As adults we struggle with the challenges of identity theft, PIN numbers being stolen, credit cards being swiped, hackers and more. If we find this an ongoing battle in the adult world, how much more so when our children enter that same world?
It is as though we give our youth and children keys to a large warehouse. This digital warehouse is so large we cannot see what is on the shelves. We cannot see what is even 10 feet in. It is uncharted territory for us, and certainly for our progeny. And we say, "Go play. Research away. Be safe. Lock the door when you are done."
Perhaps we need to rethink pervasive and limitless technology and our kids. Consider:
- all screen time monitored and public (what is "screen time"? : telephone/text, and tablets, TV, desktop computers, laptops...)
- minimizing screen time (characteristically what we think our kids are getting is about 1/2 of what they really are getting)
- exercise and family fun first, screen time last
- no screen time within two hours of bedtime
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