«The first important step to take is to maintain a fluid dialogue with the children.
Because dialogue prevents them from being exposed to risky situations.
Given the recent viralization of material with violent and sinister content on children's platforms, the School thought it was important to provide some tools to keep in mind to help parents accompany their children in handling these situations.
Measures to take into account:
- The first important step to take is to maintain a fluid dialogue with the children. Because dialogue prevents them from being exposed to risky situations.
For example, if they are told to keep a secret, not to tell their parents, that what we “talk about stays between us,” etc. These situations should serve as an alarm signal for children, allowing them to understand that these are risky situations in which they should seek help immediately, whether by talking to their parents, their teacher, or their caregiver, among others. - Be responsible when choosing the content to which our children are exposed.
Choosing parental control apps is a good measure, but not enough, since there are materials unsuitable for children that are still filtered despite this measure. - We advise, therefore, the accompaniment of an adult during the child's exposure to the networks. Consider platforms such as Netflix, where it is possible to select what to allow the child to see and at the same time guarantee the possibility of not accessing other content that has not been previously supervised by an adult.
- It is important to explain to children that in some cartoons there are some characters that scare people and say ugly things, and that in case they appear, it is necessary that parents be notified so that they can report them. In this way, they feel that it is in their hands to do something about what they are so afraid of. Therefore, we invite them to report these sinister content on the Google platform. In this way, we protect our children and other children, trying to prevent them from going through these types of situations. (Report and feel empowered).
- The American Academy of Pediatrics advises Screen exposure should be “zero” for children under two years of age. For preschool children, exposure to all digital devices should never exceed one hour. From the age of six, screen use should be balanced with the different daily activities proposed to them. Also, keep in mind that there should be time free of media content, especially around mealtimes and bedtime, since screens affect the quality and quantity of rest. Let us bear in mind that the more screens, the less time for other things. The number of hours to which children are exposed is often causing serious difficulties in their comprehensive development, since in order to grow healthily they need to play, experiment with their body, generate social skills through real and not virtual connections with other children. The lack of control in the use of screens is generating difficulties in children's psychomotor, social and emotional development.
- Therefore, it is very important to talk about children's digital life., as well as other topics, and ask them about their favorite game, or their favorite hero. In this way we invite dialogue, to tell us if any drawing scares them, and if so, never dismiss their fears. Accompany them and advise them. In the same way, be alert if we observe changes in behavior or sleep, among others. If they are detected, they can be indicators that something is happening. These tips They serve to alert us to any fear that the children may be experiencing or any risky situation.
- The key, mostly, It is about dialogue and intervening to help them generate a better connection with technology.
Ps. Lucia Rodriguez and Ps. Lucia Scremini
