I’m a total tech geek, I love the digital world we live in, but it as a parent my kids being educated about the internet, being online, socializing, shopping, and making good decisions online is extremely important to me. I think it’s easy for our children to assume being online is totally safe, it’s the world they have grown up in, they see mom and dad on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, sharing pictures, and more online. There are so many great benefits of teaching children to make safe decisions online, and offline. Considerwhat the digital world has done for you! I know it’s helped me learn, grow, stay home with my children, connect with family and friends I lost touch with, allows family to see my family over video chat, helps make my life easier, as well as trips to the store, and o
We use digital technology is every aspect of life – from educational apps for kids and socializing to shopping and gaming – and it can open so many new and exciting opportunities for students when parents teach them how to be a safe digital user. I allow my children to use tech devices, because I feel there awesome ways a child can learn from technology.
I am all about teaching my children to use technology, and how to make good choices both online and offline. We use the internet every single day – Netflix, gaming, kids computer class at school, look up information about something we’re not sure about, sending important emails, I work online, sending my aunt pictures of the kids, sharing awesome pictures of the kids with my family and friends on Facebook, and it’s also made a huge difference in my kids lives.
My son has cerebral palsy, and technology has taken him to new places. He used to drool a lot, the doctors said he always would, when asked a question he only responded with yes or no, hand-eye coordination wasn’t great, he couldn’t spell his name, count to 10, or make it to C when saying his ABC’s. Until one day, I put my Kindle in a Ziplock bag to keep it from getting wet when he drooled, and let him watch a movie – that was the day his life started changing. He started asking to play with the Kindle all the time, and I started making him do little things before he could play with it because he was willing to try new things and push himself to play with the Kindle.
Here we are three years later, and my son doesn’t drool – not even a little – he can speak in whole sentences – which is great because he’s super funny, he spells his name, counts with his sister, and it’s awesome to hear him tell his sisters not to change the football game because he’s watching it. I honestly don’t think he would have advanced this much without technology. It’s because of educational apps for kids he can count, say his ABCs, spell his name, recognize letters, and it’s all been done in a safe environment for him. As parents we need to monitor our children’s time online, but I don’t feel we should keep it from them, because it can take them to places we never thought were possible.
Benifits of Teaching Children To Make Safe Decisions Online
There are tons of benefits of teaching children to make safe decision online, just as there is offline. By teaching them to be responsible online, we’re opening a new world for children to explore, learn, and grow from. Technology is already such a big part of our lives at work and school. Here are a few reasons I feel technology is a great tool for children.
Learn with Technology – Vayda went back to school with improved math and reading skills, because she worked hard over the summer to get better. We did all sorts of different activities, but when it came to math she learned better from an app we purchased and an online tool my sister-n-law recommended. She also took part in the Scholastic Reading Challenge this year, and most of the books she read were online. I’m proud of Vayda, she worked hard, and I’m thankful everything worked out because it was a great life lesson. Vayda learned that she can do anything she puts her mind too, she might just need to experiment and try new things to help herself learn along the way, and that there is nothing wrong with needing a little help – in this case the help was fun too!
Discover – Having access to the internet and understanding how to make good choices online gives children and adult’s access to information, videos, and tools we can only get because we have the internet. The amount of information on the internet is a powerful tool, and children can benefit from it when it’s used for good.
Communication – I traveled a lot this summer, and being able to communicate with my family in different ways made it easier. In the evenings, we used Skype, during the day we texted, and share pictures. It also allows the kids to stay connect with family and friends who don’t live within driving distance, which strengthens their relationship. My kids only get to see their Aunt twice a year if they are lucky, but they see her and talk her on Skype weekly.
Celebrate – Gosh, there are so many amazing ways to share special moments, whether it’s a video you share with family and friends or a photo and video sharing tool. When our loved ones are not able to be at a special event we can capture it, and share it with them right away. If you wanted you could invite them via Skype to sing happy birthday with you, and watch candles get blown out. Technology has allowed family to watch special events, which is important to not only them but the kids.
Information – There are times in our lives when we need information, but we don’t want to run and ask our parents, friends, or anyone else. I’ve been there, and information from other people online can help. Of course, we have to teach our children about making good online choices so they know how to find good information, things to believe, and remember it’s someone else’s options and not necessarily right. However, if you know how to be safe online, and make good decisions you can take advantage of endless amounts of information.
Motivating – My oldest daughter will get online and look for motivating and inspiring quotes when she is feeling down. They help her feel better about her situation, realize how good her life is, and helps her handle whatever is bothering her. Reading motivational quotes helps me too, it can be empowering, lifting, and eye-opening. On another note, technology is motivating my son to try new things, because he is a total tech geek like this mom. When he asks to play with the tablet 90% of the time I have him do something first, because I know he is motivated by the tablet.
School – Kids can go to school online, which in my opinion is great. I know a lot of adults who have been able to get degrees because of online classes. Once you have to work full-time, attending school can be difficult. It gives not only children, but adults who work the chance to go back to school.
Shopping – I know, you’re thinking shopping! Yes, I most certainly am, because we live in a small town, if I was to do shopping anywhere close to where we live we would all be wearing the same things as everyone else, lol. Plus, shopping online helps us save money, we find great deals, get to take advantage of sales, and my oldest daughter is a smart shopper. Over the summer we sat down to buy a few things, and I let her lead this time. WOW, she did great! Everything I daughter her, plus she even decided to buy from a store which was offering 20% discount, because of the discount. Of course they had cute clothing too, but I was proud of her for noticing the savings. Makes me proud, because she’s going to be moving out, and going to college in a few years. It helps me sleep better knowing she is leaving with a good head on her shoulders.
We live in a world filled with digital technology, teaching children internet safety is important. Regardless of the device, app, or social networking site we need to teach our children how to be safe online so they can use the internet for good, allows them to socialize, learn new skills, and learn how to #ShareAwesome!
The National PTA and LifeLock #ShareAwesome campaign
The National PTA and LifeLock have partnered to help educate families about how they can make safe internet decisions when using digital tools. It’s all about having a happy, healthy lifestyle, because everyone benefits when you #ShareAwesome.
The National PTA and LifeLock #ShareAwesome campaign seeks to build an understanding among parents and students, the app, device, or social networking site doesn’t matter – similar to being offline, it’s the skills needed to be safe and positive online. I totally agree, teaching children to make good choices online is just as important as offline, because all this technology is part of their life and they need to know how to use it wisely.
The #ShareAwesome campaign is to celebrate students and families who use digital media and tools for good – good for themselves, their family, their friends and the world.
Enter the #ShareAwesome Contest
The National PTA and LifeLock invite you , social media users to enter the #ShareAwesome Contest and share a smart and safe decisions, uplifting accomplishment, or positive action for the good of others using hashtag #ShareAwesome on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter!
“Snap a photo of an awesome moment in your day and share it on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram with the #ShareAwesome hashtag!
Students who enter the #ShareAwesome contest between September 15 – November 30, 2014 will have a chance to win fantastic prizes, including tablets and a $2,500 scholarship!”
Join us in celebrating students and families who use digital media and tools for good – good for themselves, their family, friends, and the world! Head over and enter The National PTA and LifeLock #ShareAwesome Contest Here.
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
