Monitor your child's digital world

When you have the impression that your child uses digital devices far too much, this might lead to unpleasant discussions and arguments. Rather note down during one or two days (a weekday and a day of the weekend) all your child’s activities online and offline. Make a list of the devices he/she uses (e.g. smartphone, TV, notebook, PC, video game console, etc.) what for, for how long, where and eventually with whom. Also record what else he/she is doing (e.g. sports activities, playing with friends, homework, etc.) so that you’ll be able to compare the time spent on each of the activities and find out whether your first impression is really correct. If it is confirmed by your data, do another round and break the online activities down to which device your child uses most, which websites, games or apps he/she prefers and what is his/her preferred activity (playing – alone or with friends?, reading, watching videos, etc.) When you know what your child really likes about going digital, you can share experiences with him/her and guide him/her to quality sites but also offer offline activities that meet your child’s interest based upon your findings.