Kids, Screens, and Trust: Safeguarding Your Child Online Without Straining Your Relationship
Kids, Screens, and Trust: Safeguarding Your Child Online Without Straining Your Relationship
How can you ensure your child’s online safety? How can you prevent phone addiction and understand its causes? How do you strike a balance between safety and freedom? In collaboration with A1, we had a conversation with psychologist and blogger Sergey Yangibayev. He addressed these and other questions that concern many parents.
About the Club of Responsible Influencers
In honor of Universal Children’s Day on November 20th, A1, along with the Belarusian Children’s Fund and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), launched the second season of the Club of Responsible Influencers “You Online”. This initiative aims to raise awareness about responsible influence on social media and create a safe online environment.
Online Dangers and Psychological Aspects
Many parents believe that if their child is at home, they are safe. However, even while physically present in their room or with their parents, a child can encounter dangerous situations online. These can include cyberbullying, scammers, unwanted or harmful content, or developing a psychological dependence on their phone. There are numerous dangers, each with its own methods of prevention. However, they all share one crucial component: the psychological aspect.
Expert Opinion: Sergey Yangibayev, Psychologist, Blogger
Sergey Yangibayev shares his insights on why people, especially teenagers, are so attached to their phones:
- Escape from Reality: When life is full of difficulties, people find relief in the virtual world. Online, they can be someone else and avoid real-life problems.
- Sense of Power and Significance: Phones give the illusion of being in multiple places at once, communicating with anyone, and receiving likes and comments, which can make one feel in control.
- Instant Information: Phones provide immediate updates on the lives of loved ones, acquaintances, or people of interest, creating a false sense of control and efficiency.
- Confirmation of Fears or Positivity: People often unconsciously seek information that either confirms their fears or reassures them that everything is fine. This is particularly important for anxious individuals.
Yangibayev advises parents to understand the underlying reasons for their child’s phone attachment. Instead of prohibiting phone use, parents should engage in open conversations to identify and address the root causes of their child’s behavior.
Avoiding Conflicts Over Gadgets
To prevent conflicts related to gadgets, it’s essential to establish healthy relationships with phones as tools rather than toys or bargaining chips. Here are some tips:
- Agree on Rules Together: Rules about phone use should be discussed and agreed upon with the child, especially if they are in their pre-teen or teenage years. This collaborative approach ensures that the child’s voice is heard and respected.
- Consistent Rules for the Whole Family: Rules should apply to all family members. Parents should set a good example and avoid behaviors they prohibit in their children.
- Flexible Rules: Rules should be adaptable and considerate of different situations. Open communication and mutual respect are key to making these rules effective.
