Tips for parents when dealing with their children’s social media use

It can be hard to get your children to open up, but there are some simple solutions to help you as a parent. And it can start with one question.

In a complex world, parents need simple solutions for guiding their children into adulthood.

Children “being seen” by their parents is the silver bullet for building thriving children.

News Corp Australia, along with parents from across Australia, are calling on the federal government to raise the age limit at which children can access social media to 16 as part of a national campaign,Let Them Be Kids, to stop the scourge of social media.

Let Them Be Kids: SIGN THE PETITION

Here are few simple rules for your own families and children

– No phones in the bedroom and no mobile phone use an hour before bed and an hour after awakening.

– No phones or digital devices at the dinner, lunch, or breakfast table.

– No mobile phone use before school, during school, or when completing homework.

– No digital devices during family time, such as movie night, hiking, or other activities.

Know the dangers of social media. set limits

As parents, we are the models for our children regarding healthy digital device usage.

This means we should display the behaviour we expect from our children.

It also goes without saying that having a discussion regarding safety online is imperative (and ensuring you approve all app downloads may also be beneficial until your child reaches a certain age).

Focus on prioritising in-person connections with your children and creating activities together that nurture the serve and return relationship.

Have a family tech plan

A Family Tech Plan is a structured approach to managing technology within the household, aiming to balance screen time, ensure online safety, and promote healthy digital habits among family members.

This plan serves as an agreement between all members of the family, outlining the rules and guidelines for using technology.

The benefits of having a shared tech plan are that it helps children and adults become less stressed and minimises the risks associated with excessive screen time and online dangers.

Most importantly, it encourages more quality time spent together as a family, free from digital distractions.

This serves as the foundation for lifelong learning, mental health and wellbeing.

Creating and sticking to a Family Tech Plan can help families navigate the challenges of the digital age while reinforcing positive behaviours and habits around technology.”

Take our survey to see if your child is at risk:

Conversation starters

Equip yourself with a few open-ended questions, to prompt more thoughtful responses than simple “yes” or “no” answers, encouraging children to reflect, share their emotions, and work together towards solutions.

– Try “How was your day?” instead of “Did you have a good day?”

Selena Bartlett.

Being Seen: Master Parenting in the Digital Age

Here are some other open-ended questions to try:

– Can you help me understand what draws you to this particular game/show/app?”

– What do you like most about spending time on your device?”

– How do you feel when you’re not able to use your screen?”

– What is there about screen time that you wish I understood better?”

– What could we do as a family to find a balance between screen time and other activities?”

This is an excerpt from Being Seen: Master Parenting in the Digital Age by Professor Selena Bartlett

Originally published as Tips for parents when dealing with their children’s social media use