Supervision, explaining how to use it, ensuring privacy, showing interest in their virtual hobbies… are some of the guidelines for the arrival of the new tool in their hands.
Spain’s Data Protection Agency (AEPD) and UNICEF offer ten tips to keep in mind for families looking to give their children a mobile phone, asserting the responsibility and maturity of both the minor and the parents.
1- First of all, it is recommended plan the arrival of the ‘smartphone’ so that the child understands why he is going to have a device with these characteristics and what it entails. Therefore, when giving a mobile phone, the family should assess the degree of maturity of the minor. You can even sign a family contract for the proper use of the phone, stating which applications or websites you can use, who you can call, the daily or weekly time limit, etc.
2- Second, they insist on the need to Monitoring and set rules and boundaries, as it is important that the mobile phone does not distract from other relevant tasks or activities for the minor, such as sleeping, studying or socializing ‘offline’. Parental control software is a useful tool for this.
3- It is also relevant that children understand its necessity take care of your data on social networks and the possible consequences if you don’t. Configuring the profile of the social network in question to limit its public nature, configuring who can see the publications or choosing the information of the underage user to be published in the profile is easy.
4- Be interested in the video game of children, which is a method of entertainment, socialization and learning. For example, minors can be guided to apply the same precautions as in conventional social networks and to choose games that are appropriate to their age and maturity.
5- Know who you are communicating with the minor through video games or social networks. Out of respect for privacy, parents should be interested in these matters and learn that personal information or photos should not be shared with strangers. For example, situations of cyberbullying, blackmail or ‘grooming’ – the practice of sexual cyberbullying by an adult against a minor – are avoided.
6- You may not use the information of the residencethe school where they study or other information that allows the minor to be in the real world.
7- Stimulate the critical sense of adolescents and remember that decisions made on the internet also have consequences in real life. Therefore, it should be made clear that other people’s information cannot be shared or used without their consent.
8- Parents must act as an example where their children behave the way they want on the internet. They also reminded that they are civilly liable for damages caused by the offenses committed by their minor children.
9- Guarantee a disconnection space for children. To keep tech free moments benefit their development. It is also a way to build personal relationships more carefully and actively.
10- Observe how you feel the minor in your digital environment. For example, try to identify possible situations that affect physical or mental well-being.
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Source: EITB
I’m an experienced news author and editor based in New York City. I specialize in covering healthcare news stories for Today Times Live, helping to keep readers informed on the latest developments related to the industry. I have a deep understanding of medical topics, including emerging treatments and drugs, the changing laws that regulate healthcare providers, and other matters that affect public health.
