Parenting In The Digital Age: Balancing Fun And Safety 

Playing Roblox with kids is fun, but what about letting the kids talk to strangers? Kids surely don’t come with manuals, and parenting is even more challenging in the digital age. 

You are in the right place if you wonder how to balance fun and safety while being a parent in the digital age. 

Here are some tips and tricks to keep you on track. 

5 Tips to Balance Fun And Safety While Parenting In Digital Age 

According to an article by Pew Research Center (2018), 95% of teens reported having a smartphone or access to it. 

As a parent in the digital age, you understand the popularity of the internet and social media. However, it’s vital to maintain a balance between fun and safety. 

Consider the following: 

#1. Communication Is The Key 

The first step that can help you maintain a balance between safety and fun is communication. Kids won’t understand your concerns unless you let them know about the risks involved in the digital world. 

For example: 

• Sharing personal data such as date of birth, credit card information, and personal ids can lead to identification theft. 
• Strangers can kidnap kids if they are aware of the home address. 
• And more! 

Unless you let the kids know about scams and the dangers of the online world, it would be challenging to help them see the digital world from a parent’s perspective. The goal here is not to scare the kids but to give them a basic understanding of the other side. 

#2. Empower Your Kids 

Another factor that can help you balance fun and safety is empowering! When you empower your kids, you give them an idea of trust and understanding. It shows that you trust them, and they are responsible for being safe as the parents care for them. 

For example, 

• Instead of dictating the do’s and don’t, let your kids decide what’s allowed for them and adults in the house on the internet. 
• Let the kids decide what social media apps are acceptable in the house. 
• And more! 

These are just some ideas. You can establish your rules. See what works for you, as what works for one parent may not work for the other. 

#3. Set A Screen Time for Everyone (Including Yourself)

Set examples for the little ones and the teens. Whether you like it or not, you are a role model for your kids. They learn a lot by observing you. 

You can expect the same from your kids if you find yourself on the screen most of the day. So, it’s best to set a screen time for everyone, including yourself. 

#4. Consider Counselling 

If you or the kids find it hard to step away from social media and the digital world, you can look into counseling or talk to a professional. 

When matters are beyond repair or control, it’s best to consider a professional’s help. You can also talk to teachers and see if they have some suggestions. There is a limit that kids need to obey when it comes to games, social media, and other activities on the internet. 

#5. Encourage A Safe Space for Everyone 

You may not realize, but kids can become a victim of cyberbullying. So, if you notice a change in your child’s behavior, observe closely. 

When you encourage a safe space for everyone, an environment in the house where kids can open up about bullying and what’s bothering them, it would be much easier to deal with challenging situations. But it would help if you had strong roots and the kids trusted you with information. 

FAQs

How can I encourage my kids to share what’s bothering them? 

In the digital age, it’s challenging to understand what’s bothering your kids. So let your kids know you plan to install apps that track information, and it’s for the safety of your kids. Moreover, doing so can give you some idea of what’s bothering the kids. But make sure you have a safe space in the house. 

How can I reduce the screen time for my kids? 

Involve yourself and your kids in activities that keep them, and you engaged. Go for a walk, cook together, paint together, consider DIYs, and more. When there are other things to consider, your kids won’t have the time for screens.  

Wrapping It Up 

It’s fun to be a parent in the digital world; it’s rewarding and challenging at the same time. But, while the world is at your fingertips, you must balance fun and safety. So, start with communication, consider empowering your kids, set a safe space, set screen time, or consider counseling. See what works for you and your kids.