In these times when technology is so powerful, it’s time to use it to our advantage.
It’s normal to feel a bit lost about how to use technology safely and effectively. That’s why, in the following lines, we’ll share some recommendations on how to integrate it into your daily life for your own benefit and that of your children.
Technology is all around us and has become part of our lives. Just think about the devices we use to communicate, receive information, carry out procedures, and more. Making use of the technological tools available to us offers many benefits, such as improving administrative tasks, reducing work time, and providing access to virtual assistants at any time of day to answer questions.
When we talk about introducing technology to children between 6 and 12 years old, the discussion usually focuses on finding a balance making the most of its benefits while minimizing the risks they may face.
Among the benefits are helping your children reinforce school content in a way that makes learning more engaging. Technology can also foster their creativity through design and editing programs. It opens a window to the world allowing them to explore the most distant corners of the planet or discover fascinating facts about the universe.
To make the best use of technology with your children, we suggest focusing on the following points:
- Learn and play. Use play as an excuse to help them connect with school subjects such as math, English, or reading.
- Search for answers and create new questions. You won’t always have all the answers to their questions, so use trustworthy tools like educational apps or websites to find solutions together.
- Explore and discover. Encourage them to explore new places and feed their dreams by learning about different cultures, communities, and countries around the world.
When your children are using technology for any of these purposes, your role is to guide and accompany them get involved in what they do, ask questions, and help them discover more than they could on their own. The way you engage with them will strengthen your relationship and make them feel confident when using technology.
Some websites you can explore with your children
- Khan Academy – Offers content organized by educational levels, with exercises and videos on a variety of subjects and topics.
- Scratch, Ideal for sparking interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It allows children to create through programming at different levels.
- National Geographic Kids – Known for its documentaries and information about the environment, geography, cultures, and science, this site encourages curiosity and appreciation for the natural world.
In a vast sea of information like the one we have today, it’s essential to take certain precautions regarding digital safety. This is a vital conversation you must have with your children so they understand the importance of not sharing personal information, recognizing inappropriate websites, identifying trustworthy sources such as official educational or organizational sites, and filtering what they find by using effective search engines.
To achieve this, set clear and simple rules together not just prohibitions. Create them as a team, define specific time periods for screen use, and always have a clear purpose for that time.
It’s important to remember that technology is a complement and a tool, not a substitute.
Preparing them for the future is one of our institution’s core values, because the world is constantly changing and we want your children to grow up happy and safe. Technology is a great ally in achieving this and is also part of their integral development, which we deeply care about. Remember: technology is an educational adventure for the whole family. Learning together opens doors for your children to explore, discover, and reach farther than ever before.