{"id":28106,"date":"2025-03-26T14:04:54","date_gmt":"2025-03-26T06:04:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.techbeatph.com\/wproot\/?p=28106"},"modified":"2025-03-26T14:41:21","modified_gmt":"2025-03-26T06:41:21","slug":"digital-parenting-made-smarter-lessons-from-experts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.techbeatph.com\/wproot\/digital-parenting-made-smarter-lessons-from-experts\/","title":{"rendered":"Digital Parenting Made Smarter: Lessons from Experts"},"content":{"rendered":"

Digital Parenting Made Smarter: Lessons from Experts<\/strong>
\nParenting in the Digital Age<\/strong><\/p>\n

The internet is an incredible resource for children. It offers access to educational materials, creativity tools, and ways to connect with the world. However, navigating it safely requires guidance, especially for younger users. Recognizing this, Smart has reinforced its campaign for responsible digital parenting and child protection by engaging parents who are also online influencers in a Family Day event.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Held at its flagship store in Mandaluyong City, the event became a platform for sharing best practices in guiding children\u2019s online activities. The occasion also celebrated the launch of Smart\u2019s Junior Plan, a postpaid subscription designed to give children a safer digital experience. Equipped with a curated suite of kid-friendly apps and backed by Smart\u2019s Child Protection Platform, this plan is a tech-forward way to keep kids secure online while staying connected.<\/p>\n

Tips for Keeping Kids Safe Online<\/strong><\/p>\n

Parents shared practical advice for navigating the digital world with kids:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. \u00a0Set Limits on Screen Time and Guide Online Activities
    \nLouise Santos (@mommypracticality), a mother of three boys aged 8, 14, and 21, emphasized open dialogue about safe and unsafe websites. While her older sons can discern better on their own, she strictly regulates her youngest son\u2019s gadget use. \u201cWe really talk about the sites they can visit,\u201d she said. \u201cAnd as parents, we also need to set an example.\u201d
    \nCeline Cornejo (@teachercelineph), a preschool teacher and mother of three, keeps her kids away from their phones during school nights. \u201cThey\u2019re only allowed access from Friday after school until the weekend,\u201d she shared. \u201cKapag Friday, excited na sila.\u201dModel-host Kelly Misa-Fernandez (@kellymisa) also takes a balanced approach for her nine-year-old son. While he\u2019s had restricted internet access since age five, Kelly now focuses on limiting his usage to weekends or light school weeks.<\/li>\n
  2. \u00a0Teach Kids About Online Safety
    \nOne of the biggest risks online is talking to strangers, a point Celine stressed. Her sons are aware not to share personal information like their names, address, or passwords. \u201cI always remind my kids that some people pretend to be kids online, but in reality, they are adults,\u201d she explained.<\/li>\n
  3. Discuss the Reliability of Online Information
    \nCeline tackled a delicate moment with her children when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer. \u201cMy kids love looking things up on Google,\u201d she said. \u201cSo, my husband and I told them that while they\u2019re smart, not everything online applies to our situation. Each patient is unique, and the best source for their questions is us or my oncologist, not Dr. Google.\u201d
    \nThis kind of honest communication emphasized the importance of family as a support system beyond just digital tools.<\/li>\n
  4. Build Trust Before You Correct
    \nLouise underscored the value of trust in parent-child relationships. \u201cWe are our children\u2019s safe place. They should feel they can come to us for anything, even before we correct them.\u201d
    \nEri Neeman (@erineeman), a host and dad to an eight-year-old, echoed this sentiment: \u201cHow can your child open up to you if they\u2019re scared? If all you do is scold them, there\u2019s no connection or relationship.\u201d He also advised parents to be self-aware, encouraging reflection on the parenting styles they inherited. \u201cYou can\u2019t pour from an empty cup,\u201d he pointed out.<\/li>\n
  5. Use Technology to Bond and Have Fun
    \nRobin Cruz, part of TikTok\u2019s father-and-son duo @anythingarticulated, strengthens his relationship with his eight-year-old son Gabe through the digital world. \u201cWe bond by unboxing toys. But we also follow a strict no-gadgets rule during meals,\u201d he shared. Robin supervises Gabe\u2019s YouTube and gaming activities closely, turning their shared interests into teachable moments.
    \nSimilarly, Kelly shared her excitement about geeking out with her son over games like Mario Bros and their mutual love for \u201980s music. \u201cIt\u2019s nice finding shared interests, but I also stay mindful of the risks,\u201d she said.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Young mom and content creator Ulya Nikita (@ulyanikitaa) enjoys chatting with her six-year-old online. \u201cWhen I get a message notification from him, it makes me smile!\u201d she said. Ulya admitted that traditional games felt repetitive, so she opted for digital ones to make playtime more engaging.<\/p>\n

    Smart Junior Plan: A Tool for Safer Digital Parenting<\/strong>
    \nSmart\u2019s Junior Plan is designed for children of Smart Postpaid subscribers on Plan 999 and up. For PHP 499 per month, it provides:<\/p>\n