#Parenting in the digital age can be a challenge. #TechParenting is the recognition that technology is part of modern life. As a #TechParent you actively engage in the digital world of your child, having discussions and offering guidance. Additionally, you are aware of potential challenges and the rich opportunities presented by the world of tech.
This was the focus of a recent twitter chat run by TV #Parenting expert Sue Atkins with myself Beverly Clarke as a special guest. I am a #TechWomen100 award winner who works as an education consultant, coach and author.
The #ParentingHour twitter chat featured six questions designed to better equip parents with tools for #TechParenting – during the hour there were contributions from others, working in education, the tech industry and of course parents!
So how do you equip yourself and make informed decisions? Here are a few discussion points from the twitter chat to help you support your child:
Question 1 – Over to you!
What would you add to the list below?
Please do share in the comments.
Question 2
Question 3
Question 4 – Parent and founder of FlipComputing, Rebecca Franks offered this resource to help support, conversation.
Question 5 – There were lots of resources recommended here, for example this highlight from https://www.rodocodo.com/ – a coding game suitable for primary aged pupils
Question 6 – This featured key takeaways from the twitter chat
Some of the key takeaways for me were the websites and resources shared and the opinions of others such as those from Oh Bot – whose product is a programmable robot head.
My hope is that this twitter chat helped to raise awareness of #TechParenting. I will close this blog with a few more tip tips to help support #Techparenting
- Monitor Content – use parental controls and keep an eye on what your child is viewing
- Screen Time Limits – establish healthy balance between online and offline activities
- Online Safety – talk to your child about online safety and what they do online
- Device in sight – ensure you can see what your child is doing online, devices in family rooms not hidden away in bedrooms
- Age appropriate games – check that the games your child is playing are age appropriate
- Reading – read books about technology with your child and discuss the storyline
- Hobbies – relate technology to their interests and encourage conversation about tech linked to their interests
I hope you enjoyed this whistle stop tour through the anatomy of a twitter chat.
What would you like to see featured on an upcoming #TechParenting hour?