Parenting When Tech Goes Sideways
Betweened is expertly-curated, family-friendly entertainment available on iOS and Android from Dr. Carla Engelbrecht, a product and content expert in educational technology. For more more thoughts on parenting thoughtfully with technology, sign up for our weekly(ish) newsletter.
If you’re like most parents, you’re worried about what your kids see online.
Inappropriate content 🚫👀
Misinformation 📰❌🤔
Bullying 🚫👊💬
Privacy invasion 🕵️👶🔒
Phishing 🎣💌💳
You’re right to be concerned. It’s not a matter of if your kid sees something inappropriate, but when. But it doesn’t have to be a disaster. "When Tech Goes Sideways: Strategies for Managing Digital Dilemmas" is our pilot workshop, as we’re deeply committed to empowering parents in their digital parenting journey. We’re collaborating with Dr. Marcie Beigel who’s committed to helping people love their families and lives more, especially through difficult circumstances during childhood and adolescence.
If (when) you discover your child gets into a digital dilemma, remember these steps:
Take a deep breath. Emotions may run high, but maintaining composure when connecting with your child about an incident is crucial for addressing the situation effectively.
Gather information. Initiate a dialogue with your child about their experience and conduct your own research to grasp the full extent of the issue. Do your best to approach the conversation with curiosity, not blame, shame or a harsh tone.
Address physical and mental needs. Ensure your child's safety and well-being. Address any immediate concerns and consider professional support if necessary.
Determine Action Steps. Depending on the situation, you may need to report the content, adjust parental controls, or have a discussion about online safety.
Create an ongoing check-in plan. Maintain open lines of communication with your child about their online experiences and safety measures to prevent future incidents.
The full video is here, or reach out if you’d like to be part of a free, live workshop.
Dr. Carla Engelbrecht is a highly-selective mom, product leader, and internationally recognized expert on children’s education and entertainment technology. As founder of Betweened, she's on a mission to transform social entertainment for kids and their families. If you haven’t already, sign up for the newsletter to get more articles like this or enjoy our free 60 minute video on how to manage when technology goes sideways.
