IT IS not unusual to see a young child today slip a memory card into a stereo system, set a digital alarm clock, or even program a Smart TV. Children quickly learn to use technology that is part of their daily lives, often with greater ease than their parents or other adults.

But does their ability to do these complex tasks really enhance children’s development? Does using technology really teach children new skills? What should parents know about the role of technology in children’s learning?
In order to promote effective computer learning, parents should monitor the quality of the software children use, the amount of time children work with it, and the way in which they use it.

What should you teach your preschool children about technology?
Here are some suggestions:
•    People control technology, and technology can be used for activities that are meaningful to people.
•    Technology can take different forms, as in calculators, telephones, and tape recorders. It provides different, useful things in a variety of ways.
•    Technology has rules that control how it works. Objects must have a source of power — they have plugs or batteries; computers must have instructions — either built-in or provided by the user.
•    Computer programs require different ways of organizing thinking. Some will ask you to match and rhyme; others will give you the freedom to draw or paint whatever you wish.
Some parents express concern about the role of technology in children’s lives, such as how it will affect their attention to social relationships and other activities. Appropriate computer programs promote dialogue among children, as well as group problem-solving. They also offer opportunities for shared experiences between parents and children. As partners in our children’s learning, we may not only monitor their educational environments, but also experience their progress first-hand.
It’s really the same commonsense parenting we use for everything else. And these are rules that need to be put into place as soon as our kids learn to click and swipe on our smartphones and tablets as infants:
•    Everything in moderation.
•    Prioritize activities: Getting physical exercise, doing homework and speaking to people face-to-face must always come before screen time.
•    Help them understand what “healthy choices” are for screen time, the same way you would teach them about good eating habits.
•    Involve them in age-appropriate discussions about time limits for computer use or gaming that suit your family’s schedules.
•    Model good behavior yourself – put away the phone during dinner, playground visits and family time
The Internet is a wonderful vehicle for learning. Unfortunately, it is also a powerful tool for predators who prey upon innocent children. Did you know that:
•    Internet crime is the fastest growing crime worldwide, and children are the fastest growing victim pool?
•    In the U.S., 95% of schools are now connected to the Internet?
•    Over 45 million children aged 10 through 17 use the Internet? Or that:

– One in five has been sexually solicited?
– One in four has encountered unwanted pornography?
– Close to 60% of teens have received an e-mail or instant message from a stranger, and half have communicated back?

Most children know more about the Internet than adults do. As a result, many parents do not supervise their children’s Internet use. Here are some surprising statistics:
•    An estimated 20% of parents do not supervise their children’s Internet use at all;
•    Only 52% of parents moderately supervise their children’s Internet use;
•    Some 71% of parents stop supervising Internet use by their children after the age of 14, yet 72% of all Internet-related missing children cases involve children who are 15 years of age or older;
•    Close to 62% of teens say their parents know little or nothing about the websites they visit.
Dangers to Children Online
There are many dangers that your child can encounter while surfing the Net, or hanging out in chat rooms. Some websites are offensive and threatening because of their content. There are no rules that govern the Internet, so, anyone can set up a website for any purpose. Consequently, there are sites that:
•    Explain how to grow and process narcotics;
•    Advocate hate or anarchy;
•    Sell stolen goods;
•    Show how to make fake ID’s or manufacture counterfeit money;
•    Elicit personal information for illegal purposes; and
•    Offer “get-rich-quick” schemes that put your family at financial risk.

There are also bomb-making sites, and millions of pornographic sites. Unfortunately, over 100,000 sites are involved in child pornography. Almost any search of the Internet can lead to objectionable content. Even the most innocent, legitimate topics can be related, or linked, to something offensive.Chat rooms and newsgroups are available for every topic you can imagine. Chat rooms are probably the most dangerous areas on the Internet.
Warning Signs
What are some indications that your child might be at risk on the Internet? The signs could be as simple as excessive use of the Internet (especially at night) or as frightening as your child actually setting up a meeting with a stranger. Other things you should watch out for include:
•    Unsupervised time in chat rooms
•    Downloaded photos of strangers
•    Downloaded pornographic pictures
•    Phone calls, gifts or letters from strangers
•    Using an online account that belongs to someone else
•    Changes in behaviour and being secretive about online activity
•    Quickly turning off the computer or changing the screen monitor when someone else enters the room

You would not let your children open the door to a stranger, so don’t let them spend long hours online alone. Using products that can be purchased in computer stores and on the Net, you can track your child’s use of the Internet and block objectionable material from reaching your household. But remember, no product can fulfil all your needs. There is no substitute for your involvement. Pay attention to your children because, if you don’t, someone else will.
To be continued…