How to handle technology in the home
With the school holidays and a few public holidays looming, kids will want a bit more time in front of the TV or computer. Here are a few tips on how to balance family time with 'screen time'.
MALALANE – Being able to effectively use technology like cellphones, tablets and computers has become a necessity but many parents still struggle to balance that know-how with what’s good for their children’s development and family unity.
Riverview Prep’s principal, Mr Gareth Dry, recently shared some of his views, research and tips with Corridor Gazette.
While some parents ban technology in their homes, Dry believes that children do need some positive, controlled screen time.
“There are many debates about children being exposed to inappropriate television shows. Interestingly, there is no evidence to support that watching violent shows actually encourages violence – studies have actually shown that children exposed to violent shows (graphically violent, not cartoon violent) actually display an abhorrence of violence after they have watched it.
“However, for me the question is about innocence.
“I have always believed that children should remain children for as long as possible, without being naive to the world around them – a very fine balance, I know.”
“Most experts agree that controlling the television comes down to being vigilant, not allowing more than an hour a day of screen time, using common sense and that allowing a child to have their own television set in their room is a bad idea.”
He gives 10 tips on how to help control technology in your home:
• Have a family meeting to share your values about media usage with your kids.
• Be an example for your kids in regards to technology usage.
• The use of phones, computers, tablets and televisions are a privilege not a right. Parents have the right and responsibility to know what their kids are watching, reading and saying on their electronic devices.
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• Set up a family technology policy and decide rules regarding usage and appropriate content and how you will monitor usage. To make it more official, draw up a document, have the family sign it and post it where they can regularly see it.
• Make sure your kids know what the positive and negative consequences of technology usage are and often repeat them.
• Make a few areas in your home technology-free and have the family meet there often to spend time together and talk, like meal times, the veranda or living room at certain times.
• Encourage your children to spend time away from their electronic devices with activities like sport, reading and unplugged games.
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• Take advantage of resources that monitor media content, and use them as a guidelines to regulate your kids’ media and technology usage.
• Discuss the issue with other parents and find out what their policies are, especially if your kids spend lots of time at each other’s homes.
• Establish a place in the home where all the technology is kept, like the home office or living room. Avoid personal computers in children’s rooms or taking cellphones and tablets to bed, as they’ll be tempted to spend an extra hour or two playing games or chatting instead of getting much-needed sleep.
Do you have an effective technology plan? Share your tips and tricks with us on our Facebook page or send us an email on retha@lowvelder.co.za.
