Our kids live in a technologically rich world that was the stuff of science fiction in our childhood. This creates opportunities, but also a host of issues for parents trying to help kids maximize the benefits tech provides while steering them clear of the dangers. As summer comes to an end, here are some things you might want to talk about or reinforce in conversations with your kids, particularly those headed off to middle or high school.
Responsibility comes with being entrusted with the new technology. This isn't really a new discussion for parents; generations have had this "talk" as teens get their first license to drive. But, the advent of smartphones and computers necessitate having it earlier, and in various forms and contexts. Everytime you provide new technology to your family there is the opportunity to teach this important lesson. For the teen or pre-teen it may be about not oversharing on the web, but it also applies to the youngster who becomes so enmeshed in a game of Pokemon that she begins to forsake schoolwork or other social activities. Kids should understand that the technology is not free, that you had to work to pay for it, that it has value, and that they need to be careful about not losing or damaging it. The good news is that your kids have an incentive to listen, as they really want to use the new technology, and you have some leverage.
Talk about what not to share. This isn't just about sharing compromising photos. A shared password can lead to compromised social media accounts and even credit card abuse. Your kids should also know that they should not share their personal information such as phone numbers or addresses over messaging or email.
Talk about what they are likely to find on-line, the good and the bad. Set limits for the kind of sites you expect them to avoid. If you're not ready to have this talk, you may not be ready to have your kids on-line, because they are surely likely to be exposed to material that you may not find appropriate.
Talk about what not to click. Explain the difference between unpaid and paid search results, and internet advertisements. In my experience the latter two are some of the most common sources of computer infections from malware and viruses. Even experienced computer users get fooled into clicking on bad links, so helping your kids learn to make the distinction will help keep them safe.
Talk about plagiarism. You've certainly talked to your kids about the importance of not cheating. The 21st century problem is that it is so easy to cut and paste (and get caught cutting and pasting) that your kids may not fully understand this as improper.
Talk about the rules of technology in their school. Some schools are very tech friendly, others don't want any recording devices in the classroom, some don't allow any outside tech (including phones) at all. Get the rules and go over them with your student.
5 things to talk to your kids about tech...
...before they go to school.
By: James Oppenheim | Created: 2016-08-16 23:16:23 | (Updated: 0000-00-00 00:00:00)
