Why you should monitor your children's screen time this holiday

Outraged parent behind embarrassed teen girl on phone. (Courtesy)

It is a challenging time for parents with learners at home doing what they do best, enjoying the holidays. While it might be obvious, there is a reason for most to worry. The mobile phone gadgets are now proving to be a double edged sword with the risk to Exposure to Inappropriate Content.

Parents have the option to enhance their children's safety by implementing parental control features or utilising dedicated applications to filter or block this content.

The internet is not a safe haven and while there are laws and regulation on this, online predators and cyberbullying are a prominent feature. Minors are at risk of encountering online predators, fraudulent schemes, and cyberbullying. Without adequate support, they might not be able to discern potential threats or take necessary precautions. Keeping track of their online behaviour can significantly reduce these risks.

While they may not understand the importance of keeping personal information private, it is imperative that parents teach their children about privacy settings, the risks of oversharing, and the consequences of sharing too much information online.

At the same time, excessive screen time can negatively impact sleep, academic performance, and physical health. Parents can set limits to help children maintain a healthy balance between screen time and other activities like studying, exercising, or socialising face-to-face.

As the adage goes, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Regulating phone use can encourage children to engage in a variety of activities that are important for their development, such as physical activity, hobbies, and family time, rather than becoming overly reliant on digital devices for entertainment or socialising.

Most importantly, the same smartphones have the potential to be effective instruments for educational purposes. By steering children towards age-appropriate applications and online resources, parents can assist them in utilising their phones to enhance their curiosity, creativity, and understanding. As a parent, be proactive and snoop over those devices.