The use of tablets in children
Hello everyone!!!
Nowadays, children handle new technologies at an early age. And is that when a child sees a tablet right away he is curious about what it is and what he can discover in it.
You may like them because of the great offer that exists in the market, because their parents use them, because they learn or because they have games ... there can be many explanations that a child who likes a tablet can give you, and that is sure that they handle them well with little time that they have it in their hands.
Children and technology: Concern.
Already begin to have parents who are concerned about the use that their children do with tablets, either by the time spent managing them or the content they seek in them and beyond their control.
And is that for children to have a good responsibility they need parents to guide them in an appropriate way, especially in the time that must pass and how to use it.
Control the time of use of technology.
This is something that is clear, we must define a schedule for children to use the tablets, since an excessive use can have negative consequences. It is important that the child does not feel that it is an imposed schedule and that he must follow orders because then he will not understand why a schedule is imposed.
To do this, you must talk to him and agree on this schedule. Set between them a schedule of hours a week in which you can make use of the tablet. Of course, it is essential that its use is a small complement to other necessary activities that the child should perform according to their age, such as: reading, playing outdoors, studying, socializing with friends and colleagues, spending time and doing activities in family, etc.
The age of the child.
The age of the child is a very important condition to keep in mind for the control of the child with the tablet. The smaller the more control. When a child is a baby, it can not be negotiated and it is the parents who must provide a schedule and a stricter control. In addition, its use will always have to be in the company of the adult until the child is older.
Content of the apps It is very important to take into account the content of the apps. Because it is not the same an application designed for a child of twelve years, that another for a child of 6 that another for a child of a year and a half or a baby. We must be rigorous in the choice of content without missing association games, logic and memory games. In addition to taking into account the tastes of the child.
Educational tablets Making good use of these technologies has shown that tablets are an excellent learning tool because they are totally attractive for young students.
In addition, it helps them to develop within this world of ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) so important for their future, as they are increasingly involved in our society in any field.
How I guarantee security.
Viruses, Trojans, addiction, access to inappropriate content, contact with inadequate people ... Ugh! If your children are less than 6/7 years old, this is still a bit far away, but safety is basic. That's why I share with you this decalogue prepared by Kids and teens online, which I transcribe, "if you plan to give them a tablet (or other devices) keep in mind":
- Previously install an antivirus.
- Activate the password in the terminal in order to control the download of applications and purchases.
- Establish the time of use: that your children know the norm previously, and that the time is appropriate to the age (30 minutes are many for a baby of 2 years, and are few for a child of 9 who is doing a school project. ). It is not the same a working day as the weekend!
- It makes clear in what spaces and moments the use is NOT allowed, and from what time the screens are turned off.
- Set parental control
- That they get used to consult before uploading photos.
- Tell them it is dangerous to connect to public and free Wi-Fi networks.
- Explain how the screen is blocked so that nobody can access the contents.
- If you know social networks, check your privacy settings.
- It is important that they progressively understand the convenience of reading the conditions of use of the applications.
To finish and summarize: we coexist with technology, if you separate your children can become digital illiterates, but that does not mean that you have to buy your first and brand new tablet at 12 months. What I observe is still very much fear of the parents, many alerts from experts, and that could generate confusion, remember that nobody can make the decision for you, and do not forget that the presence of technology in our lives is not bad per se. In fact, if our species was not characterized by developing technological advances, we might not have reached the Neolithic.
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