If you’re like most parents you’ve got some form of limitations, rules, and guidelines in place for electronics. But have you ever formerly sat down and discussed them? What about if you’re divorced? Does the coparent understand and abide by the same rules?
Having The Smart Talk with your kids explains it all and after signing a mutually agreed upon ruleset everyone is more likely to abide by them.
The Smart Talk
Having The Smart Talk wasn’t awkward at all thanks to the digital tool created by LifeLock and the National PTA. It is a new, free resource for families that helps parents have clear conversations with their kids about using technology.
The tool lets you pick a topic and then allows you to set up rules WITH your child. By agreeing to the terms as they’re being made, everyone is more likely to stick to them.
Chesney and I focused a lot on screen time as this is a topic we both have issues with. Between laptops, desktops, televisions, iPods, iPads, phones, Kindles… it seems we’re always looking at some sort of screen.
We negotiated a bit and decided a maximum of 2 hours a day was reasonable for her. We were both satisfied with this and agreed that she would keep up with how long she’s on her devices or in front of a screen.
Also included in this contract was where the devices are stored while not in use, the times they are allowed, and who is in charge of keeping track of the time. She knows that these will be the same rules at her Dad’s house. (Thankfully, her dad and I have an excellent relationship and he’s totally on board with these rules too.)
Once everything is set, you print and sign a ‘contract.’
You know it’s serious when she sticks her tongue out. ;P
We hung our official family agreement on the fridge to remind us to uphold our deal. We even printed an extra copy for her dad to sign and hang on his fridge.
Developing a healthy relationship with an online lifestyle is important for everyone; especially kids. Personally, I can get completely lost in the world wide web and it scares me to think where kids end up if uneducated or unsupervised.
Kids are spending countless hours using devices and on the Internet–92 percent of teens report going online daily, with 24 percent of those teens going online “almost constantly.” –Pew Research Center
Visit the Smart Talk site to check out the online safety resources and create your own personalized family contract to encourage healthy digital habits.
Which part of online safety is your biggest concern?
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
I am so stressed about what the kids are going to see online that I don’t even let my kids use it yet. There is so much bad stuff out there, you know?
vickie couturier says
im worried about pedifiles
Brittany says
I need to do this. My oldest likes to watch YouTube videos and it scares me because you never know what pops up!
Dawn says
At my son’s age, my biggest concern is inappropriate pictures being shared across devices. I like to think that he’d never do such a thing, though.
Chelley @ A is For Adelaide says
This is so stressful! My kids are only 3 and 1, but I know things will only get worse- I am dreading it!
Jeanette says
When my son gets to this age I will have something like this. I think that kids need guidelines when it comes to the internet!
Kelly Hutchinson says
My kids are online just about 24/7. This would be perfect for our family.
Aubrey says
Great ideas. I try to do this with my kids. I haven’t done the contract. Maybe that’s what’s missing since my kids break curfew and rules all the time.
Shauna says
Oh my goodness, this is genius. Right now, I have my Little Mans chrome book set that he can’t access websites without approval, but this seems so much easier. I am totally looking into this.
Valerie says
I like that this sets you up with a contract. There is no better way to let kids know you are serious!
Donna says
I talk to my son about the dangers online. I think this would be a good way to reinforce our talks though!
Crissy Page says
So important in today’s world. This is definitely a talk I’ll be having with my kids in the near future.
Cathi says
This is an awesome way to talk straight up with children of all ages. I can’t wait to share this with my grandchildren.
Ann Bacciaglia says
This is a great way to talk to your kids about online safety. I am so lucky my kids were older when the internet became popular.
Tammi Roy says
Online safety is so important. I am always worried about predators trying to lure the kids somewhere. We have had many talks about staying safe online.
LauraOinAK says
I need to have The Smart Talk with a few of my boys. They seem to have forgotten house rules lately (especially the now 18 year old who thinks he’s above it all.) Safety on the internet is not a joking matter.
Liz Mays says
It’s so awesome that you had a serious discussion and a contract rather than just locking everything up. I think that is way more effective.
Sabrina @ Dinner, then Dessert says
It’s important to set ground rules and just as important to enforce them! You have to protect your kids!
dawn says
the internet is awesome, but it can also be very scary. it is good to do our best to keep the babies safe.
Ourfamilyworld says
The twins are still very young and I’m concerned about inappropriate pictures that’s been going around the internet.I will check out the Smart Talk website.
Wendy @ ABCs and Garden Peas says
My kids are still young, but I do worry about the possibility of internet predators, or something popping up that they don’t need to see. The internet can be great but also scary. It’s important to always be aware of what your kids are viewing.