Pokemon Go is the new craze taking the internet by storm. I downloaded it a few days ago and so did my 12 yr old son. We have had great fun the past few days, together we have gone on evening walks to catch some Pokemon, we have chatted to other people out searching for zubats, krabby or Geodude, the internet can be a fun place. There has been a buzz out and about whilst we are walking, it is a great way to get him out in the evening and walking further.
It has ensured that I got my 10,000 steps on the Fitbit all week. However, there have already been warnings about the craze, headteachers releasing statements reminding their students to stay safe outdoors and don’t put themselves into vulnerable situations. For Dyl and I, it has been something fun to do together, it has given us a purpose to go for a walk and on that walk we chat. Not just about catching Pokemons, looking for eggs or powering up our creatures. We have talked about our plans for the summer, we have reflected on his first year of secondary school and we have laughed together.
Yet the internet is not all fun and games. As a parent of a teen and a teacher for many years, I have seen how the internet has impacted on young people. There can be a dark side of the internet and we need to teach our young people how to use the internet responsibly. Just take a look at this short film to see how young people are not necessarily changing but the world around them is changing.
Having a regular open dialogue with your young people is so important and I have found a great way to connect with my 12-year-old this week. I do find it easier to talk to my 16-year-old daughter than a 12 yr old boy but this has opened a dialogue that I have now been able to take elsewhere. Taking an interest in what your children are interested in is vital.
What should we talk about and how do I do it?
- Relationships – we need to talk and teach our children the boundaries in which they should be having relationships, they need to understand what is age-appropriate and what is not. Young people need to feel safe and secure and to know what to do at any time that feels compromised. In our little family we have an open policy on their social media. Whilst I respect their privacy and would not look for the sake of looking, I do know passwords and insist on being their ‘friend’ on social media.
- I ensure that I keep ahead of the game with social media and technology. It is easier for me as I work in social media and a blogging environment, but I think part of being a responsible parent is understanding the technology they are using. If you understand Snapchat, Instagram, and Twitter you can talk to your children with knowledge and understanding.
- Sex – open conversations are best and again this is easiest if it has always been an open conversation. Just today I was discussing having babies with my six-year-old. It is all age-appropriate but by chatting honestly from a young age keeps those channels of communication open into their tween and teen years.
- Talk to your friends too – what approach are they taking with their children, share ideas, share concerns and support each other. The children will talk to each other and if parents are all saying the same message it gets heard.
- Ensure your young people know how to report any online incidents to CEOP
- The internet is a great powerful tool when used in the right way, but we need to teach everyone that the negative, criminal and dark side is not just part of it. This site is often breaking the law and the police do have the power to act on online and internet crimes. If anything the police have more powers than ever before BUT they can only act when incidents are reported.
For more advice search The Think U Know website and read why is internet safety so important for children.
