As summer comes to an end and families prepare for the start of another school year, Project Harmony (ProjectHarmony.com) recognizes it is important to reestablish screen time limits. Creating appropriate rules and expectations around screen time may seem like a daunting task but is critical in keeping children safe online.
Helpful tips for families:
- Use a social media or technology contract: Make sure to have a conversation so your children can understand the rules and have the opportunity to ask questions. (Templates are available on the Project Harmony website)
- Be clear with other parents: Make sure your screen time limits apply to other people’s houses.
- Have regular, ongoing conversations about online safety: A one-time discussion is not enough. Talk to your children about what they like to do online and what apps their friends are using. This way you can address issues as they arise, rather than being surprised by them.
- Monitor your child’s online footprint: Different age levels may have different levels of monitoring. This may mean reviewing the apps downloaded, following your children on Instagram or even doing spot checks of their devices.
“Safety is a conversation and a shared responsibility among all of us,” says Angela Roeber, Project Harmony Chief of Communications. “It is important that we talk with our children and help them understand how to make responsible and safe choices about what they post and/or share.”
Project Harmony offers an Online Safety training that specializes in educating parents, caregivers and educators with the knowledge and resources needed to protect children from online dangers including predators, cyber bullies and threats related to gaming, social networking and mobile devices. Register for the upcoming August 27 training at ProjectHarmony.com.