Parents Should Embrace Online World for Their Children, Smartly

Author Information

Donald Plehn has 16 Published Articles

United States of America,
NV,
Carson City,
ClickN KIDS, Inc.,
318 N. Carson Street

Parents Should Embrace Online World for Their Children, Smartly

Posted On : Nov-26-2013 | seen (1629) times | Article Word Count : 1001 |

The Internet and our children’s engagement with the online world have lead to many positive developments and advancements for our children as well as some favorable outcomes for their emotional and social well-being.

As the father technology loving children, this has been a constant challenge to balance how often and for what they may use computers and mobile devices. Used properly, there are few greater tools to disseminate education effectively and affordable. The challenge is finding the tools that really work.

When we think of technology and the online world and the ramifications for our children, we instinctively think of the negative elements and the inherent risks associated with its use. Of course, these fears are very real and as parents, we must be aware of these dangers if we are to successfully guide, educate and support our kids. But there are some wonderful and important advantages to this new technology that parents must learn to embrace if they are going to continue to connect with their children and steer them through this new world.

We have recently seen a shift in the way kids use technology from purely a vehicle for information and entertainment to a major tool in communication, predominantly via social networks and education.

I recognize that some of what you read below pertains to older children, and not necessarily the young ones as is our focus at ClickN KIDS, but those little ones grow up fast and also have older siblings, so I felt this was still very topical and beneficial to help parents understand what is going on out there in cyber space. .

Here are some of the positive outcomes that can be attributed to our children’s engagement in these types of networks:

Sense of Belonging and Community

For kids older enough to use social media, (we recommend at least 14) the online world creates places where people can find connections, ‘like-minded’ people and groups where they feel they are part of a community. The two most popular sites, Facebook and Twitter are examples of ways that kids can find people to connect with whilst their struggles, endeavors or interests can be supported by friendship, advice, expert knowledge, camaraderie and empathy. We still recommend putting controls on use and that you monitor from time to time just what your child is doing on these sites. Another great idea is not to allow any internet connected devices to be stored or charged in their bedrooms.

Independence and Self Confidence

For the younger kids, there are a plethora of programs that are designed to help children learn, build and grow on their own. That design philosophy is at the core of every program we create. Besides the obvious of learning a new skill, the act of a child progressing and completing tasks on their own is inherently rewarding.

There is no greater reward for a child than succeeding in a game or scoring well on lessons and being able to confidently turn around to show their parents their latest accomplishment. Hopefully, an energetic positive affirmation from their parents is the presence they receive and so anxiously desire. Children now gain the confidence they can accomplish things on their own and start to gain a sense of independence.

Self-Expression and Identity – Why it Happens Online

Kids often use social media to experiment with their political, cultural, ethnic or sexual identity and this can have a positive effect on those not able to fully express themselves in person or with their peers. They can use forums, networks and blogs to express their views and test out their values and identity. Many find that the less than confronting nature of the Internet can allow for them to voice their opinions and organize their thoughts in a setting that isn’t confined by their parents, other adults or other social constraints.

Strengthening of Interpersonal Relationships

Certainly having positive personal relationships is an important factor in anyone’s well-being and again for many kids they can develop meaningful relationships online. This can be scary. There are various ways to protect against your child chatting with strangers. Quite frankly, that would require an entirely new article to discuss as this is a complicated process in its own right.

On the positive side, there is also the ability to strengthen existing relationships with the use of social media when the constraints of geography, time limits of homework and after school activities and suitable places to catch up would otherwise make it difficult to stay connected. Studies have also found that those who suffered disabilities or chronic illness have developed enduring and dependable relationships to help them through difficult times.

Creating

Technology has opened up a whole new platform for kids to create. They can share content via blogs, animations, videos and photos, all of which help empower individuals to develop their own sense of creativity and identity. Kids are making new content, reworking old content and coming up with new and more creative ideas to get a message across, express an idea or connect with others. There is much that can be encouraged by allowing our children this freedom to create.

When we think about technology it is all too easy to claim that our children’s knowledge is more extensive than our own and that we will never catch up. Rather than believing it is beyond us however, we must instead seek to understand all of its elements, including the many positive aspects that go a long way to benefiting our children’s wellbeing, lifestyle and development.

The more we can find out about this world, the more chance we have of keeping the lines of communication open and ensure that we can continue to navigate our children through the risks and dangers whilst allowing them to flourish in all the many positive aspects of the online world just as we do in the offline world.

Re-Publish this Article

<h1>Parents Should Embrace Online World for Their Children, Smartly</h1> Author: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/profile_Donald Plehn.aspx'>Donald Plehn</a> The Internet and our children’s engagement with the online world have lead to many positive developments and advancements for our children as well as some favorable outcomes for their emotional and social well-being.

As the father technology loving children, this has been a constant challenge to balance how often and for what they may use computers and mobile devices. Used properly, there are few greater tools to disseminate education effectively and affordable. The challenge is finding the tools that really work.

When we think of technology and the online world and the ramifications for our children, we instinctively think of the negative elements and the inherent risks associated with its use. Of course, these fears are very real and as parents, we must be aware of these dangers if we are to successfully guide, educate and support our kids. But there are some wonderful and important advantages to this new technology that parents must learn to embrace if they are going to continue to connect with their children and steer them through this new world.

We have recently seen a shift in the way kids use technology from purely a vehicle for information and entertainment to a major tool in communication, predominantly via social networks and education.

I recognize that some of what you read below pertains to older children, and not necessarily the young ones as is our focus at ClickN KIDS, but those little ones grow up fast and also have older siblings, so I felt this was still very topical and beneficial to help parents understand what is going on out there in cyber space. .

Here are some of the positive outcomes that can be attributed to our children’s engagement in these types of networks:

Sense of Belonging and Community

For kids older enough to use social media, (we recommend at least 14) the online world creates places where people can find connections, ‘like-minded’ people and groups where they feel they are part of a community. The two most popular sites, Facebook and Twitter are examples of ways that kids can find people to connect with whilst their struggles, endeavors or interests can be supported by friendship, advice, expert knowledge, camaraderie and empathy. We still recommend putting controls on use and that you monitor from time to time just what your child is doing on these sites. Another great idea is not to allow any internet connected devices to be stored or charged in their bedrooms.

Independence and Self Confidence

For the younger kids, there are a plethora of programs that are designed to help children learn, build and grow on their own. That design philosophy is at the core of every program we create. Besides the obvious of learning a new skill, the act of a child progressing and completing tasks on their own is inherently rewarding.

There is no greater reward for a child than succeeding in a game or scoring well on lessons and being able to confidently turn around to show their parents their latest accomplishment. Hopefully, an energetic positive affirmation from their parents is the presence they receive and so anxiously desire. Children now gain the confidence they can accomplish things on their own and start to gain a sense of independence.

Self-Expression and Identity – Why it Happens Online

Kids often use social media to experiment with their political, cultural, ethnic or sexual identity and this can have a positive effect on those not able to fully express themselves in person or with their peers. They can use forums, networks and blogs to express their views and test out their values and identity. Many find that the less than confronting nature of the Internet can allow for them to voice their opinions and organize their thoughts in a setting that isn’t confined by their parents, other adults or other social constraints.

Strengthening of Interpersonal Relationships

Certainly having positive personal relationships is an important factor in anyone’s well-being and again for many kids they can develop meaningful relationships online. This can be scary. There are various ways to protect against your child chatting with strangers. Quite frankly, that would require an entirely new article to discuss as this is a complicated process in its own right.

On the positive side, there is also the ability to strengthen existing relationships with the use of social media when the constraints of geography, time limits of homework and after school activities and suitable places to catch up would otherwise make it difficult to stay connected. Studies have also found that those who suffered disabilities or chronic illness have developed enduring and dependable relationships to help them through difficult times.

Creating

Technology has opened up a whole new platform for kids to create. They can share content via blogs, animations, videos and photos, all of which help empower individuals to develop their own sense of creativity and identity. Kids are making new content, reworking old content and coming up with new and more creative ideas to get a message across, express an idea or connect with others. There is much that can be encouraged by allowing our children this freedom to create.

When we think about technology it is all too easy to claim that our children’s knowledge is more extensive than our own and that we will never catch up. Rather than believing it is beyond us however, we must instead seek to understand all of its elements, including the many positive aspects that go a long way to benefiting our children’s wellbeing, lifestyle and development.

The more we can find out about this world, the more chance we have of keeping the lines of communication open and ensure that we can continue to navigate our children through the risks and dangers whilst allowing them to flourish in all the many positive aspects of the online world just as we do in the offline world. About the Author: Article Source: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://corporate.clicknkids.com/the-market-speaks-and-clickn-kids-listens/">ClickN KIDS</a> Article Source: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Parents-Should-Embrace-Online-World-for-Their-Children-Smartly_286109.aspx'> http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Parents Should Embrace Online World for Their Children, Smartly_286109.aspx</a>

Article Source : http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Parents Should Embrace Online World for Their Children, Smartly_286109.aspx

Author Resource :
Article Source: ClickN KIDS

Keywords : ClickN KIDS, technology loving children, children’s knowledge is more extensive,

Category : Home and Family : Babies

Print this Article Send to Friend