Gifting your kid tech this season? How to safely introduce them to the digital world
Global News
Smart devices are likely a popular gift this season as social media use among kids remains prominent, but how should parents navigate introducing their child to the digital world?
Navigating kids’ social media use is a complex issue in the modern day of parenting, and something parents may be grappling with as they decide whether to gift their children smart devices this holiday season.
As Black Friday kicks off, experts say parents should be mindful about how they introduce their children to the digital world so that they develop healthy practices.
Matthew Johnson, director of education for MediaSmarts Canada, says what’s most important to know when it comes to introducing kids to the online world is how influential parents are in children’s real and digital lives.
“Even for teens, they rely on us. Kids don’t want us spying on them, they don’t want us looking over their shoulders. But they do want to know that we have their backs,” Johnson told Global News.
“That applies when it comes to media and technology as well. We need to have an ongoing conversation with (our kids) and we need to make sure that they feel they can come and talk to us about whatever issues they’re dealing with online or offline.”
Before making the financial leap, Johnson advises parents to think deeply about whether their child even wants a smart device.
“It’s a bit of a myth … that kids are asking their parents for smartphones. Our research found that almost two-thirds of kids got their first phone not because they asked for it for any reason, but because their parents gave it to them, because the parents wanted to stay in touch with their kids,” he said.
Johnson says parents should think about whether their child is ready to use a device independently with very little supervision, and whether they’re ready to deal with the constant distraction of having a smartphone in their pocket.
