Here are five tips for a good education for boys and girls in the use of ICTs.
Helping and advising him in the process is one of the educational challenges of our time, a duty for the educational community.
As we mentioned in the first part of this article, we show you five ways to face these new educational challenges, for which we need to be prepared and informed.
1. Taking the first steps together. It's essential to accompany your child during their first encounter with technology or the internet. Establish that the computer or tablet is always in a common area of the house, browse together when they need to search for information, and be present when they use any device to supervise their behavior, show interest in what they're doing, offer advice, and guide their use. This fosters a shared activity instead of contributing to the isolation that technological devices often lead to.
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2. Establish rules beforehand. As with any area of a child's life, rules are essential when it comes to using technology and the internet, and these should be clearly established beforehand. Decide when they can use the computer or tablet for leisure, how much time they can spend using them each day, whether it's during the week or on weekends. Communicate these rules to your child and explain that they must always ask your permission first.
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3. Explain the dangers. It's important to be aware that the internet isn't like TV, which is regulated. This means the online content a child can access is virtually limitless and often inappropriate for their age. Furthermore, they can make mistakes: discovering personal information, chatting with strangers, uploading photos, making purchases or payments... We must give them basic safety advice and make them understand that they should ask an adult if they have any questions or if they encounter a situation, image, or person that makes them feel uncomfortable.
4. Create spaces and times to disconnect. It's not about banning the use of devices or the internet, but technological leisure should only be part of a child's or teenager's entertainment. Engage in activities that don't directly involve technology, both at home and outdoors: traditional games or board games, outings to the countryside, cooking together as a family, crafts, sports, reading, etc. In addition, you can establish specific times at home when absolutely no one can use the computer, mobile phone, or tablet; for example, while sitting at the table, in the evenings, or during family chats on the sofa. This way, we can avoid problems related to... dependence or addiction.
5. Be a good example. Apply your own rules for technology use. This will help you use the internet and electronic devices responsibly, and, moreover, it will teach your child the importance of disconnecting. Avoid letting them see you constantly using your phone or tablet, or in front of a computer. Children imitate and learn by example.
The development and proper use of technology have led to great advances. However, as with everything in life, misuse and excessive consumption can lead to serious health problems. Therefore, it is one of the major educational challenges we must address, and it should be relevant to both young people and adults.
At Explora Natura, our aim is to show children through our activities. a different way to have fun healthier and at the same time allows for practical learning about our natural environment.
