Constant support and dialogue, clear rules, and leading by example are key to ensuring that children and adolescents, born in this multi-screen, hyperconnected era, make good use of the internet and the many tools it offers.

The image of a child with a cell phone or tablet in their hands, watching children's videos or playing digital games, is becoming more common, either because parents believe it's the best way to keep their children calm, or because they don't have time to spend time with them.

To prevent this from becoming an unmanageable situation, with children spending excessive amounts of time in front of their smartphones, tablets, or video game consoles, it's essential to establish rules for their use. The same applies to teenagers who, in addition to watching videos or playing games, also check social media and communicate with friends.

Faced with this reality, what should be the role of parents to ensure that their children, youngsters, or adolescents, have a healthy, responsible, and intelligent relationship with technology and virtual reality?

The first thing is to accept that they are part of today's world: at home, at school, or wherever a family member or friend may be, minors can access internet-enabled screens. Therefore, it's not about prohibiting their use, but rather limiting it and educating them so they use it appropriately, don't abuse it, and don't jeopardize their safety or affect their academic performance, their family life, and even their physical and emotional integrity.

Furthermore, as Natalia Léon, a digital learning consultant, explains, it's important for parents to educate themselves from reliable sources about both the benefits and risks so they know how to protect their children.

Recognize and prevent risks

Neither technology nor the internet is bad; the risk lies in how we use it. Many people take advantage of these media to harm others, whether physically, psychologically, or financially. Therefore, parents should be aware of what their children are doing when they access the web.

In Colombia, some of the main risks minors face when accessing the Internet, according to the Criminal Investigation and Interpol Directorate of the National Police (Dijin), are:

• sexual abuse
• Grooming: An adult pretends to be a child to gain their trust, seduce them, and obtain a sexual favor.
• Child pornography.
• Sextortion: One person threatens and blackmails another person by sharing intimate images or videos without their consent.
• Cyberbullying via social media: includes teasing, spreading false information, and attacks.
• Viral challenges (social challenges): challenges that can often harm the physical or psychological integrity of those who perform them, and even put their lives at risk.

• Self-deception: The child or adolescent believes they can control the amount of time they spend using screens, but they fail to do so and end up spending too much time on them.
• Addiction: When a child constantly abuses the internet or video games, they are unable to control themselves, feel frustrated by their inability to access them, and begin to experience problems in aspects of their life such as academic performance, family and social relationships, eating habits, and sleeping habits.

Setting limits and educating by example

Here are some recommendations to put into practice at home, preventing its use from becoming a problem:

• Have rules for use: Schedules, internet-free spaces, and browsing time should be written down and placed in a place where all household members can see them. These rules are not only for minors to follow, but also for parents.
• Know and monitor the type of content: To do this, it's advisable to use parental controls to help you monitor what your children do online, block unwanted pages and keywords, and create alerts. Even so, as León asserts, "the best way to control children is through support, talking with them about what they do and who they interact with. This way, we reduce the risks."
• Provide spaces for dialogue where children and adolescents feel comfortable talking about their lives and daily activities. This way, when they face dangerous situations online, they won't be afraid or insecure about telling their parents.
• Include sports or recreational activities in their after-school routines: this way they'll have less time to spend online.
• Help them develop critical thinking: Parents should encourage their children to develop their creativity so that, with all the information and opportunities offered by the virtual world, they can choose what best suits them, explains Del Río.

• Colombian children and adolescents between the ages of 3 and 31 spend 9 hours and 16 minutes of internet time daily.
• 75% use cell phones.
• 55% the tablet.
• 37% use Facebook.
• 26% use WhatsApp.
• 41% use the internet excessively.
• 35% view sexual images.
• 30% have contact with strangers.
• 20% receive sexual messages.

Source: Study carried out between 2017 and 2018 by TIGO-UNE and EAFIT University in 43 public and private schools in the country.

At what age is it recommended that children have access to screens and social media?

• Children under 18 months: Their use should be avoided because they can interfere with the development of interpersonal, motor, and communication skills, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
• Two to five years: They can use them for a maximum of one hour a day, with educational and interactive content and always accompanied by their parents.
• Over six years old: It's key to establish a usage time and monitor the content they view. However, before using these digital devices—smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, among others—all aspects that contribute to the child's overall health must be ensured; that is, time to study, eat, exercise, and sleep.

Beware of sharenting!

Nowadays, on social media, it's very common for parents to share photos of their babies or young children. This is known as sharenting—a term derived from the words "share" and "parenting." And even if they do it with good intentions, they should be aware that everything posted online remains there forever, and that content could affect the child in the future.

In this regard, learning consultant Natalia León recommends that parents never post photos of their children naked, in diapers, or in swimsuits, as this material can be sold as child pornography. "They should be aware that children have rights and must be protected by avoiding disrespectful content. Furthermore, when children grow up, they should ask if they can take photos and share them, and if they say no, respect their decision and integrity."

Thirty minutes before bedtime, children should be disconnected from their devices so that their sleep isn't disrupted. Furthermore, these devices should be kept out of their bedrooms.

Thirteen years of age is the age at which, due to internal policies, some social media platforms allow children to create their own accounts. However, it is essential for parents to talk with their children about the purpose of having a social media profile and reach user agreements.

The content is part of the 5 Sentidos magazine and was created by Natalia Léon, a digital learning consultant and educator, and Larissa Del Río, a psychotherapist and university professor.