How to manage kids’ tech use

THE tricky topic of setting boundaries around the use of technology within the family unit will be delved into at the latest workshop from CatholicCare’s Loddon Mallee Regional Parenting Program.

Facilitated by CatholicCare family relationship practitioners Julia Feiss and Lisa Castles, the workshop will present current research on the topic and encourage attendees to reflect on tech use in their own families, considering both the challenges and opportunities.

Importantly, strategies that focus on creating a safe and healthy tech environment will also be covered.

As Ms Feiss explained, the forum is ideally pitched at parents of children who aren’t yet addicted.

“We would love to have every parent of a kindergarten kid attend – who don’t yet have phones and don’t have Playstations in their bedrooms,” she said.

Ms Castles said the idea is to help families to set up good habits from a young age, so children at ages four and five don’t think they’re entitled to use a smart phone.

“We want them to understand that it’s something their parents look after and will manage and give to them when the time is right,” she said.

“It’s about being friends with technology in the home, but also recognising you’re allowed to put boundaries in place for your seven year old – they don’t just get to do whatever they want.”

Ms Feiss said she understands how hard it can be for parents to monitor usage, content and connections made through technology.

“This is that proactive step to get parents to be thinking about what that might mean for them, and how they’ll manage it,” she said.

The Parenting in the Modern World: Tech Strategies for Families workshop will be held at Bendigo Library, Thursday 7 November from 1pm to 2.30pm. Reserve a spot via Eventbrite.