As summer comes to an end and families prepare for the start of another school year, it is important to reestablish screen time limits. Creating appropriate rules and expectations around screen time may seem like a daunting task, but it 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 children can understand designated rules and have the opportunity to ask questions.
- Be clear with other parents. Ensure 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 children about what they like to do online and what apps their friends are using. This allows one to address issues as they arise, rather than being surprised by them.
- Monitor your child’s online footprint. Different age levels may need different levels of monitoring. This may mean reviewing downloaded apps, following one’s children on social media platforms or even doing spot checks of the child’s devices.
“Safety is a conversation and a shared responsibility among all of us,” says Project Harmony (ProjectHarmony.com) Executive Director Gene Klein. “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 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 training on August 19 at ProjectHarmony.com.