Impact of Media Technology on Parents of Gen Alpha Kids

 

Continuing our look at the impact of Media Technologies on Generation Alpha kids, it stands to reason that it would also be important to check-in on internet use by the Parents of Generation Alpha children. 📱

Kids are like sponges - they are constantly absorbing information from world around them. From an early age, they are most influenced by the routines and behaviors learned from their parents and the adults who interact with them regularly during their lives. Generation Alpha children have been surrounded by adult use of digital technology and internet use from the beginning of their lives. And, their parents, primarily Millennials, are heavy social media users.

21st century parenting is firmly grounded in technology - and technology has impacted what it means to be a parent. A 2014 report from cybersecurity firm AVG stated that 6% of parents actually created a social media account, and 8% an email account, for their baby or toddler. Statistics shared by an online company specializing in pregnancy, childbirth, and child-rearing called Baby Center reported that 79% of Millennial mothers have used social media on a daily basis and 63% have used their smartphones more frequently since they became pregnant or gave birth. Today's moms report that the time they have spent on social media has increased 24% on Facebook and 33% on Instagram after becoming a mother.

Social media has added another dimension to the use of technology. In today's digital world, it is important to be aware of the risks that come with posting or sharing content online - especially when it comes to children. Oversharing can make kids vulnerable to identity theft and harassment. Nonprofit advocacy group Common Sense Media warns parents to take extreme care to guard privacy and monitor content they post. This helps protect from having their children's - as well as their own - personal information and/or photos fall into the wrong hands. The warning was issued after a Utah mother reportedly found a photograph of her children on a social media post with pornographic hashtags in May 2015.

On the upside, the Millennial generation's familiarity with the online world can be a positive factor to model common sense and healthy tech habits. It's a parent's responsibility to help kids learn to balance technology with real-world connections. Parents should stay involved in their child's online engagement, set boundaries for screen time, and teach good digital citizenship skills. Installing parental controls can also help guide safe and positive digital experiences. The goal is to build the trust and skills needed to make media one part of a healthy routine for the whole family. 👪