Internet safety for kids

Today, everyone uses a device even kids. A lot of children have and use an ipad for learning and entertainment. Playing games, using educational apps, watching Youtube--screen time is a part of our culture.

While technology has advanced and become a tool we all use daily, it has its downsides. It can cause sleeping problems, social isolation and cyber bullying.

Children are developing the critical-thinking skills they need to make good decisions, including safe digital choices. We want children to become active creators and the goal is for them to use technology as a tool to learn, explore the world, and build community. Most importantly, we want our children to be safe.

Here are five tips for internet safety for kids

1. Set limits

2. Engage in their online experience

3. Use technology for creating

4. Teach your children to be mindful what they say, read or watch online.

5. Make tech free spaces

Set Limits

Everything in moderation. Too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. For example, ice cream is delicious but if you have it for every meal it can be bad. The same goes for technology. Too much of it can lead to social isolation.

Engage in their experience

Sit beside them while they play or ask them what they are learning. Let them know they can always ask you any questions they may have about what they see online.

Use Technology for Creating

Use the ipad as a learning tool and not a babysitter. Some apps may claim to be educational but really arent.

Beind mindful

They should be taught to be mindful of whats on the screen and whether or not they should be watching, reading or saying. The internet is forever, a digital footprint is not so easily dusted away.

Tech Free Zones

Mealtime, play time and family time should be tech free. Live in the moment dont worry about those emails or calls for just a few hours a day. It is healthy to disconnect and can prove effective for productivity.