Teaching Responsibility Through Technology

Many people shy away from allowing young children to use technology for fear the child will break it. However, in addition to the various educational apps and programs available, allowing children to use technology gadgets is a useful way to teach them responsibility.

Many children are perceived as not being mature enough to properly handle devices such as cameras, laptops, phone or tablets. With a little coaching and the proper guidance, many parents may be surprised at how gentle and respectful children can be of these devices. Just as a child must be taught not to pull the cat's tail, he must also be taught how to properly handle a mobile device.

Prevent Damage

Children who are destructive often do not do so purposefully; instead, they are simply curious and trying to figure out how it works. To prevent unintentional damage occurring when a child tries to figure out how something works, take some time to teach them how and why the device works the way it does.

To prevent a curious child from ripping off the battery cover on a camera or phone, show them how to open the battery cover and remove and replace the battery. This way, you will not find them trying to pry it open with a pencil, their curiosity will be quenched and they will know what to do if they ever need to access the battery.

In the same manner, allow them to spend some time, supervised of course, playing around and pushing buttons. Be available to answer any questions they may have about why something works the way it does or what an app or button does.

Handle With Care

Next, teach children how to properly hold and carry the device. Explain to them that it is an expensive piece of equipment and needs to be treated carefully. Teach them to always hold the device with two hands and to keep it on a flat, solid surface, such as the table, when using it. If you don't want them to walk around with the device, teach them to come get you before moving it.

The next step is to ensure they never leave it laying around where it could be broken while not in use. Have a set place where the device is kept and should always be put when not in use â€" even if just for a quick bathroom break. Be sure to lead by example and always put the device away when you are done using it as well.

Set Limits

Before allowing your child free use of your mobile device, explain where they can find the content meant for them and why they shouldn't use the other apps or programs available on the device without asking first. After all, you wouldn't want them getting into your banking app and accessing your bank accounts. Consider reserving a section or screen just for their content. That way they know anything in that area is safe for them to use.

Write out the Rules

If your child is old enough to read, have them help you write out a set of rules for using the device. Then, post the rules where they are easily visible and will serve as a reminder of how to properly use the device. Before writing down the rules, have your child brainstorm rules they think are important, you may be surprised at what they come up with.

Since the use of technology at a young age is often considered a reward or privilege, it provides the perfect opportunity to teach children about responsibility. Ensuring they know how to properly handle and use a mobile device and making sure they know they will lose their technology privilege if the device is misused goes a long way towards preventing unintentional damage. By trusting your child with a mobile device, he will learn responsibly and how to properly use technology, a skill that will take him far in life.

Megan Veschio enjoys writing about using technology in education and how it can transform the way students learn. Learn more about using technology in education at www.mediacastblog.com.

This content was created by AI