The digital life can be challenging when maintaining a parenting connection with your child. As a parent, it is important to know about your child’s online interactions- who does your child communicate with online and what applications or social networks are they using? Your child’s online social skills are just as critical as their offline people skills. The reality for children today is that their online reputation will someday determine their university admission and possible future employer. Talking to your children about their cyber life has to take place on a regular basis whether it is a short conversation in the car on the way to school or at the dinner table. Building a relationship of communication and trust at home will empower them to make positive decisions in the cyberworld. Offline parenting skills are critical in helping your child make critical choices. Sue Scheff from the Offline Parent Toolkit suggests to refer to the acronym CHAT:
C: Communication is key
H: Help is always a call or a text away
A: Action plans: talk to your child about an action plan when they are not feeling safe online. You are your child’s advocate for online safety.
T: Treat others as you want to be treated in real life and on the internet.
You don’t have to be a social media expert or a tech-geek to connect with your child’s online life; just being your caring self each day will connect you to what is important.
To keep up to date with information and resources, like us on our Digital Citizenship Facebook Page.
C: Communication is key
H: Help is always a call or a text away
A: Action plans: talk to your child about an action plan when they are not feeling safe online. You are your child’s advocate for online safety.
T: Treat others as you want to be treated in real life and on the internet.
You don’t have to be a social media expert or a tech-geek to connect with your child’s online life; just being your caring self each day will connect you to what is important.
To keep up to date with information and resources, like us on our Digital Citizenship Facebook Page.