It can be challenging to set up boundaries with children around digital media because of how prevalent and enticing it can be. The following are a few suggestions to make it easier for parents.
1. Open Communication
It is important to have open communication about Digital media because this will allow your child to feel comfortable speaking with you about concerns or questions they may have. Letting your child know there are things online they may encounter that are strange or uncomfortable and you would like them to talk to you about them can open a line of communication. It is important to emphasise that they will not get in trouble for speaking with you.
2. Spend time on Digital media together
Spending time together on social media allows you to get a good understanding of the content that your children are engaged in. It will also foster more opportunity to help your children navigate content and conversations. It is also an excellent way to connect with them and understand what is valuable to them.
3. Model Behaviors you would like to see
Children learn the most through modeling behaviors. If you would like your children to have healthy boundaries with digital media, you need have the same expectations for yourself. Discuss how social media impacts you and why you have chosen to interact with it the way that you do. Spend time with your children without digital media to model to them that they can experience fun without it.
4. Create Clear Boundaries and Expectations
It can be difficult to maintain boundaries if they are not clear and direct. It can be helpful to have clear discussions about how long, when and where social media can be used. When creating boundaries, you are more likely to get your children to buy in if you emphasize what they can do verses what they are not allowed to do. Children are also more likely to respect boundaries if they are consistent. It can be difficult to establish boundaries at the beginning because children my push back more to see how serious you are about them. If you are consistent, they will understand that it is a clear and firm boundary.
5. Provide Alternative Options
When trying to create boundaries with digital media it is helpful to have good alternatives so you can redirect them in a positive direction. Creating a list of alternative activities with children that they are excited to do can be a great resource they can use.
Please contact us at the Airdrie Counselling Centre if you have any questions or would like more information/support in setting up boundaries with digital media
About the author of the article:
Adriana Schmidt, MA, Registered Psychologist
Adriana is a registered psychologist in Alberta who currently works for the Airdrie Counselling Centre. If you would like to see Adriana’s profile or book an appointment with her, please click on the link below.
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