After School: Is This Your Child’s Danger Zone

By Andrea Marks

As parents, we know what time our kids get out of school and what time the bus drops them off at the corner by our house. However, just because you know where your child is, does not mean that they are safe. In this current digital age, being aware of what your child is viewing and their online behaviors plays a big role in keeping your child safe.  

A particularly dangerous time for most kids online is when they get out of school, around 3 PM, to the time parents get home, around 6 PM. This time period is known as “The Danger Zone.” During this time, kids are more likely to give in to their curiosities and view content that may be less than appropriate. In the U.S. alone, there are 11.3 million unsupervised kids from 3 to 6 pm (America After 3 PM, 2014). Even if you do not work outside the home, your child may still be at risk. 52 percent of kids spend twice the amount of time that their parents think they do. (Palmer, 2013). Whatever the case may be, there is a real danger when parents don’t know what their kids are doing online.

As parents, we have a responsibility to teach our children how to use technology in a safe and healthy way. From a very early age, our children are playing, socializing, and learning online. This means we need to start the conversation about internet safety early. Discussions should cover what websites to avoid, how to be cautious in their online interactions, and establish an appropriate amount of time to spend on their digital devices.  



Five suggestions to teach your kids healthy online behaviors:


1.

The digital world can be a wonderful tool to help us find ways to improve our lives and the lives of those around us. as a tool to conduct research, read books, advocate for causes they feel passionate about, and communicate with long-distance relatives online. The more kids see technology as a tool, the more they will use it in a productive way, rather than purely for entertainment purposes. 


2. Have tech-free zones in your house

Keep cellphones and computers out of rooms where kids can use them unsupervised. Help your children understand that a world beyond technology still exists. Growing up, I had friends who were allowed to have their headphones in while guests were over. I also have a friend, who lets her kids watch movies during dinner. These types of behaviors are not allowing kids to connect with others. Kids need time away from technology. They need to practice having conversations with the people around them. 

To help our children have some, parents can set specific rules about technology in rooms, at the dinner table, or when guests are over. Discuss with your child how you plan to approach the use of technology within your home. When talking with your children about these rules, get their input! Listen to them and help them find ways to balance their online time. 


3. Old rules still apply

Some netiquette you could include is; avoiding negative or unkind language, being respectful in interactions with others, asking parents for permission to visit unfamiliar websites, and being open with their internet usage. As their parent, you can help your child make good choices. If you are unsure of where to begin this discussion, check out this social media guide. It is a great place to start. 


4.Remain aware

Be aware of your child’s behavior and start a conversation. Talk with your kids about what they used their technology for each day. they are using, and any potential danger associated with their usethey access. See where they are spending their time; you can use an app to of their devices.


5

In the 1960s, parents were questioned, “it’s 10 PM, do you know where your children are?” (Kovalchik, 2012). With almost 60 percent of kids knowing how to hide their online actions from their parents and 25 percent reporting actually doing so, the questions to ask now is, “Do you know what your child is looking at online?”(Palmer, 2013). Other questions to consider are; “What are your online curfews?”,  “Who do you listen to as a voice of reason when it comes to kids and technology?”, and “Do you use internet filters?”.

You might think that you’ve done enough as far as teaching your kids about correct online netiquette and online predators, but your kids may think otherwise. When polled, 71 percent of parents said they had taught their kids about online conduct while only 44 percent of their kids agreed (Palmer, 2013). As parents, we can improve upon these statistics by not just having one conversation about online behavior. Let’s revisit this topic multiple times and layer our information.

No matter the age of your children, you can set an example, teach, and help them learn from their mistakes. Children need your guidance. You can help them decide if technology is going to use them, or if they are going to use the technology. 

For great resources on talking with your kids about technology and other concerns for the digital age, check out Conversations with My Kids: 30 Essential Family Discussions for the Digital Age or Noah’s New Phone: A Story about Using Technology for Good

Curious what other parents know about their children’s online usage? Share this article with your friends and start the conversation!


Andrea Marks is earning her degree in Family Life Studies. Andrea is an avid reader with a love of the outdoors. Andrea hopes to one day work with children in crisis. She believes the way to change the world is in the home


Citations:
America After 3PM. (2014). Retrieved from http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/AA3PM/infographics.cfm

Palmer, G. (2013, June 4). U.S. tweens active, unmonitored on social media: Survey. Retrieved from www.in.reuters.com

Kovalchik, K. (2012, June 17). The Origin of “It’s 10 PM. Do You Know Where Your Children Are?” Retrieved from www.mentalfloss.com

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