By Sarah Norwood
In my experience with technology use, it is easy to encounter negative stories about people using technology to bully, scam, and harm others. Finding information about people who have had good experiences with technology can be difficult. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. As parents, we have an awesome opportunity to create change by inspiring our children to use technology for good. Simply posting an uplifting video or quote can go a long way to brighten someone’s day. Online platforms allow us to reach hundreds—even thousands—of people at a time and leave a positive impact on their lives.
Here are 6 simple ways to help your child to use tech for good:
1. Teach responsibility. To our children, technology may seem like a harmless toy, but it is important that they are taught what kind of power comes with these handheld devices. As small as phones, tablets, and computers are, they come with a lot of power and even greater responsibility. When used appropriately, these devices are a force for good: individuals can be uplifted and inspired through a social media post, new skills can be learned, and connections with others can be made. However, these devices can also be used as a way to harm others, learn crude jokes and language, and create addictions. It is important to teach this to your child, so they understand that technology can be used in several ways. Explain that they are responsible for the actions they make while on their device, and technology is a powerful, handheld tool that requires responsible decisions and actions in order to be used for good. While there are many downsides to technology, be sure to focus on the fact that there are so many more ways to uplift and edify.
2. Teach intentionality. Teaching our children to be intentional with their technology is key to helping them use it for good. Kids can learn intentionality when they are asked to explain what they plan to do on their device before they begin. It also helps when they set a time limit for themselves to complete the activity because it provides a sense of accountability in their tech use. When I get on my device without a clear purpose, I am easily distracted and often find myself delving into the depths of the internet, and that is not a great platform for our children to begin from. Intentionality is key in creating an environment to use tech for good.
3. Use apps for education and creativity. There are several apps that encourage creativity and make learning fun for kids. Children can also learn about the world using websites specifically geared toward sharing the news in an age-appropriate way. Kids can learn to value their community on a larger scale—through connection! A few examples of apps that inspire creativity and have high reviews are:
- Crayola Create & Play focuses on art and education in a way that inspires ideas and encourages fun with learning.
- Lipa Theater: Story Maker is a resource for kids to create videos and images for stories or ideas that they come up with.
- DIY.org – Creative Challenges encourages kids to learn about a variety of hands-on activities and share their success.
- BrainPOP is a collection of educational information such as videos and articles that children can learn from in the form of a game.
- newsforkids.net has real-world information and news presented in a kid-friendly manner.
4. There are service opportunities at your fingertips! Did you know you and your kids can find volunteer opportunities all over your community without even leaving the comfort of your home? JustServe is an app full of opportunities for individuals and families looking to serve. Because of the convenience of our digital devices, we can easily find people and places in need of service through apps like JustServe, as well as through Facebook groups and other social media platforms. (Be sure to supervise your children to keep them safe in navigating these opportunities.) This is a fantastic way to teach our kids that the people and places we find on the internet are tangible with issues and needs just like they experience. With the help of JustServe, you can experience the best of both worlds: using technology to find opportunities for service online and then actually getting into the community to serve and meet people with your kids!
5. Take the opportunity to teach time management and organization! Your kids can use the calendar on their devices to set reminders for events or chores during the week. They can also learn to set alarms to help them stay on task and they can organize their apps in whatever order they like, which further teaches organization. Additionally, parents have access to several options for monitoring software and hardware such as Disney Circle, Qustodio, or KidLogger. These allow parents to set limits for individual devices within the home, and even allow limits on social media, which gives parents more control over what is being viewed and accessed within the home.
6. Use a platform to create connections. Your kids can create connections with family members and friends. This has been true for several years now, but during the Covid pandemic, it became even more necessary. There are circumstances such as living far apart from family, a pandemic, etc., that prevent us from spending time with our loved ones. You can help your child use technology to create those important connections through maintaining strong relationships with friends and family. It’s easy to set up weekly video calls through Zoom, FaceTime, or GoogleMeet. Other more creative options to help build this sense of community include sending friends and family videos and pictures of life-updates through text, email, or the Marco Polo app.
Taking time to consider how our children can positively impact the world of technology presents some amazing opportunities for us to take action against the negativity currently filling the digital realm. With just a few simple ideas, our kids are prepared to use technology for good.
For more information and great discussion questions about using tech appropriately and for good, check out our books Noah’s New Phone: A Story About Using Technology for Good and Conversations with My Kids: 30 Essential Family Discussions for the Digital Age.
Sarah Norwood is a student at Brigham Young University-Idaho majoring in Marriage and Family Studies. After graduating, she plans to earn a master’s degree in Counseling. Her hobbies include reading, learning, and eating delicious food. She and her husband live in Texas where they enjoy spending time together and exploring the outdoors.
Citations:
Bedosky, L. (2022, September 16). 6 fun apps that can help support a healthy brain. EverydayHealth.com. Retrieved April 18, 2023, from https://www.everydayhealth.com/longevity/apps-that-may-help-improve-brain-health/
Best creative apps. Common Sense Media. (n.d.). Retrieved April 18, 2023, from https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/best-creative-app
GT Scholars. (2018, April 21). 7 ways to use technology for good. gtscholars.org/. https://gtscholars.org/7-ways-to-use-technology-for-good
