Many, if not most, learning and entertainment experiences have moved online in light of the new coronavirus COVID-19 crisis.
Being connected online can help kids, teens and adults cope, but increased screen time for the little ones also comes with its own challenges. Global youth advocacy organisation UNICEF, shares the following five tips to keep online experiences for kids safe and positive.
Keep them safe with open communication
Have an honest dialogue with your children about who they communicate with and how. Make sure they understand the value of kind and supportive interactions and that mean, discriminatory or inappropriate contact is never acceptable.
If your children experience any of these, encourage them to tell you or a trusted adult immediately. Be alert if your child appears to be upset or secretive with online activities or if they are experiencing cyberbullying.
Work with your child to establish rules on how, when, and where devices can be used.
Use technology to protect them
Check that your child’s device is running the latest software and antivirus programs, and that privacy settings are on. Keep webcams covered when not in use. For younger children, tools such as parental controls, including safe search, can help keep online experiences positive.
Be cautious of free online educational resources. Your child should never have to provide a photo or their full name to use these resources. Remember to check the privacy settings to minimise data collection. Help your child learn to keep personal information private, especially from strangers.
Spend time with them online
Create opportunities for your child to have safe and positive online interactions with you, friends, and family. Connecting with others is more important than ever at the moment, and this can be an excellent opportunity for you to model kindness and empathy in your “virtual interactions”.
Help your child recognise and avoid misinformation and age-inappropriate content that may increase anxiety about the COVID-19 virus. Many digital resources from credible organisations like UNICEF and the World Health Organization are available for you and your child to learn about the virus together.
Spend time with your child to identify age-appropriate apps, games and other forms of online entertainment.
Encourage healthy online habits
Promote and monitor good behaviour online and on video calls. Encourage your children to be kind and respectful to classmates, to be mindful of what clothes they wear and to avoid joining video calls from a bedroom.
Familiarise yourself with school policies and helplines to report cyberbullying or inappropriate online content.
As children spend more time online, they can be exposed to more advertising that may promote unhealthy foods, gender stereotypes or age-inappropriate material. Help them recognise online ads and use the opportunity to explore together what is wrong with some of the negative messages you see.
Let them have fun and express themselves
Spending time at home can be a great opportunity for your children to use their voices online to share their views and support those in need during this crisis.
Encourage your child to take advantage of digital tools that get them up and moving, like online exercise videos for kids and video games that require physical movement.
Remember to balance online recreation with offline activities, including time outside if possible.
