In celebration of this year’s Digital Parenting Week, Francisca Akajuru, the Chief Operating Officer of Robota STEM Training, shared her insights on the complexities of digital parenting and its transformative impact on family dynamics. She discussed key questions surrounding these issues and provided expert perspectives on each.

Francisca emphasized how significantly the digital landscape has changed parenting in recent years. “The rise of smartphones, tablets, and computers has brought forth a range of new challenges and opportunities. While technology offers educational resources, communication tools, and entertainment options, it also introduces risks like cyberbullying, online predators, and excessive screen time. Parents are tasked with navigating this intricate territory, needing to balance the benefits of technology with its potential pitfalls,” she noted.

When asked what healthy habits parents can promote to manage excessive screen time, she responded, “Parents can foster healthier screen habits by setting limits on screen usage, creating designated device-free zones, and modeling responsible digital behavior themselves. It’s also vital to engage children in offline activities that encourage both physical and mental wellness. Furthermore, utilizing parental control tools can aid in managing screen time and controlling access to content.”

Francisca also identified the most significant online risks facing children today and offered advice for parents on how to tackle these challenges. “The primary online risks for kids include cyberbullying, online predators, and exposure to inappropriate content. Parents can confront these risks by educating their children about online safety, keeping an eye on their online activities, and employing parental control software. Establishing open communication and building trust are essential to preventing these issues,” she asserted.

She placed particular emphasis on the critical issue of cyberbullying, which has emerged as a significant topic in digital parenting discussions. “Cyberbullying is a serious concern in today’s digital parenting landscape, with the potential to have harmful effects on children’s mental health and overall well-being. Parents can support their children by teaching them empathy, kindness, and proper online etiquette. Having open dialogues and offering support is crucial when dealing with incidents of cyberbullying,” she explained.

On the subject of parental control tools and their effectiveness in ensuring online safety, as well as the appropriate age for children to start or stop using them, she remarked, “Parental control tools can be helpful for ensuring online safety, but they are not infallible. They can assist in managing screen time, filtering content, and restricting access to specific websites. The appropriate age for introducing or removing parental controls largely depends on the child’s maturity and online behaviors. It’s important for parents to have candid discussions with their children about online safety and to adapt parental controls as needed.”

In her closing thoughts, Francisca pointed out the ever-evolving nature of the digital landscape and the necessity for parents to remain informed about emerging trends and issues. “Recent developments include the rise of artificial intelligence, deepfakes, and the profound influence social media has on young people’s self-esteem and body image. Parents need to be aware of these challenges and take proactive steps to safeguard their children from potential harm,” she concluded.