[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-80px|||||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Most parents share the goal of raising kind children, but in a world filled with new forms of media and digital interaction this can feel trickier than ever before. <\/span>Our kids are growing up surrounded by negative social media comments<\/b>, catty text threads, snarky videos, and outright bullying. This leads many of us to wonder how we can best support them to rise above and engage kindly with others.<\/span><\/p>\n As with all things related to technology, <\/span>it\u2019s crucial for parents to have open and meaningful conversations with children<\/b> (of all ages) about being kind online. We can\u2019t assume they know it\u2019s important and will act accordingly. Kids require guidance and strategies as they grow and encounter more challenging interactions and behavior in the online realm. In this article we will explore several key conversation topics and provide strategies and tips to help you guide your children towards kindness in the digital world and beyond.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n One of the first conversations to have with your child is about the prevalence of <\/span>online bullying and unkind behavior<\/span><\/a>. Most children don\u2019t fully understand the scope of the issue, and it’s important to help them understand the impacts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Statistics show that<\/span> cyberbullying and unkind behavior online are far too common<\/b>, with <\/span>50% of teens reporting<\/span><\/a> they\u2019ve experienced some form of online bullying behavior. Let your child know that these behaviors can take many forms, including hurtful comments<\/a>, <\/span>trolling<\/span><\/a>, exclusion, spreading rumors, and even more severe forms of harassment. Share some statistics and real-life examples to emphasize the seriousness of this problem.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial portrait_url=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2021\/09\/30101226\/Dr.-Nicole.png” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Strategy<\/b>: Begin by asking your child about their experiences or observations of peer behavior online. Encourage them to share any incidents they might have come across or situations that caused them distress (for themselves or someone else). This can serve as a starting point for the conversation and help you understand their perspective. Being able to share perspectives is an important component of behaving in kind ways toward others.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Being kind online doesn’t differ much from being kind in the physical world. <\/span>It’s about treating others with respect, empathy, and courtesy<\/b>; doing to others as you would want them to do to you. Kindness means not intentionally hurting someone’s feelings, offering help when needed, encouraging others, and promoting a positive and supportive online environment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Explain to your child that just as they would avoid teasing or belittling a classmate in the real world, they should refrain from doing so online. The impacts are the same, even if you\u2019re not physically in the same place and even if you don\u2019t know the person.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial portrait_url=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2021\/09\/30101226\/Dr.-Nicole.png” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Strategy<\/b>: Use real-life scenarios to illustrate the concept of online kindness. Share examples of positive interactions online and discuss how they made you or others feel. Make sure to talk about negative encounters and their impact on how people think and feel. It can help your child grasp the importance of being kind online when they are able to <\/span>understand the real negative consequences<\/b> for others.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2023\/11\/30115434\/2023-11-Being-kind-online_Inside-Image.jpg” alt=”talking to your child about being kind online” title_text=”2023-11-Being kind online_Inside Image” align=”center” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n People often don\u2019t understand the impact of their actions when they aren\u2019t engaging in face-to-face interactions, and it\u2019s not just kids. <\/span>Over 3 quarters of adults<\/span><\/a> admit to feeling like their online actions have no real-world consequences.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Discuss with your child the reasons why kindness is essential in the digital world. Being kind online not only makes the internet a better place but also <\/span>has numerous benefits for the person practicing it<\/span><\/a>. Explain that <\/span>when we are kind, we foster positive relationships and build a strong sense of community<\/b>. We feel better about ourselves! <\/span><\/p>\n Online kindness can also protect children from <\/span>engaging in cyberbullying<\/span><\/a>, or being victims, which can have serious emotional and mental health consequences. It is also important to <\/span>help kids think about the future, especially what potential friends, partners, and employers might see<\/b> about their comments and behavior. While it might not be easy for kids to take this future-oriented approach, it\u2019s critical that they understand that things they post are permanent and searchable well into the future.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial portrait_url=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2021\/09\/30101226\/Dr.-Nicole.png” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Strategy<\/b>: Share personal stories or examples of the positive outcomes of being kind online. Explain how kindness can lead to fulfilling friendships and opportunities. Discuss the consequences of unkind behavior, emphasizing the harm it can cause to others and potentially to themselves: both now and in the future.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Practical guidance is crucial in helping your child navigate the online world with kindness. Kids need you to partner with them in <\/span>learning how to navigate social media in healthy appropriate ways<\/span><\/a>. Share specific ways they can actively be kind on social media platforms:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial portrait_url=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2021\/09\/30101226\/Dr.-Nicole.png” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Strategy<\/b>: Sit down with your child to explore their favorite social media platforms together.\u00a0 Discuss specific scenarios where they can apply these strategies. Role-play conversations, text messages, etc. to practice kind behavior and responses. Use a <\/span>parental control tool<\/span><\/a> like Qustodio to monitor and support your child with their digital habits and communication as they grow.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Adults and children alike can struggle with remaining kind in the face of disagreement\u2026and the internet is full of it! <\/span>Disagreement is a natural part of life, both in the physical and digital worlds<\/b>. It’s essential to teach your child how to handle these situations with kindness and respect. Here are some strategies for approaching online disagreements:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial portrait_url=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2021\/09\/30101226\/Dr.-Nicole.png” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nHow common is online bullying and unkind behavior in general?<\/b><\/h2>\n
What does it mean to be kind online?<\/b><\/h2>\n
Why should we be kind to others online?<\/b><\/h2>\n
How can I show my child how to be kind on social media?<\/b><\/h2>\n
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What should kids do when they disagree with someone online?<\/b><\/h2>\n
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