Parenting myths have a way of persisting, especially when it comes to raising kids in today’s tech-driven world. Some of those myths include the belief that all screen time is bad for kids and that a child is safe online as long as they don’t use social media. Breaking these misconceptions is a vital step toward keeping your child safe and healthy online.
Here are 7 myths of the most common digital parenting myths — and what you should know instead.
False. Social media poses some of the biggest risks to kids. But there are plenty of other places they may run into trouble online, such as inappropriate content on YouTube, online predators in forums, and cyberbullying in toxic group threads.
False. Parental controls are fantastic tools that can limit your child’s exposure to things you don’t want them to easily access. But they aren’t foolproof. They work best as part of a broader strategy that includes open communication and real-time monitoring.
False. The part of the brain responsible for impulse control and decision-making doesn’t fully develop until around age 25. Kids have a hard time resisting the instant gratification from using a device, and they’re limited in their ability to think about the consequences of their actions online.
False. Not all screen time is harmful because not all screen time is created equal. There are even potential benefits with educational apps, video chats with family, or creative tools like music and animation. The difference is whether screen time is active or passive.
False. Many kids hide their online issues out of fear of losing their device or getting in trouble. Consciously working to foster open communication with your child helps, but it’s still not a guarantee they won’t keep something important from you.
False. This myth continues to persist, despite ample research disproving that video games cause violent behavior. That said, it’s still important to stay involved in your child’s gaming habits and know what kind of content they’re consuming.
False. Your tech-savvy kid may be able to run circles around you when it comes to the technical side of things. But they lack the emotional maturity to navigate online threats like cyberbullying, grooming by predators, and misinformation. That’s where you come in.
There are many myths about parenting in the digital age that are downright false, such as believing if your child knows more about technology than you do, there’s nothing you can do to help them maneuver life online. It’s important for parents to bust these myths and educate themselves about the reality of raising kids in the era of the internet.
BrightCanary can help you supervise your child online. The app’s advanced technology scans their online activity (including social media, texts, YouTube, and Google searches) and updates when they encounter something concerning. Download the app and get started for free today.
