4 Ways to Teach Digital Discernment

How do we become proactive parents? How do we use parental responsibility? In an age when our children need more protection than ever, how can we keep our children safe? How can we prepare them for the future and their lives as adults? 

Awareness and open communication are paramount abilities in this situation. I’ve listed four ways to stay aware and communicative with your children in the 21st century.

• Stay in the know. 
• Remain aware and ask questions. 
• Communicate openly and honestly. 
• Practice acceptance and love. 

Knowledge = Power

These days, we need to stay in the know. What does this mean exactly? It means researching social media trends and platforms. What technology is appropriate and safe for children? It means using a discerning eye on children’s media. Currently, the Amazing Digital Circus is receiving negative feedback because of inappropriate and disturbing content, which could be harmful for kids. The show is rated TV-PG. This is why we must be aware. We need to protect our children from harmful content. 

Because of this, we must remain aware and continue to practice digital discernment and critical thinking. Also, ask your child questions about the content they consume. Ask questions, continue to research, and don’t be afraid to read or watch children’s media. 

Next, communicate openly and honestly with your child. Talk about media safety and discernment. Discuss your family’s values. Talk about your beliefs. Discuss the difference between protecting and sheltering. 

To conclude, practice acceptance that you can’t screen or shelter your child from everything. Somewhere, they will come into contact with troubling media. You can’t block everything, but having open conversations now and treating your child with respect will prepare them for this happenstance. They will encounter it with awareness and discernment–or they will learn to do so. By interacting with your child this way, you will show them love. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, stay in the know. Practice awareness. Ask questions. Communicate well. And practice acceptance and love. It’s not about sheltering…it’s about protecting your child from harmful content that doesn’t uphold your family’s beliefs or values. As such, having these open conversations will communicate love and trust to your child. It shows them that you believe they are capable of navigating these situations. This will prepare them for the future when they need digital discernment. After all, this process of preparation is the nutshell of homeschooling!

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- NxtEra

Written by Bethany (@thebookwormgirl_bethany)