How to safeguard your child’s online activities

How to safeguard your child’s online activities

Modern parenting is a multifaceted challenge that requires vigilance to protect children from both dangers in the physical world and the less visible but equally significant threats in the digital world. Unlike previous generations, today's children are increasingly screen-centric and often spend a large part of their day on digital devices. A global survey involving parents from various regions, including the UAE, found that 70 percent of children spend at least three hours a day on their devices. Alarmingly, this digital immersion often starts at a very early age, with many children getting their first device before the age of five.

Dr. Saliha Afridi, a clinical psychologist and parenting expert, emphasizes the importance of parental guidance in this new digital landscape. "Early introduction to digital devices poses both benefits and risks. It's crucial for parents to guide their children's digital interactions and set appropriate boundaries," she says. "Teaching children how to interact with the digital world should be as fundamental as teaching them how to cross the road. It's about creating an environment of trust and learning where children feel comfortable talking about their online experiences and where parents are able to guide them through the digital landscape."

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