Digital Kids

Our children are growing up using digital media and they're learning about the world through these rapid- and ever-changing devices. Most of us parents didn't grow up with all of these gadgets and it can be hard to keep up. My kids are fortunate to have a teacher at their school who just teaches about computers and technology.

Recently, she gave a talk to some of the parents about raising children in this digital age. I thought it might be helpful to share some of the information she provided.

First, Some Startling Statistics

The following facts are found in the Kaiser Family Foundation's Generation M2: Media in the Lives of 8- to 18-Year-Olds, a 2009 report about a national survey undertaken by the KFF.

• The average 8- to 18-year-old spends 7 hours and 38 min per day using media. ("Using media" is defined here as listening to music on a cell phone or MP3, watching TV, playing video games, or using a computer. It does not include making calls or texting on a cell phone.)
• Boys use more media than girls, mainly because they play more video games.
• 65 percent of children in this age group have a handheld game player.
• 61 percent of them have an iPod or MP3 player.
• 17 percent have their own laptop.
• The average 13- to 17-year-old sends more than 2,000 text messages per month.
• And finally, 2- to 5-year-olds are the age group showing the largest increase in media consumption. (It is not uncommon, in preschools nowadays, to see iPads and iPods, as well as computers.)

Digital Citizenship

More and more schools are teaching their students digital citizenship, defined as "a framework for understanding appropriate and responsible technology use." But if a child is to gain a thorough understanding of what it means to be a good citizen on the Internet, parents must also become knowledgeable about these skills and participate fully in the family's use of digital technology.

What can you do?

• Make use of the safety settings (parental controls) that are built into computers (both desktops and laptops), handheld devices, and gaming consoles, especially those that can connect to the Internet. Sites like YouTube also offer parental controls; use those too.
• Set clear ground rules before your child begins using a new digital tool.
• Do not allow your child to charge personal electronic devices, such as cell phones, in their rooms at night. Chances are, the device will be doing something more than charging.
• Engage in constant conversation about online safety. (As in, "Never give out your name or personal information on the computer/Internet.")
• Put computers in open, shared areas of the home--not in kids' bedrooms.
• Know what websites your kids are accessing online.
• Demonstrate appropriate mobile phone use for your kids. Children will imitate your actions; if you drive the car while talking and texting on your cell phone, why shouldn't your child think it's okay?
• Mind your cell-phone etiquette and don't be rude. For example, don't talk on your cell phone in restaurants or at the movies--or during a doctor's appointment. (I cannot tell you how many times I have had to ask parents to please end their phone conversations while I'm examining their child.)
• Insist on being your child's "Friend" on Facebook. It is not a breach of their privacy; it is safe parenting.
• Work together to develop your family's strategy for the appropriate use of technology. Make it visible.

I heard a great analogy about all this the other day: Our children are learning to navigate the digital world as their first language, while we, their parents, are learning it as a second language. Our children have access to the entire world through media in a way that we never did. It's up to us to teach them to navigate this world safely.

Recommended Websites about Internet Safety

For both children and parents:
• Webonauts Internet Academy (PBS Kids)
• Get Your Web License (PBS Kids)
• NetSmartzKids (a program of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children)

And a great book for parents

Raising a Digital Child by Mike Ribble