7 Back-to-School Tech Tips for All Parents
For some parents, it can be hard to keep up with all the technological advancements and trends that teens are into these days. One minute, Minecraft is the be-all, end-all game but then the next week it’s Fornite. Parents have long been vigilant about their teen’s time on social media channels such as Twitter and Instagram, but now Tik-Tok and Facebook Reels may be taking over.
With the world seemingly going back to school virtually this year, parents need to be on top of their teen’s tech activities more so than ever.
While you shouldn’t feel like you need to be the next Bill Gates when it comes to tech mastery, there are definitely some things you should keep in mind.
Be a Good Student
Do you remember teaching your teenager how to ride a bike or throw a football? While ultimately enjoyable, there were definitely some hiccups (and elbow scrapes) along the way. It’s safe to say that your teen probably felt frustrated.
When it comes to learning a new device, program, or app, you might feel equally frustrated. But it’s better to stay patient and show that you’re willing to learn from your teen. Not only will they enjoy putting on the “teacher hat” for a bit, but it will also help reinforce their knowledge on whatever platform they’re using.
Set Guidelines
No one wants their teenager to be looking at a screen all day, but with remote learning that may seem inevitable. In the past, school was school and the time playing video games or watching YouTube videos was their way of relaxing.
Going forward, it’s important to make guidelines about when devices can be used and how they can be managed throughout the day.
You can do this by setting up various places in the house for school and diversion. That way, it can be like entering their own office where they know to get work done.
Read All School Messages
In order to make sure your student is on top of their activities, you need to be just as informed. At PS, we are regularly communicating through emails that contain important updates about everything from class schedules and Zoom links to information about the phases of returning to on-campus learning.
It’s important to know what’s happening both in and out of the classroom, but in order to make sure you’re caught up, be checking those emails regularly and asking any necessary questions.
Keep a Watchful Eye
It can be tempting to turn yourself into the NSA when it comes to monitoring your teen’s activity, but doing so may make your teen shut down or not respond to anything.
The best thing you can do is check in on their online activity now and then to ensure they’re staying on the right track. It’s a way to stay involved without being overbearing.
Make Learning Public
Following up on the idea of having separate spaces in the home for school and for relaxation, it’s best to make sure that you have the learning space in a public part of your house.
That way you can make sure they’re staying accountable and not goofing off during school time. That can be the living room table, the kitchen table, or somewhere where they can be seen.
After all, they shouldn’t be hiding anything, right?
Be a Good Role Model
The phrase “monkey-see, monkey-do” definitely applies to teenagers. If they see you doing something, then they’re likely to copy. Or bring it up as a rebuttal when you tell them not to do something.
While it may be tempting to hop on your phone and scroll through Facebook, Instagram, or read the news, your child’s eyes may always be watching.
Keep those guidelines for yourself as well and monitor your own screen time. That way, you can set a good example and make sure your teens are practicing proper tech etiquette and your own guidelines.
