Has your school been shut down because of Covid-19? Your Child is going to spend a lot more time online. Are you ready?

COVID-19 is shutting schools down and discouraging public gatherings, which means students will be online more often connecting with friends and school remotely. Most parents think since their child is not in school, the online drama will calm down. Unfortunately, this is not the case. With less structured time, online issues ramp up. Increased screen time is also a significant issue. Here are some things to go over with your child to help create a safe online experince while we wait for the COVID-19 issues to subside.

Revisit the Technology Contract

80% of parents have never discussed Internet safety with their child. Talking to thousands of parents every year, I have learned parents are not having this vital talk with their child because they do not know what to say. The number one safety factor in any child’s life is a parent that will speak to them about necessary, and sometimes tricky topics like Internet safety, bullying, drug use, vaping, etc. The Mobile Device and Internet Contract is a parent’s script to opening a meaningful conversation about cyber safety with their child. Read each point to them, and then ask them to share their thoughts about it. Ask open-ended questions like, “Why do you think this is a good idea,” or “what could happen if you let a stranger into your Instagram account?”

Use Screen Time Limits

Teens who spent more time on new media (screens) were more likely to report mental health issues than those who spent time on non-screen activities. A 2017 study found kids who spent three hours or more a day on smart ...