In the shopping malls, while traveling, and at any waiting place for that matter, what do you see?
Of course, kids with heads dipped into mobile phones.
No wonder Parenting in the digital age seems like a challenge. With endless apps & data at their fingertips children are growing up in a world totally different from the one their parents knew.
How do we, as parents and educators, navigate these digital barriers?
How can we ensure children take the best of technology & avoid its pitfalls?
Thoughtful guidance and counseling in schools & the right support at home can significantly help in steering the kids toward progress. Some of the top international schools such as Queen Mira in Madurai have been pioneers in introducing initiatives to address ‘responsible digital literacy’
Read on to explore the do’s and don’ts of digital-age parenting to make sure young minds retain their curiosity & also learn mindful use of technology.
Effective Digital Parenting Practices.
- Model healthy technology use.
Are you checking your phone during family dinners or bedtime? Be mindful because children learn by watching. Show them that technology has its time and place.
2. Engage with their online world.
Ask your children open-ended questions like:
- What apps/games do you enjoy, and why?
- Have you seen anything online that made you uncomfortable?
Understanding your child’s digital habits can help instil trust and ensure they feel comfortable to open up about their concerns with you.
3. Set boundaries from the beginning.
Set clear guidelines for screen time, online privacy, and content suitability as soon as they begin using a mobile.
Tools like parental controls can help, but open dialogue is even more important.
Related: Do you know of these top private schools in Madurai with international accreditation?
Beyond Classroom Learning at the Best School in Madurai. Ready to Witness?
Click on ‘Enquire now’ to hear from our academic counsellor.
4. Encourage critical thinking
When kids learn to question what they see/read online, they automatically learn to discriminate.
Is it factual? Reliable? These are the questions they must ask when they read something bizarre.
With proper guidance and counseling in schools, students will stay aware of the techno harms.
5. Partnering with Schools
Guidance and counseling in schools play an essential role in shaping digital behavior.
QMIS which is one of the best CIS accredited schools in India has a counseling team that works closely with parents, offering meetings, workshops, and personalized feedback to address digital challenges.
The Mistakes to Avoid: Common Pitfalls.
- Do not overreact to mistakes.
If your child trips, whether it is oversharing online or falling for a scam, as a parent you must patiently respond.
Over-reacting can push them inside a shell, from where they will stop sharing their thoughts & concerns.
2. Don’t use technology to babysit your child.
It can be tempting to hand over a tab/mobile during your busy moments, but prolonged screen time is indirectly eating away your engagement with your child.
This can hinder their social and emotional development.
3. Do not assume they know everything.
Just because they spend their time drowned inside a mobile does not mean they are digitally wise.
Discuss topics like cyberbullying, privacy, and the dangers of oversharing, with them.
4. Don’t ignore red flags.
Do you notice changes in your child’s mood?
Are they turning secretive or showing signs of withdrawal while using their devices?
These can be signs of online issues like inappropriate content exposure or bullying.
5. Do not hesitate to get help.
Do you think Parenting is a solo journey?
When you search for CBSE schools near me, you will find that some of the top international schools in India have exclusive teams to support the emotional wellness of their students.
Regular & tailored guidance and counselling can turn around your child’s mindset & behaviour, positively.
QMIS benchmarks guidance and counselling in schools
Queen Mira International School in Madurai stands by integrity & excellence. The school believes, engaging the parent community in all their events & initiatives can help achieve students’ overall progress.
How does QMIS make it happen?
- An exclusive counselling & guidance committee
- Regular parent-teacher review meets.
- Interactive Counselling Programs
- Engaging activities.
QMIS recognizes technology’s weighty influence on education and a student’s progress.
So, the school
- Empowers its students to use technology responsibly while fostering strong parent-school collaboration.
- Exclusive Digital Citizenship Committee to monitor, teach, and assist students with the knack to handle digital dangers.
- Their holistic teaching methods integrate the curriculum with digital literacy and values.
- Encourages students to explore the techno wonders & innovate at the Robotics & Digital Lab.
- Grants access to interactive digital lessons, assignments & resources, to help students stay ahead.
How are you preparing your child to thrive in a world dominated by technology?
Are you their guide, mentor, and sounding board, or simply an observer?
As a CIS accredited school, it believes every child deserves a strong support system both at home and school.
Visit the school website to learn how QMIS encourages open communication and equips their students with essential life skills to create responsible digital citizens.
