Our children are born and grow up with them, soon becoming expert users of entertainment-level technologies, later they will use them for their communications, in their work and they may even devote themselves to researching and developing new technologies. But while that time comes, while we take care of our children, there are certain precautions that we must take so that technologies do not turn against children.
Because while they are absolutely recommended for entertainment, for teaching or to adapt schools to special needs, we can not "trust" computers, tablets, television or mobile phones to make "babysitters" of our children: we must prevent addiction and make a balanced use of them. The Spanish Association of Primary Care Pediatrics (AEPap) has just presented the Decalogue of the Good Use of Information and Communication Technologies, which is on its way to becoming another of the classic decalogues of the Association.
The recommendations have been presented in the framework of the 14th update course in pediatrics, carried out these days with an eye on issues that concern society, such as food, the use of new technologies, transsexual minors ...
Regarding technologies, for us parents it is essential to know terms such as "bullying", "sexting" or "grooming", because we must know that they exist and that at any given time it could happen to our children. And always, always, you have to be attentive to the use that children make of technologies to prevent risks, educating them so that this use is safe. We have talked about all this on many occasions and to not forget we bring you the Decalogue of the AEPap.
Decalogue of the Good Use of Information and Communication Technologies
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) can be very positive for the learning of children and adolescents. They also allow you to acquire technological skills that you will need in your future.
But misuse can generate physical problems (back pain, eye fatigue, sleep problems, sedentary lifestyle ...), academics (lower concentration or performance ...), psychics (addiction, stress ...) and social (isolation, loss of interest ...).
Parents should be trained and informed to educate their children in responsible use. Be a model for them. Set standards and set limits. Do not use game consoles, tablets, computers, smartphones… before two years. At night, and during meals, store them in a common place, respecting the moments of family communication and rest.
Avoid accessing risk content (bulimia, anorexia, violence, pornography, pedophilia, drug use, games, commercial fraud, fashion videos with risk behaviors, etc ...). Set parental control programs. Consider the age and theme orientation of video games and entertainment programs (PEGI code).
Protect all devices connected to the Internet with antivirus, screen locks, passwords and strong codes. Update the operating systems and their programs.
Watch out for the content that goes up on the Internet. Teach them the value of their own and others' privacy. What is uploaded to the Network can be modified, shared and can remain forever.
Respect for others should be taught. The cyberbullying or cyberbullying It is when children are insulted, threatened, blackmailed and humiliated repeatedly through a social network. He sexting It is the sending of erotic or pornographic material through a social network. Both can have serious repercussions: social and emotional for those who suffer, and legal for those who do.
The child should not contact or follow on social networks who does not know in real life. And less go to an appointment. He grooming It occurs when an adult pretends to be a minor, to blackmail and sexually abuse him.
Sometimes ICT related problems are detected late. Have a good communication with your child. Pay attention to physical, emotional or behavioral changes.
Before a case of suspicion or certainty of cyberbullying or grooming Always act immediately. We must move them away from the stalker and report the fact. If the situation is serious, ask a professional (pediatrician, psychologist, psychiatrist or police expert in technological crimes) for help. To prevent it, and not happen, turn to the police by writing to these emails: [email protected] [email protected].
We hope these tips serve the whole family to the good use of information and communication technologies. There is life beyond the screens, there are many other ways to have fun, you have to use video games in moderation and better if it is with your family. And above all, let us lead by example and pay more attention to children and less to mobile, because probably when they are teenagers they will not pay us with the same currency. We will all appreciate it!
Photos | iStock
Official Site | AEPap
In Babies and more | "The Phonbies": an aid for children to learn to avoid the abusive use of new technologies, Use and abuse of technology, the benefits translate into problems when children use them too long, Five ideas to entertain children without using technology
