During the PTM , I am usually bombarded with a variety
of FAQ’s but majority revolve around
internet abuse. How much is too much(time)? What is good or bad? How to help
kids refrain from abuse ? So typical of any type of addiction! Late to bed, late to
rise and a lethargic day in school followed by poor academic performance
is a matter of concern for the parents and the teachers. Dealing with it
requires a two pronged approach so that there is no room left for excuses and
untoward incidents. 21st century generation has easy access to
gadgets like smartphones, tablet etc. We cannot capsulate our kids or keep them
in a cocoon. Exposure to latest technology is mandatory to learn the latest . Our duty as adults in their life
is to show them ’direction’ which is missing in their lives.
Epitome of technology being misused! The latest threat which
school kids are getting hooked to- cyber snooping for a mere five hundred
rupees. Snooping (or cyber stalking) and downloading messages, pictures, emails
etc for few hundred is picking up fast and requires quick and early
intervention. It gives me goose bumps to see what these kids can do
confidently. The wi-fi password is changed every week in our school with the
view to safeguard the important data. It is time to tie loose ends and set
ground rules for knowing the right from the wrong, pull the kids out of grey
areas. I was developing this article since the time I attended the Intel
Security event on Teens, Tweens and Technology, but Delhi Times edition of Sunday
,November 8, 2015, fostered my views on the subject.(link: http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31808&articlexml=Delhi-students-turn-cyber-detectives-for-quick-bucks-08112015137033)
But the challenge which we face is when parents refuse to
accept the addiction which is reflected in their wards. Parents provide latest
gadgets to their kids but unfortunately do not guide them through the
operations, alerts and threats associated with it. Right use of technology does
not lie only in its operation but requires correct guidance to know the
repercussions associated with abuse of internet liberty. Our kids emulate us
parents and therefore we need to be role
models and help them to know the right
from the wrong by being alert. We must develop confidence in our kids and maintain good rapport with them so that our
kids can share with us the good , bad or the ugly. Internet abuse may lead to
cyber bullying if mishandled. Talking about the case by knocking the right door
to seek help prevents unnecessary tension. Its important to maintain privacy
and be careful about sharing credentials on the social platform. The use of
powerful social tools is a boon if used sensibly . Immediate reporting to the
customer care cell of the digital platform provider proves very helpful.
As parents its
important to keep abreast with the nuances of technology and learn to fire
fight the situations. Expand your knowledge and widen your horizons – after all
no one other than you can help your child . Bond with your child , be friendly
but do not become their friend!
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