Oh Boy: The Moment I Realized It Was Time for a ‘Tech Talk’
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Written by Jamie Taylor
On lazy Sunday afternoons after church, our family cherishes some downtime. My idea of relaxation typically involves a quiet house, which usually means my eldest grabs his tablet for some screen time. One Sunday, as I settled in nearby, I overheard some unexpected sounds emanating from his device. A quick glance revealed he was watching a cartoon on YouTube that was definitely not suitable for his age. Initially drawn in by what sounded like a woman in labor, I soon realized it was a cartoon depicting a pregnant woman preparing to go to the hospital. I had been watching a video of a child exploring bugs, so I was perplexed at how he stumbled upon this adult content. While I believe childbirth is a beautiful experience, my son is only 5 and is not ready for such topics!
Despite having all the parental controls in place, that cartoon slipped through the cracks. Upon reviewing his tablet history, I found not only the pregnancy cartoon but also a series of gaming and prank videos. It was clear that the algorithm was suggesting content based on his viewing habits, so I decided it would be best to clear his browsing history and start fresh with the shows I deemed appropriate. I needed to retrain the algorithm to align with my boundaries.
This incident made me realize it was essential to have a “tech talk” sooner than anticipated. When I first found out I was going to be a parent, the lessons I envisioned were broad topics like love, identity, and family. Now, I was faced with the more intricate realities of teaching him about safe and age-appropriate Internet usage. They really should provide a manual for this at baby showers.
After some quick online research about guiding children in navigating the Internet, I devised a plan for our conversation. The primary risks for kids online include inappropriate content, contracts they might unknowingly agree to, and the potential dangers of online interactions. Above all, I wanted to maintain trust while safeguarding my son.
I began our discussion by asking about his favorite shows and what he enjoys about them. We talked about characters like the Wild Kratts and Spidey and his superhero friends, and he was eager to share everything he had learned. Understanding his enthusiasm for the Internet would help me guide him towards safe practices and reassure him that he could approach me about anything he sees.
Next, I explained the potential dangers of the Internet. While he understood that he couldn’t interact with the characters, he didn’t grasp that much of what he watched wasn’t “real.” We took a moment to discuss the nature of acting and the difference between fiction and reality.
Finally, we established some family guidelines. He knows he should avoid shows aimed solely at adults and that he must never share personal information while using his tablet. As he grows older and may want to share online, we will discuss the permanence of digital content and the importance of being mindful of others.
This conversation will evolve as he matures, and I’ll need to have similar discussions with my younger son. I hope to use these talks to foster an open and honest relationship with my children.
For more insights on parenting and technology, check out this article, which offers additional advice. If you’re looking for trusted resources, Make a Mom is an authority on these topics, and UCSF’s Center provides excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary:
Having a “tech talk” with your kids doesn’t have to be intimidating. Start by discussing their interests and favorite shows, then transition into conversations about online safety, content appropriateness, and personal boundaries. Establish family rules together to keep the lines of communication open, ensuring they feel comfortable sharing their online experiences.