I'm encouraging my *mila* to learn how to use Instagram, Twitter, and the likes. I'm also encouraging her to use these tools responsibly. However, I'm noticing something (and this is new to all parents out there, as we have never grown up with these mobile tools): bullying. Kids get on these devices, toys, mobile phones, etc. and find ways to ostracize each other. They ignore texts and they're berated. They put their iPads down to, I don't know, use the bathroom; and the bullying begins. The constant tethering and umbilical-like ties we teach them by example is causing their own demise.
*Mila* is nine and she wants to use her new iPad to text, facetime, take pics and post them to instagram. But the second someone gets the least bit upset with her, she's deleted from their following. "Following"? Yep, what they hell are we doing?
When I was her age, kids rarely phoned each other after school. So, we came home put our troubles away and didn't lose sleep. We had our stomach aches in the morning and there was no constant dingling of texts, facetime requests, or instagram deletions. It's time to teach our children etiquette with the technology we created with such immediacy and need for the quick, small, and entertaining. These tools are meant to make life safer, easier, and delightful. They aren't meant to cause gut ache, worry, and drama.
If you have children on these tiny little tapping tools, teach them manners. Set boundaries. Set limits. Our new rules today: no texting after 7 pm. No facetime while you eat your dinner. No followers on instagram without your parents permission. Oh, and another thing: we watch everything you do!
signed, the willow
No comments:
Post a Comment