Internet Safety for Families

Find this article at:
go.ncsu.edu/readext?1013997
— Written By
en Español / em Português
Español

El inglés es el idioma de control de esta página. En la medida en que haya algún conflicto entre la traducción al inglés y la traducción, el inglés prevalece.

Al hacer clic en el enlace de traducción se activa un servicio de traducción gratuito para convertir la página al español. Al igual que con cualquier traducción por Internet, la conversión no es sensible al contexto y puede que no traduzca el texto en su significado original. NC State Extension no garantiza la exactitud del texto traducido. Por favor, tenga en cuenta que algunas aplicaciones y/o servicios pueden no funcionar como se espera cuando se traducen.

Português

Inglês é o idioma de controle desta página. Na medida que haja algum conflito entre o texto original em Inglês e a tradução, o Inglês prevalece.

Ao clicar no link de tradução, um serviço gratuito de tradução será ativado para converter a página para o Português. Como em qualquer tradução pela internet, a conversão não é sensivel ao contexto e pode não ocorrer a tradução para o significado orginal. O serviço de Extensão da Carolina do Norte (NC State Extension) não garante a exatidão do texto traduzido. Por favor, observe que algumas funções ou serviços podem não funcionar como esperado após a tradução.

English

English is the controlling language of this page. To the extent there is any conflict between the English text and the translation, English controls.

Clicking on the translation link activates a free translation service to convert the page to Spanish. As with any Internet translation, the conversion is not context-sensitive and may not translate the text to its original meaning. NC State Extension does not guarantee the accuracy of the translated text. Please note that some applications and/or services may not function as expected when translated.

Collapse ▲

Families across North Carolina are using the Internet for education, entertainment and engaging with their friends and family. This tool of knowledge & connection is a paradox.

Footsteps of dinosaurs come to life. The mysterious realm of narwhals is revealed. The smiles of grandparents are brought near. The awe and wonder of seeing the world through the eyes of children is a parent’s privilege, but parents are also the advocates and guardians.

Pew Research shows that  71% of parents believe the widespread use of smartphones by young children might potentially result in more harm than benefits.

What specific concerns are in play? 

What can parents do to cultivate a healthy environment and emotional space? Just as parents employ boundaries to protect their children from street traffic, they can employ boundaries from internet traffic. The Mayo Clinic has research on the time limits for screen time. Protection could take the form of digital limits using the tools of technology for content filters and rewards. 

Perhaps a parent’s greatest entry point for influence in the lives of their children is the power of listening. This article from the Havard Business Review is a striking commentary on the life skill of listening. 

  • Give 100% of your attention, or do not listen.

  • Do not judge or evaluate.

  • Do not impose your solutions.

  • Ask more (good) questions.

  • Reflect. 

Dr. Michael Rich of Harvard’s Boston Children’s Hospital has conducted extensive research on this topic. Here’s a quick read on the statistics. His team has developed an age specific guide for parents. Here’s a sample of his practical advice.

  • Have regular sit-down, screen-free meals with your children.

  • Put down your device. Be present with others. Observe the world around you. Let your mind wander.

  • Avoid blue light-emitting screen use before bedtime.

  • Play online games with your children rather than forbidding them. Learn how to play from them, and as you play, help them think about what they’re seeing and doing on screen.

  • Help your children plan how to spend their time, focusing on important and favorite activities to avoid sliding into the screen abyss.

Of all of those practices, family mealtimes are a safe space for dialoguing about the wonder and confusion about the world. Here’s a short list of questions that your family may enjoy tonight. If you want more, look up this great list from Parents magazine.

  • What do you think you’re going to dream about tonight?

  • If you opened a store, what would you sell?

  • What do you like daydreaming about?

If you are interested in a more in depth conversation about how guide your family in their digital journey, you are welcome to attend an upcoming workshop on this topic of Internet Safety for Families.

When: August 6, 2024, 4-5 p.m.

Where: High Point Public Library

Cost: Free, Registration Required.

If you have further questions, please contact Jeffrey Cates, Digital Skills Agent, Guilford County Center, jeff_cates@ncsu.edu, 336.641.2436

N.C. Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity provider.

share Share This Article