It was not long ago when parents used to teach their kids not to talk with strangers. Nowadays, parents have many more things to worry about.
The internet has engulfed modern society with its benefits. But now it has started showing the negative effects on the children. It has become one of the most dangerous threats for children and affects children’s psychological and physical wellbeing.
Hence, the parents need to teach the harmful effects of the internet and warn them about their dangers to build healthy internet habits.
Why Are Internet Healthy Habits Important?
Growing in the digital world comes with its set of challenges as both parents and children are learning. With everything connected to technology, it is really hard to regulate technology in our life.
However, no matter how difficult it is, similar to sugar, strict steps need to be taken to regulate technology for healthy living.
During the pandemic, we have learned many things about the technology –
- for entertainment, download content from the pirate bay.
- For connecting with loved ones, using social media platforms.
- To hold office meetings, Zoom Is always ready.
Ultimately, we can see that we are always a reach away from technology. What this does is that instead of relying on our expertise, we rely on what technologies can do.
This affects people physically and mentally, especially children. It is not uncommon to see children as young as 2 years glued to their smartphones. They might not be using it excessively now. However, if they don’t control their internet usage habits, they might get addicted to the internet within the next few years.
This is why you must make them understand the importance of healthy internet habits from an early age.
How To Teach Your Children Healthy Internet Habits?
We all know how dangerous the internet can be, particularly for children. The internet is not only full of content that is not for children; some children even fall victim to cyberbullying.
Although you can not say a complete NO to the internet because of how it is connected to everything, you can certainly make your children adopt healthy internet habits to keep them safe from its dangers.
Here are some healthy internet habits parents can teach their children.
1. Cover The Basics
Start with covering the basics. Do not allow your child to access the internet at least at the age of 10. Once they cross 10, you can introduce them to the world of the internet. By 10 years of age, they will be mature enough to listen to you and report you back if anything bad happens.
2. Don’t Download Anything
While allowing your children to use the internet, be very strict about the downloads. Establish a rule that they can download the content only after your permission. Furthermore, teaching them to ‘never click YES’ ensures that they are not clicking any malware downloads.
3. Limit The Screen Time
The best way to educate children on healthy internet habits is to limit their screens. This can be done by allowing them to access the internet in a set time period. Furthermore, the time period must end one hour before bedtime.
4. Set Internet Usage Rules
Set a data usage rule for your children and make them understand the importance of not sharing their personal information online. Sometimes, it is necessary to share personal information, but they should only do it when you are around.
5. Practice Critical Thinking
One of the most important skills to learn for children is critical thinking. You, being a parent, must always advise your children to think before taking any action on the internet. Once something is on the internet, it will forever be on the internet.
Monitor & Mentor
Once you have taught them to follow the aforementioned rules and regulations, you might trust them that they will comply. However, that doesn’t mean you will not monitor them.
Remember, they are just small children and understanding the severity of the situation might not be possible for them. Hence, you must keep an eye (not directly) on them and mentor their online interaction.
