The Internet, Smart Phones and Parenting

The NZH is currently carrying an article out of Britain re the tragic death (suicide) of a 14 year old girl under the headline: A tragedy foretold: How social media killed Molly Russell.

The family, and the coroner, with evidence and justification point to appalling content on the internet that had huge affects on the mental health of the child.

Parents have to understand the virtual world of the internet as if it is a physical world and that their child(ren) are living on the edge of a wild and shark infested ocean. With supervision and guidance swimming and fishing can happen but protecting them is a big part of parenting in 2022. Some practicals:

–          Children do not need a smart phone – regardless of Margaret down the road having one. You will get the age old generational arguments. I will lose my friends. I will be the only one in the whole school. The teachers say I need one. You’re the worst parents in the world. Message phones are fine and fit for purpose until 16 or so.

–          If you allow a smart phone and when students are on work-stations at home – they should NEVER be behind closed doors. Always visual and open to discussion – such as the kitchen table – not squirreled into a corner.

–          Any/all devices get packed away 30 minutes before bed-time. They should never been in a child/young person’s room. Don’t underestimate the cunning of a child who is addicted – or nearly so. They will borrow phones from friends, have a spare phone in their room and will swap the sim cards.

–          Work on replacing time children may have used surfing and swiping for activities, dinner at the table, reading books.

–          If you need help to deal with things then find it – for the sake of your family.

Something connected was a Newhub article yesterday: Youth mental health organisations inundated with callers concerned about world problems

The biggest, terrifying click-baits are often things people can do nothing about. Explained well that has an escape route – and I am not being trivial.

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
courage to change the things I can,
and wisdom to know the difference.

alwyn.poole@gmail.com