
- Discuss Usage Limits: Set clear rules about how long they can be online and what they’re allowed to do. Supervise this agreement.
- Keep an Open Dialogue: Regularly talk to your child about their online experiences and the potential dangers they may face.
Here are some helpful digital resources parents can use to learn more about managing their child’s relationship with technology and social media:
1. ConnectSafely
This nonprofit organization provides a wealth of safety tips, advice, and resources for parents, children, and educators. They cover topics like cyberbullying, privacy, and parental controls across various social media platforms.
Website: https://www.connectsafely.org/
2. Netucation
This South African-based website provides online safety tips, education, and resources for parents and educators. It focuses on raising awareness about the dangers of the digital world and offers practical advice on keeping children safe online.
Website: http://www.netucation.co.za/
3. Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media is a leading resource for parents to get age-appropriate reviews of media, apps, and games. The platform helps parents set digital guidelines and offers resources on online safety, screen time management, and social media advice.
Website: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/
4. Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI)
FOSI provides resources for parents on how to balance online safety with the use of digital technology. They offer detailed guides and reports on issues like parental controls, screen time, and cybersecurity for families.
Website: https://www.fosi.org
5. National Online Safety
This UK-based platform offers educational materials on online safety for parents, teachers, and students. It provides up-to-date guidance on apps, games, and trends that may pose risks to children.
Website: https://nationalonlinesafety.com/
6. Cyberwise
Known as “No Grownup Left Behind,” Cyberwise focuses on helping parents, educators, and kids learn how to navigate the digital world safely and wisely. They offer advice on popular apps, digital citizenship, and social media use.
Website: https://www.cyberwise.org/
7. Be Internet Awesome (by Google)
This interactive, educational platform helps teach kids the fundamentals of digital citizenship and online safety through games and activities. It’s a great resource for parents to use with younger children.
Website: https://beinternetawesome.withgoogle.com/
8. NetSmartz (National Center for Missing & Exploited Children)
NetSmartz offers age-appropriate resources, including videos, games, and presentations, aimed at keeping children and teens safe from exploitation online. It’s a trusted resource from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
Website: https://www.missingkids.org/netsmartz
9. Parenting for a Digital Future (by LSE)
This project from the London School of Economics and Political Science offers academic insights, research, and practical tips about how children engage with technology. It helps parents make informed decisions based on the latest data.
Website: https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/parenting4digitalfuture/
10. StopBullying.gov
An official U.S. government website that provides resources on preventing and addressing bullying, including cyberbullying. It helps parents, educators, and children recognize, prevent, and respond to online bullying.
Website: https://www.stopbullying.gov/
11. Get Safe Online
This UK-based organization provides comprehensive guides on online safety, including tips for protecting your family from cybercrime, fraud, and unsafe internet practices.
Website: https://www.getsafeonline.org/
12. Kiddle
Kiddle is a safe, child-friendly search engine powered by Google. It helps parents ensure their children can access educational content and perform safe internet searches without the risk of encountering inappropriate content.
Website: https://www.kiddle.co/
13. Cyberbullying Research Center
This resource provides research-based insights into the impact of cyberbullying. It includes tips for parents on how to prevent and deal with cyberbullying incidents.
Website: https://cyberbullying.org/
14. StaySafeOnline (National Cyber Security Alliance)
This platform provides cybersecurity resources for families, including how to protect personal information, secure devices, and engage in safe online behaviour.
Website: https://staysafeonline.org/
15 Bark
Bark is a parental control app that monitors your child’s online activity across various platforms and alerts you to potential dangers, including cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and online predators.
Website: https://www.bark.us/
16. Internet Matters
A comprehensive resource for helping parents ensure their children have a safe and positive experience online. It includes expert tips, parental control advice, and guides on the latest technology trends.
Website: https://www.internetmatters.org/
These resources cover a wide range of topics—from cyberbullying and online safety to digital citizenship and privacy protection—helping parents stay ahead of the challenges posed by digital technology.
Our children are growing up so fast, is it not our duty to ensure that we keep them safe as long as possible.
