How plugged in are you when it comes to the digital life of your children? As Bill Bingham pointed out in his March article, “Technology Can Be a Helpful Parenting Tool,” your use of technology as a parent may vary depending on the age of your children. Perhaps the best rule of thumb when it comes to using technology as a parent in today’s day and age is awareness. As parents it is important to know what technology is available to children, to you as parents, how it effects them, and what you can do to guide them in the right directions. Here to assist you in parenting journey in the modern age, are three helpful resources.
Common Sense Media
Are your children safe online? Do they know about digital footprints? What about body image and screen time? All of these concerns are addressed at Common Sense Media. This non-profit organization helps guide parents and teachers with a variety of concerns as they relate to educating and raising children in a digital world. Book, movie, and app reviews are available as well as discussion guides centering around age based concerns for children.
Tomsguide.com
The website description says to think of Tom’s Guide as that nerdy friend that you can ask tech related questions. Sprinkled in articles throughout, you’ll find helpful app reviews and lists of which apps that are great for parents to keep tabs on their children.
Parents.com
Several “best of” lists of apps are available at Parents.com. These include the best apps to prevent cyberbullying, and the best apps for the school year.
Again, awareness of what is out there and what children and young adults are exposed to is important. Keep reading and keep a listening ear in an effort to help build knowledge for yourself as a parent and for your children. Keeping yourself educated and aware of what is available will help you use technology as a helpful parenting tool.
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