In today's digital era, screens have become an integral part of our daily lives, offering endless information and entertainment at our fingertips. However, the increasing reliance on screens, especially among children, has raised concerns about the potential impact on their well-being. As parents and caregivers, it's essential to strike a balance between embracing technology's benefits and ensuring our children's overall health and development.
To shed light on the topic of screen time for kids, we have sought the expertise of Centre for Fathering's Ansel Chanamuto, who will provide valuable insights on healthy screen time for kids and address the questions asked at the webinar: "Growing Up with Technology: Connecting with Your Digital Child and Managing Screen Time."
Our kids are born and growing in the era of AI. Where and how do I even start educating them on this (for example, ChatGPT)?
There are many introductory AI courses being run now. We can educate ourselves by signing up for any one of these courses. YouTube has quite a few free videos on how we can use ChatGPT as well.
What are your thoughts about TV streaming apps like Netflix? Should parents sit with the kids and watch together?
Yes. Definitely sit and watch together with the child. Make sure to let your child only use the children's account and never give them access to the adult account. Set a PIN code to be safe. This applies to any streaming provider like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus, etc.
What is an effective way to help reduce screen time?
Offering healthier and more exciting alternatives such as going out to a playground, cycling, rock climbing, etc., will help.
Would it be better if we as parents be role models by not being addicted to screens when kids are very young, especially less than two years old?
Role-modelling is one of the best ways to show our kids how to navigate the online world. Yes, we have to start at home in how we use our phones and devices.
Is performing periodic checks on my child's phone or PC considered as an invasion of their privacy?
I think when you give your child a device, it's important to establish some ground rules. Let the child know that you will check his/her phone to make sure that he/she is being safe online and to monitor his/her usage. It could be a type of contract the child will need to agree upon. This way ,there will be no invasion of privacy. However, as the child matures, we will need to know when to let go a little. Hopefully by then, we have the trust in our child to know right from wrong and to be able to navigate the online world safely.
It’s always the mother talking to the kids. How do we get the father to talk to the kids?
We suggest that you sign up for our signature programmes at Centre for Fathering such as ICAN, Breakfast with Dad, or Adventure with Dad so that we can encourage both child and husband to communicate better with one another. You can look for more info at fathers.com.sg.
About the Expert:
Alsen Chanamuto is the Schools Engagement Manager (Primary Schools) at Centre for Fathering. A father of three young children, Alsen has been happily married for 11 years. With over a decade of experience in the primary school sector, Alsen is an experienced educator who firmly believes that the best degree of engagement for effective learning can be achieved through excellent facilitation and well-designed presentations. As the Schools Engagement Manager (Primary Schools) at the Centre for Fathering, Alsen combines his passion for education and parenting to inspire parents, especially fathers, to become better role models and strengthen families.