This post is sponsored by Google.
The Internet is the best invention of our modern-day in my opinion, but one thing is certain: we, as parents, are still figuring out how to keep kids safer online while empowering them with great digital products and technological tools. And let’s not forget teaching them how to balance their virtual life with real wellness practices too!
Last month I was invited to a Google Family Partner kickoff event at their LA office, the Spruce Goose, to talk about how to make tech work better for families. The event was like a fun Google field trip complete with delicious lunch at their famous cafeteria to talk about my favorite thing ever: the Internet!
According to Google, kids are accessing technology younger every year. 84% of 6-12 yr olds use a tablet every week, 77% use a smartphone. When it comes to phones, the number one reason parents purchase one is as a safety tool and to stay connected with their kids.
Parents are also reporting significant concerns, however, such as:
- 76% of parents are worried about inappropriate content
- 67% of parents are worried about screen time
- 55% of parents are worried about cyberbullying
Be Internet Awesome
These days intentional parenting tactics introducing kids about technology are important. By teaching kids the basics of how to use the internet, they can be safer and more confident explores online. Parents also need the tools to set digital ground rules as their kids grow up in the ever-changing digital world.
This is the first time in history a generation is growing up with constant access to the Internet.
Google originally created the Be Internet Awesome curriculum for educators. Teaching digital safety and citizenship is a crucial component of today’s classroom, but home will always be the foundation of any child’s learning. Healthy online habits are no different.
Earlier this year, Be Internet Awesome launched free resources for parents which include a family guide and tips to help parents understand the latest Internet happenings. For kids, Be Internet Awesome has Interland- an online game that makes learning about online safety fun. The educator and family resources plus Interland provide a common vocabulary and a list of skills your child should learn as they learn to navigate the Internet independently.
Use it to talk with your kids about how to share their information with care, not to fall for fake news, how to secure their important data, be kind to others online and – perhaps the most important – be courageous to tell a trusted adult when they’ve come across content that makes them uncomfortable.
Learn: How to Use Be Internet Awesome to Raise Digital Citizens
Family Link
The Family Link app from Google is the tool parents have been asking for! Creating a family culture around digital technology is not just a “set it and forget it” attitude. Every family has different rules, every kid has unique needs and there is some content (or apps/games) that are better than others.
With Family Link, you can customize how your kids use the Internet. There are so many usages, but a few of my favorites include:
- Guiding kids to good online content
- Creates time limits per app, not just all or nothing
- Offers kids the ability to earn bonus time
- Locks device (like around dinnertime)
Learn: How to Set up Family Link and Digital Family Rules
Digital Wellbeing
In reality, the Internet isn’t serving its intended purpose if it’s not improving our lives. Without a digital wellbeing plan, how can families be sure that the Internet is helping them connect, learn and reinforce their family values?
Here are a few questions to ask yourself and discuss as a family in order to improve your online usage and develop a digital wellness guide of your own. Be honest and open to making changes if necessary! And be sure to check out Google’s Digital Wellbeing website for more information.
- Does technology prevent you from being present?
- What times of the day is most important to be focused?
- What are my big-picture, life priorities?
In developing family rules around tech, reflect on what you have discussed so far. What change would create more balance for your family? Are there current boundaries that are not working? Which moments in the day – like dinner time – feels super important to family bonding and how can family members be more focused during those moments?
A final tip on creating a family wellness guide to become Internet awesome is to find positive content that everyone can enjoy together! A mix of content and activities that embrace your family values or learn something new is an easy way to use the Internet in the best ways possible – to learn, connect and explore.
