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The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health has recently introduced a comprehensive Glossary of Digital Media Platforms, aimed at helping parents navigate the complexities of introducing new technology into their children’s lives. The guide provides detailed insights into popular social media, video-sharing, and gaming platforms, as well as essential control settings for each.
“Parents often express uncertainty about where to begin when introducing a new device into the home,” said Dr. Megan Moreno, MD, MSEd, MPH, FAAP, co-medical director of the Center. “This guide is here to help. It offers simple tips for setting up, managing, and keeping tech safe, while ensuring it remains fun and balanced.”
With the increasing presence of digital devices in children’s lives, parents may feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities of managing both the benefits and risks of technology. Below are key recommendations from experts to guide parents in fostering a balanced digital environment.
Set Up Device Control Settings
Parental controls are the first line of defense in keeping children safe online. Enabling these settings can help block access to inappropriate content based on the child’s age. Devices like smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles often come with built-in content filters, which can be customized to align with the family’s preferences. The AAP recommends exploring tools such as the “Five Cs of Media Use,” a resource that offers guidance on setting appropriate media boundaries for children.
Parents can also enable night-time restrictions to ensure that devices don’t interfere with sleep routines, helping children get the rest they need.
Set Time Limits and Reminders
Using built-in tools to set daily time limits on devices can help children manage screen time effectively. Some devices have reminders to encourage healthy device use, while apps like Time Out can serve as helpful cues for children to take breaks and step away from the screen.
Talk About Online Privacy and Security
As digital environments become more complex, it’s important to discuss online privacy with children. Ensure that privacy settings are activated to protect personal information and have conversations about the data collected by apps. By walking through each app’s permissions and data tracking settings together, parents can stay informed about how their children’s information is being used.
Learning about digital citizenship is also a great way to foster responsible internet use. The AAP encourages parents to take digital citizenship classes with their children to better understand how to stay safe and respectful online.
Set Boundaries and Maintain Communication
Setting initial guidelines for media use is crucial, and parents should involve their children in the process. Regular check-ins with questions like “What’s working well?” or “How can I be a better role model for healthy tech use?” can help parents stay connected with their children’s digital habits.
Learn About Social Media
When considering which social media platforms are appropriate for your child, it’s important to be well-informed. Familiarize yourself with privacy settings, feed customization options, messaging controls, and available parental controls for each platform. The AAP’s Glossary of Digital Media Platforms is a valuable resource that can help parents make informed decisions about which apps to approve.
“Learning from your children is also essential,” Dr. Moreno suggests. “As you explore technology together, be open to their insights. They may have valuable tips to share about what works best for them.”
As digital technology continues to evolve, it’s essential that parents stay involved in their children’s online lives. By staying informed and proactive, families can create a safe, enjoyable, and balanced digital environment.
For additional information, visit the Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health.
