The way youngsters spend most of their time after schooling has changed dramatically as a result of the rise of digital devices, social networks, and internet activities. The changing environment of children’s spare time inside a high-tech world is being navigated by society as a whole, and parents are quite often left wondering: And what’s the best approach to allow my kids to use and benefit from technology while simultaneously keeping them safe?
Many parents are concerned about the material that is being absorbed. Numerous pornography sites, inappropriate movies and photographs, dating websites and apps, and social networking platforms exist on the Internet, exposing children and teens to hazardous content as well as possible online predators. Some other concern for parents is the amount of time spent on the Internet. It’s all too simple for kids to become caught in a game, watch videos, or surf through social media for hours on end, ignoring their other responsibilities.
Aside from keeping children secure while they’re online, the Online world can be time-consuming and interfere with other crucial daily activities. Parents can block sites that their children view using parental software that controls, which is a terrific approach to protect them from harm, but yet another strategy is just limiting their children’s Internet usage after school.
Why Should Parents Limit Their Children’s Internet and Technology Use?
Whereas the Internet has revolutionized the way we interact, study, and operate in our everyday lives, it does have certain drawbacks, particularly for children and teenagers. It interferes with other crucial daily activities such as enjoying time with family and friends, social connections in person, schoolwork, study time, and physical exercise.
The negative repercussions of too much Online activity are often neglected, yet they can have a significant impact on your children. It is your obligation as a parent to teach your children how to use the Internet responsibly and how to be safe while doing so. This will assist your entire family to have a successful online experience.
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Digital Health and Screen Time
Screen time has resulted in new issues that did not exist before the Internet. Many people prefer screens to alternatives since we can spend a lot of time online on the road, and today’s childhood looks very different from previous generations. Parents of youngsters who spend too much time in front of the computer may notice behavioral changes as well as effects on their developing minds.
Whereas the Net is a fantastic tool, spending lots of time online and in front of displays while not being physical can lead to:
- Obesity in children
- Psychological difficulties
- Issues at school
- Attention deficits
- Sleep and eating disorders
- Internet dependency
Stop Using the Internet
Many parents are concerned about their children’s internet addiction. Some of the most successful computer sector professionals, like Apple founder Steve Jobs, have very tight Internet regulations and limits to lessen tech addiction.
According to a New York Times report, Jobs was seen as a “low tech parent.” Alex Constantinople, CEO of OutCast Agency, for example, does not let her children be using tech devices or gadgets during the week, and only allows her older pre-teen children 30 minutes of tech usage each day.
Limiting a child’s or teen’s online time after school allows them to participate in other activities such as sports, playing outside, socializing with friends, or spending valuable time with family.
Control Internet Security
Establishing Internet time restrictions also helps parents keep track of their children’s online activities and avoid improper information or possibly harmful circumstances. Because adolescents only have a limited amount of time using the Internet, they are much less likely to visit random websites or engage in online harassment since they must prioritize their time.
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When your children are alone, block sites and internet access.
Setting time limits on Internet use is an excellent approach to safeguard your children from possibly hazardous online activities while also encouraging them to manage their time wisely. When another person is there, kids and teenagers are much less likely to engage in harmful online conduct. After bedtime or when parents and guardians are away from the house is a wonderful time to limit or restrict Internet time.
Screen time management is a function of parental control software like Net Nanny that allows parents to keep track of how many hours their children spend online while they are gone. Parental controls allow parents to restrict harmful websites and set fixed periods for their children to access the Internet, with any adjustments to the schedule limited to the parent alone.
4 Ways to Cut Down on Screens and Internet Time
Putting limits on children’s internet time and interests can be tough, especially when many parents aren’t as tech-savvy as their children. Any adjustments or new constraints may come as a shock to families who are accustomed to a lot of screen time, so talk to your kids as to why healthy digital boundaries are vital (Carli Leavitt, 2019).
Here are some suggestions for establishing healthy and successful boundaries:
- Teach kids that using the Internet for amusement is a luxury that they earn after they’ve completed other duties (such as homework, chores, studies, or sports/instrument practices).
- Plan activities with your family or friends that do not include using the Internet or watching television. Rather than merely prohibiting kids from using technology, organize a family meal, game night, or baseball game for them to participate in. This helps to compensate for their lost Internet time by providing a fun alternative pastime.
- Keep all computers, phones, and Laptops in a shared area where kids could use them while their families are present.
- Set a good example. As a parent, model responsible use of technology and the Internet for your children. Disentangle from your phone when you’re with them, and don’t let your gadgets become a source of distraction from your home life.
The Internet is a valuable resource that allows us to all grow and learn. Although it is an integral part of daily life, it is not without limitations. Limiting Internet access by time and place is a terrific method to handle your kids busy, outgoing, and secure in the internet age.
Finding a balance in your family’s use of technology can be beneficial in a variety of ways, but it isn’t always easy. Consider utilizing parental software that controls like Net Nanny to manage time on screen, view warnings and reports about your child’s online activity, or more if you’re having trouble setting Internet time limits. Parental software configuration makes it easier to monitor Internet usage and can help to ensure that everyone in the family enjoys time both online and offline.
References
Carli Leavitt (2019). Why Parents Should Limit Internet Time After School. https://www.netnanny.com/blog/why-parents-should-limit-internet-time-after-school/#:~:text=Parents%20of%20children%20who%20are,Psychological%20problems