Top Tech Tips for Families? (part 2)

Last Friday, we posted the first five tips from our friends at Higher Ground Family helping parents stay informed and involved with their children's use of technology. Here are their final tips to keep you plugged in with your kids on this important topic.

• Stress the importance of security with the technology they are using. Children should NEVER submit any personal information online unless they’ve checked with you first. Some websites require an email address and first or last names. Explain the dangers of sharing usernames and passwords with others.

• Additionally, ensure that your computer software is up-to-date.  This includes the updates for the operating system as well as a firewall and virus and spam protection. Some popular virus/spam programs are www.symantec.com, www.norton.com, and www.mcafee.com. A free virus/spamware program can be found at free.avg.com.
• Utilize and teach your children how to safely use technology tools like Blogging and Skype to keep in touch with family members across the globe. Show your children technology can be used for good!
• Don’t allow your child to just “surf” the web. Ensure that there is a purpose for them being online, whether it be for connecting with friends, edu-tainment (educational entertainment), or research for school. There are many child-friendly search engines like quinturakids.com, gogooligans.com, and askkids.com.  Keep ALL internet-capable devices (computers, cell phones, Play Station Portables (PSP), Nintendo DSi, iPads, iPods etc.) in a public place in your home. Some devices have controls in the settings area that can limit or eliminate the Internet capability of the device. This will ensure accountability on everyone’s part. It will be especially helpful if you model this behavior yourself as well.

and the Number 1 Tech Tip is….

Turn EVERYTHING off and enjoy spending time with your family! Go on a bike ride or walk around your home or neighborhood. Find a high-interest family book (ask your local librarian for recommendations), and sit down and read aloud to your children, or take turns reading to each other. Pull out the old dusty Monopoly box from the closet and play a game. Kick a ball around the back yard. Get a gallon of paint and change the color of their bedroom. Take your child fishing. Go to a park. Just do something together. That’s what your child wants and needs more than anything else from you…your time.

Bonus tip: Be aware if your child starts to remove himself or herself from technology. If they used to spend a lot of time on the computer and suddenly want nothing to do with it, you need to ask questions. They could be involved with cyber-bullying or have a predator stalking them. There could also be a sin issue like pornography that they are fighting. They could be trying to distance themselves from the problem thinking they can overcome it on their own. Typically a child cannot do this one their own. They need your support, involvement, and protection!