Parenting Pointers: Tech Tips Follow Up

I recently posted some tips pulled from the book Raising Generation Tech: Preparing Your Children for a Media-Fueled World. I also had a chance to interview the author to expand on a few of those tips.

How can we make sure that our kids' screen time doesn't go from fun entertainment to Internet addiction?

Set time limits (make it the exception, not the rule in how they spend their time), educate them about the use of technology, help them find more meaningful activities (e.g., sports, the arts), be a good role model, do things with them.

How can Facebook affect a kids' self-esteem, and what can parents do to mitigate these effects?

Research has shown that Facebook has a mixed influence on kids. On the unhealthy side, one study found that Facebook users who had low self-esteem posted more “self-promotional” materials on their pages than those with high self-esteem. Another study reported that those who were more dependent on outside influences for their self-esteem were more likely to spend more time and post more photos of themselves on Facebook.On the healthy side, one study found that social media provides opportunities to build self-esteem, develop friendships, and hone social skills. Other research reported that viewing and editing your profile and receiving feedback from friends on their Facebook pages boosted self-esteem. In the case of the profiles, because profiles tend to be positive, subjects were giving themselves a “shot” of optimism about themselves. In the case of the feedback from friends, subjects got a “shot” of support. Additionally, the sense of security that social media provide can allow shy children to express themselves more and practice social skills which can then translate into confident and comfortable face-to-face interactions.

Parents can mitigate the unhealthy aspects of Facebook on children's self-esteem by setting limits, educate their children about the downsides of too much Facebook (and other social media), ensuring that their children understand where real self-esteem comes from (feeling competent, loved, and secure), be sure that real relationships take precedence over Facebook "friends" (emphasize quality over quantity), have your children involved in healthy activities.

What are some important questions parents can ask their kids to help them strengthen their media literacy skills and be able to evaluate messages they receive?

1. What purpose does your involvement in media serve?

2. What messages are you getting from popular culture and technology and which are healthy and which are not?

3. How can media help and hurt you personally, socially, academically, and in pursuit of your goals?

4. What are some activities that should take precedence over your media use?

What was the most surprising thing you learned while working on this book?

How deeply children are involved in media, both in terms of time and investment. Also, because of its ubiquity, the influence that media has over children. Finally, the real dangers to children's development, and the future health of our society, that unlimited and unguided exposure to media present.