There are no rule books.

 

It is also arguable that any research done on the future consequences of this tech-savvy, device-wielding generation are fledgling – understandable, given how young and new this particular set of circumstances is.

 

This, however, leaves modern parents feeling a bit unprepared and off-kilter.

 

Throughout generations, parenting has always been a mix of trial and error coupled with whatever childhood imprint we may have had of our parents’ parenting styles.

 

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 lockdowns and the emergence of home-based, technology enabled learning, education technology has become fully, or some would claim irreversibly, integrated into our children’s education journey.

 

Are you keeping up with the many Zoom lessons your child is scheduled to attend this week? Are worksheets scanned and sent for evaluation?

 

Since it is likely that your child is now attuned to attending Zoom lessons, much like what Cognitus Academy offers, to raise this generation of technophiles, we must have technology on our side.

 

Especially when it comes to raising good children, and here’s how we should seek to use it to our advantage in today’s age of technology.

 

Embrace it

Technology should not be discouraged. Frankly, it looks quite likely that it is here to stay. ‘Future-proofing’ is the buzzword these days, and it is necessary for our kids to be familiar with skills of the future.

 

It is, therefore, important that we do not shield our kids from the tools that they will need to navigate their way in today’s world. Rather, we need to equip them with the knowledge to use those tools properly.

 

So, handphones before their 12th birthday? Don’t feel guilty, and know that it is okay. What we absolutely must do, is to make clear what our child can and cannot do with their new device.

 

Rules and limitations must be set out clearly, and consequences must also be laid out should our children step out of line. After all, equipping our children does not mean handing them a tool to binge on TikTok videos or offering them unfettered access to Roblox.

 

Wise Choices

Yes, the future of technology is something we do not know much about. But a quick search will reveal that many studies have been conducted on the effects of too much screen time on children.

 

The consensus? Overexposure to technology can lead to the development of attention problems, difficulties at school and issues with sleeping and eating.

 

This does not mean that we should avoid television and other forms of media entertainment entirely. For even as adults, we often indulge in social media and other forms of entertainment media in our daily lives.

 

What this does mean, is that we need to help our children make wise choices about the kind of media that they have in their diets.

 

Guide Their Interests

It is easier for parents to control the media diet of younger children, so begin by introducing them to topics and content that are beneficial to them. Start them off with documentaries and media with a focus on topics of interest to them.

 

This allows us the opportunity to build up our children’s appetite for knowledge, develop an interest to use technology and harness the media to learn, instead of just for entertainment.

 

Everything in Moderation

In order for older children to understand and be smart about their use of technology and media, parents must first monitor how long and what kind of content they are consuming.

 

Get your child to use their devices in common spaces when they are at home; this way, we can check what they are up to, look over their internet histories and also set parental controls.

 

Remember that at their age, it is not about an invasion of privacy, but rather, a non-negotiable matter of safety.

 

Warn your child about the dangers of the internet, of the inability to know who is on the other side of the screen, and about oversharing details about themselves online. Impress upon them that despite the convenience and accessibility of our interconnected world, it is a double-aged sword, as it also opens them up to predators, or as targets of scams.

 

Technology for Creation

We can use technology for consumption or creation. This may perhaps be one of the most important lessons we can teach our children. Listen to music… or create it. Play video games… or create them. Help your child learn the distinction between the two, and help them understand that they can use technology to get them further in life.

 

Technology for Education

Cognitus Academy, like many educational institutions, offer our students a learning platform that matches their need to achieve success in school and cater to their ability to harness online learning. We embrace technology to benefit your child, and our classes can be conducted both online and in-person to aid in your child’s learning. Every week, students have the option to enjoy online lessons that are engaging and effective, all in the comfort of their own homes.

 

Drop us a message to know more, if not, then we would love to chat with you at 8321 8252 regarding your child’s needs.