We live in a world today where technology seems to have a nice grip on society. It is already bad enough that many adults, and many of them being parents, are “hooked” on every piece of advanced technology. Want to know what’s worse? Our children today are getting more and more hooked on technology. To be more particular, our children sometimes prove to be more tech-savvy than adults.
I mean, today, we have video games and portable game devices, “smart” cell phones with access to the Internet, apps like Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, and even very easily accessible dating apps.
The real problem at hand is simple: Parents seem to lack the proper awareness when it comes down to monitoring their kids’ online activity. Why is this important? Hmm…I don’t know…maybe because there are very active child predators online, as well as there being easy access to Internet sites exposing pornography, and even worse and more specific…child pornography.
Here’s a shocker: A lot of kids using technology today tend to act in a “precautious” manner in the presence of their parents...and half the time? They have already had access to the “inappropriate” nature of what technology has to offer. See, the thing is parents are not as attentive as they should be…especially considering technology advances every chance it gets. Instead of displaying the gaming, texting, and overly violent and sexual nature of technology, empowerment and protection should be enforced. Why? Because these kids are OUR kids and their futures are in OUR hands.
Two simple directions:
- Educate yourself on the sharp increase in technology and the particular devices being used by today’s generation of kids.
- Challenge yourself to be more involved in your children’s online activity and be upfront with them. Honesty can work both ways.
See, simple right? You’ve been through worse, CHILL.
Kids tend to be as discrete as possible when surfing the web in the presence of their parents. For example, exiting out of a browser is popular among children hoping to “get away with” something they know they are not supposed to be doing. Another example would be the inappropriate picture-taking and videos. Kids’ discretion can spark from a range of things.
Something for all of the parents to be aware of: Cyber-bullying. Did you all hear me? CYBER-BULLYING.
The internet has its pros and cons, but it seems as though the cons are more advertised with a touch of “appeal.” Now, that’s unfortunate! We should all be aware of our kids today and their online activity.
Parents, take this all into consideration. Be that active parent in their life. Although our kids may be more tech-savvy than adults today, they simply do not possess the wisdom and decision-making skills needed to avoid all of the possible dangers of technology. The advances in technology can either be beneficial or detrimental. It’s time to empower and motivate our children.
You choose!
