With the world of technology evolving so rapidly, almost everything is now moving towards digitalisation. After the lethal waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, even classes for school-going children were shifted to virtual mode. This has allowed children to attain education without exposing themselves to the risks of the virus. However, at the same time, it has also raised parental concerns over increasing screen time for their children.
Based on a recent study conducted by LocalCircles, 40% of Indian parents with children between 9-17 years of age admitted that their children are addicted to social media, videos and online gaming.
If you are one of these concerned parents who want to encourage technology literacy in their children without them developing an addiction to their phone screens, we are here to help you.
What is Technology Literacy?
In simple words, it is having the ability and knowledge to use digital tools and technology. It is about how safely children use it to create, learn, evaluate and share digital information. Also known as digital literacy, it isn’t simply just limited to laptops or computers anymore. It can be any technological device such as a smartphone, smartwatch, or other devices with the internet that can increase the risks of screen addiction in your child.
How to Encourage Technology Literacy in Children (while Avoiding Screen Addiction)
Here are some steps you can take to create a balance between your child’s learning journey and preventing them from screen addiction.
1. Set a time limit for them
Fix a few hours for your child every day to let them get access to smart devices at home to promote technology literacy. For children between 2 – 5 years old, 1 hour of screen time is sufficient, but make sure you are monitoring their activity. Whereas for teenage children, try limiting it to 2 hours per day except for their studies and homework. These screen time limits have been recommended by experts, but you can modify it based on your child’s needs.
It can be difficult in the beginning but implementing it strictly can help your child in the long run. When they know they have only got limited time over their phone screens, they will use it to fulfil their needs rather than mindlessly consuming irrelevant content on the internet.
2. Explain the possible dangers and dark side of the internet to them
We are well aware of the threats of cyberbullying and other dangers of cyberspace. Depending on your child’s age, have an age-appropriate discussion with them about such threats and dangers. The key here is to not scare your child but to teach them how to navigate the online space safely and smartly without exposing themselves to the dark side of the web.
Teens and tweens can often get rebellious when parents boss them around without any proper explanation. Therefore, a healthy discussion would make them cooperate willingly instead of sneaking around and lying to you.
3. Encourage them to participate in outdoor activities
Even if your child is not really the sporty type, encourage them to indulge in more outdoor activities, be it just a walk in the fresh air. This will divert their attention from their screen and also help them to improve their physical and mental health.
You can fix a schedule for both screen time and outdoor activities for your child. Remember, if you want to limit their screen time, you will have to give them an alternative as well. Otherwise, your child would always want to go back to their screens out of boredom.
4. Teach them the productive use of technology
With the proper use of technology, your child can develop their digital literacy skills the right way. Introduce them to relevant online courses that are available for free. For toddlers, you can introduce them to reading or drawing courses that use a mix of audio-visuals to keep them engaged.
For older children, you can help them choose courses from google or YouTube based on their interest. There are many fun learning programs for young minds that will add value to your child’s screen time.
5. Set a good example for your kids
Young kids tend to mimic their adults. If you want your child to cut down on their screen time you will have to start doing the same. You can’t ask them to not use their phone during dinner when you are scrolling through social media yourself. Such behaviour would nullify the effect of your disciplinary actions and the rules you set for your child.
To make them put their phone away, start by doing the same. Limit your phone and screen usage when you are spending time with them and they would start imitating you to do the same.
Conclusion
Computer literacy is very crucial for growing children. However, it should not come at the risk of hindering their emotional and physical growth. To promote technology literacy in your child without unhealthy screen addiction, you will have to start with small steps. Don’t ask them to stop using their phones or smart devices completely. Instead, just sit with them and have a conversation over how these devices can benefit and harm them at the same time.
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Thank you so much. The article is really helpful. To impart rules becomes difficult sometimes but the same article we can ask kids to read which would help them to understand what parents are trying to convey the message.
Informative one
This is a smart technology 👌👍
Thank you Narayana for this Valuable technology literacy knowledge….I really want to limit their screen time .
Very true and well written. We are one of those 40% parents but this number can be more and really concerned about their eyes and mental health. But yes steps taken now can certainly limit their technology use and use technology for their overall progress.
Thank you for your information
It’s valuable update
Very useful information
This is very healpful for us will try for sure let’s see what’s the changes came