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?

• Screen time can interrupt sleep.
• Screen time can interrupt communication.
• Screen time can interrupt creativity.

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, 4-5pm

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.