Finding the balance for your children

We find many people questioning how to make sure their children are safe and happy online and also how to maintain a balance that works for everyone. Hopefully, these simple steps will help.

Don't pull the plug.

We've all been there, trying to prize the devices out of our kids hands for meal times or a walk around the supermarket but it needn't be a battle. Give your child reasonable warnings about when to turn off, help them ease out of their game, private chats with friends or video calls.

Set sensible screen times.

What children are doing on their phones/tablets is far more important than the amount of time they're spending on them. If they want to continue to be on it, make sure that what they are doing is educational be it reading, playing or watching age appropriate content. However, if you notice your child's sleep pattern, mood, health or school life being affected, it's time to reevaluate the rules and time spent.

Engage with them and their world.

We find it best to keep up to date with the apps, videos or blogs they are interested in. Take a healthy interest in what they're in to. That way, you are able to keep an eye on what they're doing without making them feel like you are intruding and you can also spot if something is wrong.

Keep talking (or texting!)

A study has found that around 60% of children say that their parents don't discuss issues around digital life. In an age where everything is pretty much done online, maintaining an open and honest dialogue with your child, whether face to face or through messaging will enable your child to talk to you with any problems they may be facing. You may not be able to have every solution available but letting them feel like they can speak to you is important.

Boundaries

This can be a touchy subject but just remember that YOU are the parent and you supplied the phone/internet/credit and you can take it away. Sit down with your child and make it clear to them that these boundaries aren't there for you to be a killjoy. They are there so that they don't have disturbed sleep patterns due to too much screen time. Agree an age they can go on social media, how long they can spend on gaming etc. These boundaries will help your child feel more secure about your expectations and confident about what is OK and what isn't.

Bedtime Rules

Make sure your family gets the right amount of sleep. Having a good bedtime routine and the correct amount of sleep is crucial to healthier offline lives. Put the phones on charge out of the bedroom. Set an example. Place the devices in the kitchen then the temptation is no longer there. Not only will this improve their sleep quality, it may also improve your own!