As a parent of a tech-savvy kid, you know that it can be tough to keep up with their online activity. But it's important to remember that your kids are still kids, and they still need your guidance and support. Even if they're tech-savvy, they still need you to help them navigate the online world. As a general rule of thumb, engage with them early and often with the principles I am about to share.
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Here are eight ways to build trust with your tech-savvy kids:
1. Be honest with them.
One of the best ways to build trust with your kids is to be honest with them. This means being honest about your own technology use, and being honest about the risks and dangers of online predators and cyberbullying. It also means being honest about your own fears and concerns about their online activity.
For example, you could tell your kids about the time you were scammed online, or how you once accidentally sent a private message to the wrong person. This will help them understand that even adults make mistakes, and that it's important to be careful online.
2. Set rules and expectations.
It's important to set rules and expectations for your kids' online use that are clear and agreed upon. This includes rules about screen time, rules about what they can and can't do online, and rules about who they can and can't talk to online. It's also important to make sure that your kids understand the consequences of breaking the rules.
For example, you could set a rule that your kids can only use social media for an hour a day, or that they can't talk to strangers online. You could also make the rule that if they break the rules, they'll lose their online privileges for a week.
3. Be involved in their online lives.
One of the best ways to build trust with your kids is to be involved in their online lives. This means talking to them about what they're doing online, and asking them questions about their online friends and activities. It also means being there for them when they need help, and being willing to listen to their concerns.
For example, you could ask your kids to show you their social media accounts, or you could ask them to teach you how to use their favorite apps. You could also talk to them about the things they're seeing online, and help them understand what's safe and what's not.
4. Show them that you trust them.
One of the best ways to show your kids that you trust them is to give them some freedom with their online use. This may mean letting them use social media, and letting them watch videos online in a graduated, age appropriate manner. It also means letting them explore the internet on their own with the appropriate parental controls in place.
Of course, you'll want to set some ground rules first. But by giving your kids some freedom, you'll show them that you trust them to make good decisions online.
5. Be there for them when they make mistakes.
Everyone makes mistakes, and our kids are no exception. If your kids make a mistake online, be there for them. Don't punish them, but instead help them learn from their mistakes.
For example, if your kids post something embarrassing online, you could help them take it down. You could also talk to them about why it's important to be careful about what they post online.
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You shouldn’t always be punishing them…help them learn from their mistakes.
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6. Be a role model.
Kids learn by watching the adults in their lives. If you want your kids to be safe online, it's important to model safe online behavior yourself. This means being careful about what you post online, and being careful about who you interact with online.
For example, you could avoid posting personal information online, or you could avoid talking to people you don't know. You could also talk to your kids about your own online safety practices.
7. Talk to other parents.
Talking to other parents can help you get advice and support on how to deal with your kids' online activity. It can also help you learn about the latest trends and risks online.
There are many online forums and support groups where you can talk to other parents. You can also find parenting websites and blogs that offer advice on online safety.
8. Get help if you need it.
If you're struggling to deal with your kids' online activity, or if you're worried about their online safety, don't hesitate to get help. There are many resources available to parents, including online resources, books, and support groups.
You can also talk to your child's pediatrician or a mental health professional. They talk to your child's pediatrician or a mental health professional. They can help you assess your child's online risk and develop a plan to keep them safe.
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In conclusion, there are many things you can do to build trust with your tech-savvy kids. By following these tips, you can help them stay safe online and make sure that they know that you're there for them.
If you found this blog post helpful, please subscribe to my blog for more parenting tips in the modern era. I'll be sharing more helpful tips on how to raise happy and healthy kids in the digital age.
Warmly, Matthew
Therapist, parent, and tech analyst. mftheake@gmail.com
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