T
he digital world is a minefield
for many parents. Many of us
were born on the wrong side of
the digital divide which means
that we may not understand it as
much as our children. It’s not surprising
that when it comes to managing our
children’s use of screen time, it can feel
overwhelming because we are in an
unfamiliar territory.
Here are some guidelines and ideas
to help you navigate your children into
the digital world with understanding
and safety.
Essential Parenting Checklist:
• Set boundaries and rules for your child
from a young age. Think about how
you guide your family in the real world
and do the same in the digital world.
• Educate yourself about the
technology, including applications,
games and social networking sites, so
you can keep your children safe.
• Remove devices from your children’s
bedrooms regardless of their age.
• Model the behaviour you want to see
in your children. This means you must
understand your own relationship with
technology.
• Use tools like parental controls on
computers, mobiles and games
consoles; privacy features on social
networking sites; and safety options on
Google and other search engines.
• Talk about digital issues as part of
your everyday conversation with your
children. Show your child that you
understand how important technology
is to them. Talk about the benefits of
digital technology, and teach them it is
also a tool for education.
• Do not avoid difficult subjects like
responsible online behaviour, cyber
bullying, and pornography. Teach
children early how to keep themselves
safe online.
• Technology is not a babysitter. Always
know what your child is doing online
and how much time they spend online.
According to the American Association
of Pediatrics, European Commission
and the UK, the recommended screen
times are:
• Less than 30 minutes a day for five to
seven year olds.
• Less than one hour a day for eight to
nine year olds.
• Less than one and a half hours a day
for 10 to 12 year olds.
• Less than two hours a day for 13+
year olds.
Appropriate Screen Use
By Dr. Quratulain Zaidi (BSc. Hons, MSc, MSc, PhD)
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About the Author
Dr. Quratulain Zaidi (BSc. Hons, MSc, MSc, PhD) is a British qualified and registered Clinical Psychologist, and works
as mental health consultant for a number of international schools in Hong Kong and has her office in Central. She
is an expert in educational assessments, learning difficulties and specialises is family and personal issues including
communication, emotional and behavioural challenges with children, teen parenting, teens issues, postnatal
depression, anger, anxiety and stress reduction.
For more information visit
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