Parenting the Digital Generation

Today’s kids are what we call the digital generation. They are born digital into a media-rich, networked world of the Internet. They have been nicknamed digital natives having been born during or after the introduction of digital technology. Their digital lifestyle is not only about uber-cool techie gadgets but rather the engagement, creativity, self-directed learning and empowerment. They have a greater understanding of the concepts of digital technology which digital immigrants like their parents of the Generation X. The barrage of digital technology is shaping who they are and who they will become. Some parents cannot understand whether that these children live in a different world and speak a different language. And in order that we are able to nurture them we need to understand what makes up their world, what language they speak and be ready to move forward.

The digital landscape where our children live is not our enemy. The digital technology that makes them tick is not the enemy. But if we do not learn to understand it, we may never be able to shrink the gap or the tech-culture that divides parents and children. Parents before used to talk to their kids while making dinner or over dinner. Now with both parents needing to be both in work clothes for long hours limit their interaction with their children. But experts believe that it is important that parents take the time to be active in their children’s online life because life in the digital world is as dangerous as the outside world. And it is imperative that parents are also able to guide their children toward digital citizenship. Parents should also protect them and teach them how to protect themselves from unsuitable and inappropriate content and people. Of course, it would be best if they are also active in team sports with their own team wear in order that they have a balanced life. That would allow your children interaction with real live children as well and not only digital or online friends.

Parents should sit down with their children, whether they are still in their work clothes or not, when their children setting up their social media accounts. Do a little research to find out which social network sites that are the best for children. Studies have shown that 75% of seventh through 12th graders replied that they had a profile on a social media site where children shouldn’t legally be like Facebook and MySpace. There are age appropriate social networks were you can help your children set up accounts. Parents simply cannot lock out their children from the social web as they will be doing an educational and cultural disservice. Still, they cannot allow them too much time online as too much social media can be a distraction. Parents should be able to give their children a balance. Children should be guided to other interest and the best balance would be an active one like sports. It really does not matter whether they would need to wear a team wear or not. What is more important is the balance it will give your child.