1. Screen Time Management
– Set Time Limits: Children should have limited and structured screen time. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than 1-2 hours of recreational screen time daily for young children.
– Create Tech-Free Zones: Establish specific areas where screens are not allowed, such as bedrooms or during mealtimes, to foster better habits.
– Monitor Usage: Use parental controls to track screen time and ensure apps and websites are age-appropriate. Discuss balancing online activities with offline play and rest.

2. Safe Sites and Apps
– Use Age-Appropriate Websites: Ensure children only access websites designed for their age group. Educational platforms like PBS Kids, National Geographic Kids, and CoolMathGames are great options.
– Activate Parental Controls: Most devices, browsers, and apps allow you to enable restrictions to block inappropriate content. Set these up and adjust filters as needed.
– Teach Critical Thinking: Help children understand what a “safe” website looks like. Look for trusted logos (like “https”), and explain why they shouldn’t click on random ads or pop-ups.

3. Stranger Danger Online
– Discuss “Online Strangers”: Just like in real life, kids should know not to talk to strangers online. Remind them never to share personal information like their name, address, school, or photos with anyone they meet online.
– Supervise Social Media & Gaming Chats: Many games and social platforms have built-in messaging. Explain the risks of interacting with unknown players or users, and use privacy settings to limit who can contact your child.
– Report Suspicious Behavior: Teach children to immediately tell a trusted adult if someone makes them uncomfortable online or asks for personal information.

4. Effects of Social Media on Body Image
-Monitor Exposure to Social Media: Even though most elementary students may not have social media accounts, they might still be exposed to it through family members or older friends. Explain that what they see online isn’t always real.
– Promote Positive Self-Esteem: Engage in conversations about body positivity and teach your child that their value comes from their character, not appearance.
– Limit Filters and Photoshopping: If they’re using apps like Snapchat, explain that filters and edited photos create unrealistic beauty standards.

5. Mental Health and Social Media
– Watch for Signs of Distress: Be mindful of how online interactions may affect your child’s emotions. Irritability, anxiety, or changes in behavior after using screens can be indicators of distress.
– Foster Open Communication: Create an environment where your child feels comfortable discussing what they see and experience online. Listen to their feelings about what they encounter and validate their emotions.
– Encourage Offline Activities: Promote hobbies and face-to-face friendships to help them build social skills and self-confidence, which can reduce reliance on social media for validation.

6. Digital Footprint Awareness
– Teach Online Permanence: Explain that what they post online could stay there forever, even if deleted. Help them understand the long-term impact of sharing information or images.
– Be a Role Model: Show them how to use the internet responsibly by being cautious of your own online sharing habits.

7. Cyberbullying Awareness
-Recognize the Signs: Teach your child what cyberbullying looks like and encourage them to report bullying or mean comments they may see or receive.
-Discuss Empathy: Talk to your child about how their words online can affect others, and encourage them to be kind and thoughtful when communicating digitally.

By following these tips, parents can help foster a healthy and safe digital experience for their elementary-aged children. It’s essential to maintain open conversations about internet use, regularly check in, and adapt as children grow and technology evolves.