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· 2 min read · Games and technology· Learning· Technology

What should I bear in mind about my son's or daughter's use of technology?

Technology is becoming an ever more present part of our children's daily lives and, at the same time, parents are more and more worried about how they can use it in a healthy way. Even so, it is not realistic to aim to remove technology from…

By Victòria Copoví

Technology is becoming an ever more present part of our children's daily lives and, at the same time, parents are more and more worried about how they can use it in a healthy way. Even so, it is not realistic to aim to remove technology from the home, since it is increasingly necessary in society and ever more present in social and educational settings. That is why it is essential to be clear about a few aspects of its use, so that we can make the most of it and guide our children.

If your son or daughter is under 9…

  • The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no use of technology until the age of three and, from then on, limiting use to a maximum of one hour a day.
  • Content should only be used in controlled, safe environments (spaces made for children) where they only have access to play and learning experiences.
  • Towards the end of this stage it is a good idea to start talking to them about the importance of passwords, screen time and content suitable for their age, and how to recognise it.

If your son or daughter is between 10 and 13…

  • It is a good idea for them to start learning the first rules of safe and healthy use: no more than two hours of screens a day, no screens first thing in the morning or at night, recognising the PEGI rating, alternating technology with offline activities, not neglecting other habits (study, sport, chores or personal hygiene) and using devices for specific purposes rather than, for example, to escape from problems.
  • Give them independence in how they use it, while stressing the importance of using content from trustworthy, safe spaces, setting a strong, secret password and, if in doubt or in difficulty, asking us. It is important to introduce the risks they may come across on social media and to understand that what we see online does not necessarily reflect reality.
  • At this stage two things are fundamental: that we adults set an example for our children, and that they can talk about the internet openly as a family.

Do you think you are following these recommendations at home? If you are not doing so yet, how do you think you could start?

References

Prats, M. N., Torres-Rodríguez, A., Oberst, U. & Carbonell, X. (2018). Diseño y aplicación de talleres educativos para el uso saludable de internet y redes sociales en la adolescencia: descripción de un estudio piloto. Pixel-Bit, Revista de Medios y Educación, 52, 111-124. https://doi.org/10.12795/pixelbit.2018.i52.08

Roca, G. (Coord.) (2015) Las nuevas tecnologías en niños y adolescentes. Guía para educar saludablemente en una sociedad digital. Barcelona: Hospital Sant Joan de Déu (ed).