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The internet and technology have become a major part of our daily lives. They have broadened our ability to communicate with others. These tools also help us educate children in more creative ways than many of us could have ever imagined. The children in your care have grown up with technology, and for many of them, it is fully integrated into their lifestyles. Some children in your program may even carry the internet with them on their portable devices.

Technology encompasses many things—television, video games, computers, tablets, and cell phones. In family child care settings, where providers often care for a wide age range of children, deciding on what technology is appropriate for which children can be challenging. Knowing how much technology use to allow when guidelines at home might vary widely can also be challenging. Here is some guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):

• Children younger than 18 months are encouraged to avoid screen media other than video-chatting with loved ones.
• No solo media use under age 2. Creative, unplugged playtime is best. When screens are used, providers are advised to engage with the media along the children to help communicate what they are seeing. For example, “Look, Barney is happy now. He is singing a song with friends.”
• For older children, AAP recommends limiting entertainment media to no more than one to two hours per day and to content that is high-quality (for example, content that is educational, nonviolent, and age appropriate). School-age children, however, may use a computer or internet device for a longer period of time for educational purposes (e.g., if they are working on a specific project or homework assignment).
• Media use during meal time is discouraged, as this has been associated with childhood obesity. Meal time is a good time to have conversations and reinforce good eating habits.

See the attachment below for additional technology guidance from the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC). Note that the NAFCC recommends no more than two hours of screen time for the entire week of care.

For school-age children, the internet has become a space for powerful learning tools, positive socializing, and a chance to engage in public life. However with these positive interactions come safety risks. These risks include the dangers of cyberbullying (online harassment and bullying), sexual solicitation, predators, and exposure to inappropriate content. It is important to find effective ways to educate both ourselves and children about internet safety. The first step is to learn about the risks associated with the internet and technology.

Cyberbullying

With the rise of technology, bullying has become common through such technology as instant messaging, cell phones, email, and social networking sites. This type of bullying can include (but is not limited to) being threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed, or otherwise targeted by another child. Bullying of this type can easily spiral out of control with a message, rumor, or photo forwarded to a group of recipients.

Internet Predators

The internet has also become a very easy way for child predators to communicate with children anonymously through instant messaging, social networking sites, cell phones, and message boards. An online predator can be anyone and may not fit into any profile. The process by which the predator acts inappropriately toward the children is known as online grooming. This process involves an adult or adults preying on the vulnerabilities of children by offering gifts or attention, befriending them, and establishing an emotional connection over a period of time. Oftentimes, the child has been chatting or communicating with this person for a while and the predator gains trust. They will offer the child attention and affection and take advantage of their natural curiosity about sex.

Exposure to Inappropriate Content

While children are using the internet at your program, they may be exposed to inappropriate material. This material could include sexually offensive images, material with explicit language or pictures, violent material, or material that entices or encourages illegal activities. Inappropriate material can be accessed through Web browsing, shared in peer-to-peer networks, or sent by email or instant-messaging services. Inappropriate content may be potentially harmful or disturbing for children. This material may be accessed by accident. Sometimes, just spelling a word incorrectly in a search engine or clicking on a link may bring them to an inappropriate site. When addressing this issue in your program, it is important to acknowledge that some families may consider some material inappropriate based on cultural values and standards. The child’s age also is an important factor.

Video Games

If you offer video games as an option in your program or permit children in your care to bring hand-held video game devices, think about video game content. See the Federal Trade Commission’s On Guard Online site () for more information on controls and video game ratings. Remember that some video games may connect to the internet and allow children to message other players in-game. Because of this, the information above regarding cyberbullying and internet predators is relevant even within video game contexts. Also, remember that video games, even when educational, are a form of screen media, so you should think carefully about the amount of time children, even older children, play them.

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For the Older Children in Your Care:

You should also be aware of warning signs that a child is experiencing trouble. There are a few warning signs that can help you identify a child who is facing online victimization through bullying, predatory interactions, or viewing inappropriate content.

According to the Cyberbullying Research Center, a child may be a victim of cyberbullying if they:

• unexpectedly stop using the computer;
• appear nervous or jumpy when an instant message, text message, or email appears;
• appear uneasy about going to school or outside in general;
• appear to be angry, depressed, or frustrated after using the computer;
• avoid discussions about what they are doing on the computer; or
• become abnormally withdrawn from usual friends and family members.

These warning signs may be true for other online victimization as well. Other signs to look for are excessive use of the computer, secretive behavior around internet use, changing to another web page when a provider appears, and acting agitated, anxious or guilty when questioned about their online communications. They may begin to use adult or sexual language. They also may start to wear more revealing clothing or may become uncomfortable with their bodies. If you should see these warning signs, maintain open communication with the child. Let them know that you trust and support them. Often the children feel guilty or ashamed, so make sure the children know you won't judge them, you just want them to be safe.

For the Younger Children in Your Care:

Watch how these caregivers provide appropriate activities for children under 2 when television or screen media is used. 

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Create a Cybersafe Environment

As a family child care professional, you should develop internet safety guidelines for your program. You can perform some simple steps to ensure cybersafety.