As technology continues to evolve, it becomes increasingly interconnected with kids and teens, making it no 
surprise that digital devices are at the top of holiday gifts to receive. With the increase of technology in your child’s life, comes a need for privacy protection and technology safety reminders. While technology is a great way to stay connected and gives kids a new way of entertainment, it can also pose a threat to their privacy and safety.
If your child received a tech gift over the holidays, keep these tips in mind:
- Make sure you have fast, reliable internet
- As you add more devices to your network, you’re going to need more bandwidth to keep up with them.
- Verse yourself on all of the available parental controls on the device.
- Create a tech agreement to share with your child that will outline the boundaries and expectations around their online behavior.
Technology evolves rapidly, and so do online threats. Stay informed on the latest trends, apps and potential risks associated with digital devices. You can create a healthy and secure digital environment for your children. Embrace the positive parts of technology while safeguarding your child’s privacy and well-being in this ever-evolving digital age.
Healthy Digital Habits
During the holidays, kids may have received some tech-based gifts, so it’s important for parents to remind their children of healthy digital habits during and after the holidays. With school going on break it’s easy for parents to ease up on rules within the household. Here are a few rules to keep in mind:
Consuming Content Together
It’s likely parents don’t understand the platforms or games that children and teens like to use. The holidays are a perfect time to bond as a family by consuming and learning about digital content together. Set aside time while kids are out of school to allow your child to tell you about their favorite apps or show you how to play their favorite online games. This will help you, the parent or guardian, better understand the platforms they are using and open the opportunities for conversions with your kids.
Take a Tech Break 
Carve out time where your family can enjoy some tech-free activities, like making dinner time a “tech-free” zone. There may be opportunities to get outside together without technology, like taking the family dog for a walk.
Access, Not Ownership
If your child has been gifted a smart phone during the holidays, keep in mind the rule: access, not ownership. Ease them into the responsibility of owning and operating technology by teaching them to be responsible in the digital world, knowing how to navigate online risks appropriately. Ensure they can demonstrate that they can keep themselves and others safe online, showing they can respectfully speak to others online, and show they can set healthy screen time boundaries.
Keep your technology rules in place even after the holidays to keep yourself and kids safe online. Remember to consume content together, take breaks and remind your child of healthy digital habits.