UW Health Pediatrician: Teach Kids Responsible Tech Use, Not Just Blocking
Dr. Megan Moreno, a UW Health pediatrician, advises parents to focus on teaching children responsible technology use, rather than attempting to block all potential hazards. This approach, she believes, is more effective than trying to keep up with the latest trends and apps, which is nearly impossible for parents.
Dr. Moreno suggests maintaining open communication by asking children about their online experiences and the content they encounter. She compares teaching children about technology to teaching them how to drive, where they learn gradually and with supervision. Jessica Pellegrino, a Cross Plains mother, found this advice helpful. She tried to understand her daughters' apps by creating her own accounts but discovered that kids often have hidden, private accounts that parents are unaware of.
Experts like Saferinternet.at and Prof. Dr. Ulrike Cress from the Leibniz-Institut für Wissensmedien agree that teaching children about privacy and responsible data sharing is crucial. They also emphasize the importance of parental modeling of healthy media use and pedagogical approaches in digital media education. Tools and apps designed to support families, such as a 21-day challenge app, can help manage screen time consciously through clear rules and open communication. Pellegrino set ground rules for phone use, like keeping the iPhone out of the bedroom and having structured phone time. However, Dr. Moreno acknowledges that kids will always be ahead of their parents in understanding iPhone technology due to its constant changes.
Dr. Moreno recommends the American Academy of Pediatrics Center of Excellence for Social Media and Youth Mental Health as a resource for parents. Despite challenges like kids deleting apps to avoid monitoring, maintaining open communication and setting clear rules can help parents guide their children's iPhone use effectively.
