Parenting is a challenge. It has never been an easy task. A difficult duty bound job especially for the tech savvy kids. The kids of today- Internet Generation, the name given to them is highly appropriate. They are definitely smart, intellectual, shrewd, trendy and stylish. Why not these kids are born and bought up surrounding the digital media. They aren’t like of bygone days. Today’s kids have grown up in the age of online communication, networking, the internet, cell phones, digital music and digital cable, they have had different childhood experiences compared with other generations.
Earlier in 1970’s or before the discovery of computers, kids used to juggle for homework’s and assignments, but no more. There is no need to worry about the projects as well. Now there is a magic wand (Internet) in their hands. It is easy to seek information and good enough to mail the friends easily.
And interestingly for play, kids don’t go to play grounds any longer. There are number of games available online. It’s free to play the games. Only an access to internet, a whole playground is at home. The games are easy, funny and related to academics. What more. You can create a classroom and enter by just clicking a mouse.
Unanimously, Internet is surely becoming an integral part of children’s life. Visiting the websites of favorite cable networks including Disney, Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network are common among kids between 6-14 years old or more. The online games build skills in math, logic, memory, vocabulary, alphabet, spelling, geography, computer skills, color identification, shape identification and other various problem solving.
But the tech savvy kids look up online for purely entertainment purpose. They are interested mainly in music, video games, movies, MP3 players, and celebrities. This makes them more likely to react differently than their older counterparts. No longer, teachers and books are the only sources of knowledge. The Computer Generation kids gain high amount of knowledge online. By browsing research skills are gained sophistically. The encyclopedias, journals, and the option of number of search engines are available. A whole new library, a world of information is a click away.
The most current information is available. It creates high-impact on educational activities for the tech savvy kids of any age group. Teachers or educators also assist information from internet. It is rather an aid to education and good to be techno-cordial. But some parents and educators believe that Internet is a sly dog for kids.
The top reason is social networking sites. Kids are seen spending a larger amount of time being computer friendly. The real-life relationships are taking back seat and Screen relationships are doing wonders. After school hours kids don’t go out for play or watch television now-a-days. They switch on the computer, log in to Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, Orkut etc.
Extremely in summer, the network really helps. The two months holidays are a long time for children to be away with friends. So the social networking sites are like a godsend, boon for those who want to get in touch with friends and stay up-to-date. What is going on with friends is important to them. Just by opening a website, you can communicate with friends no matter where you’re.
The social networking sites are detractors. Many teachers complain that the kids are attracted to the social networking sites only because it gives them a page of their own. The colors, themes, buzzing sounds, images, and avatars pull them towards these sites. There are no spelling and grammar rules and attention span of kids turns poorer. Furthermore it is said that these sites make kids prone to sensationalism and create emotional problems in later life.
But an Oxford University study argues that social networking has bad effects on the kids' intelligence - and the damage could be long-term and irrevocable. On the other hand, defenders are quick to point out that kids on social networking are increasing their social interaction while wiring their brains to adapt to new technology.
It is a denied reality, not known to many people that today’s tech savvy kids have redefined their position in the family and are, more and more, acting as cyber-assistant to parents - they’re shopping and placing online orders for the family and themselves, according to a new study. And I agreed upon parents who sometimes feel outpaced by their technologically savvy kids.
Parents need to teach and help kids to stay safer as they socialize online. Talking to the kids is the foremost step any parent can take.
- Tell the child what information is personal and public.
- Display of any picture of their own in the profile or sharing of phone numbers or address could be harmful. Explain them.
- Talking with strangers especially the sex talk should be avoided. Warn them
- Discuss about the cyber bullying in their presence.
- Set the privacy settings to restrict.
In addition to what I said, Symantec has announced the launch of a new family safety service; 'OnlineFamily.Norton' and a new online tool, 'Norton 360 Cyber Safety Index', to help parents better manage their kids online. It is a cool idea. The parents can make use of this tool to protect their kids from online predators.
The Norton 360 CSI, available at www.norton360csi.com, is an online survey that helps parents to gain a better understanding of their families' online risks profile and assess their protection levels and threat savviness. Upon completion of the online questionnaire, parents will be provided with a report that identifies their cyber safety index rating, as well as relevant safety tips and advice tailored to their risk profile. They can eye their child by viewing reports which shows thumbnails of the Web sites their children visit. It is easy and convenient. They can also choose to receive e-mail reports about select activities.
Being a parent, it is good if you restrict the child. But stopping them to use internet just because some XYZ had been a victim is wrong. It can cause more harm than good. Talk and explain ‘what is good and what is bad’. Leave the rest in their hands. The internet savvy kids are more updated than the others. Let the children utilize the opportunities of being born in a digital age, as the future life is gonna be more technical. So better, the parents bridge the bridge the cyberspeak generation gap and walk together with the children of today.
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