Children And Internet Access: How To Manage It? – Being Parents

The issue of children’s access to the Internet worries many parents today. New technologies and network access are relatively recent issues. Due to the lack of references in their own childhood and the ignorance of this new world, parents can be confused about the limits to be placed on their children.

Children and Internet Access: Another Tool

Adults may find it surprising how easily young children handle new technologies. Almost intuitively, children get by with computer tools and have fun with a screen.

Therefore, it is unrealistic to try to keep our children out of this virtual universe. Children are the products of their time. Thus, excessively restricting their access to the Internet could deprive them of an important part of their social and educational development.

Internet is a tool which, depending on its use, can be positive or negative. On the one hand, it provides us with information, entertainment and a new way of communicating with the people around us. This last point is particularly true among young people.

On the other hand, it allows access to content that is not always suitable for minors. In addition, because of the immediacy phenomenon involved in using the Internet, it can make children more impulsive, nervous or addicted to screens.

Therefore, the best thing to do is use common sense and supervise them the same way we do in other areas of our children’s lives. Guide, set limits and educate the child in the values ​​that lead him to develop his own criteria.

How to manage children’s access to the Internet?

Inquire

The first step in addressing the issue of our children’s internet access is to really know what we are facing. It is undesirable for children to know more about networks and computer tools than their parents. So seek out the information and try to familiarize yourself as much as possible with this  environment .

It is necessary to master a minimum of these technological devices. But we also need to know what social networks or video games our children are exposed to. Only then can we form a fair opinion and set appropriate limits.

On the other hand, we need to provide our children with truthful information on the Internet. Explain to them the advantages and disadvantages of the Internet and tell them about the dangers it entails. Just as we tell them not to talk to strangers on the street, we have to warn them with strangers on the internet.

Ground rules such as not sharing personal information or coming into contact with strangers should be clear to children. Not just because we say it, but because they understand that there is a real danger.

Set limits

As parents, we must supervise and monitor our children’s network access. For this, it is preferable that the computer is located in one of the common areas of the house. It is also important to be present when they are sailing.

We must limit the duration of use of screens. We also need to control what content children have access to. For this, there are various parental control software that allows us to restrict both the content and the time of use.

Have confidence

It is also essential to establish a bond of mutual respect and trust with our children. For this, try to be a part of your child’s life both online and offline. Instead of judging or criticizing their behaviors online, be flexible and available to guide them.

In addition, it is important to make sure that children do not share personal information or photos without supervision. Rather, try to find a balance between parental controls and trust. Let them show you that they can be responsible.

Find a balance

Access to the Internet is obviously part of our life. It should therefore not be completely eliminated. However, it should not absorb all of our children’s free time either.

Finally, the screen is not a babysitter. Nor should it become a way of escaping reality for children. It is important to offer them other types of leisure. For example, reading, board games, family projects. We need to teach them the importance of social interaction and real life. Indeed, it cannot be replaced by the virtual.