SUNDUS YOUSUF
Browsing the internet was a pastime for children but now it has become full time thanks to remote learning and lockdowns during the pandemic.
Parents should help kids use the web responsibly and keep a tab on what they watch or play, say experts.
The Internet is not just for learning, they should also allow online entertainment. Parents must follow different strategies to prevent children from binge browsing and gaming addiction.
Mouza al Abri, a mother of four, said she doesn't mind if her children surf the internet as long as she monitors them. “I connect my device to my children’s device to watch what they play and what they choose from apps. This way I feel safe,” she said.
Zayana al Shukaili, mother of five children, thinks that video games should be controlled and supervised as it makes children antisocial.
“I think playing games makes children isolated from the outside world. I specify certain timings for my children to use their tabs and they know the rules and follow them.”
Dr Muna al Shekaili, a psychiatrist, said one of the reasons why parents should play games with their children is that “it is easy to have an interactive conversation with children while playing to identify their needs. Video games help children know alternatives to the real world”.
Dr Muna said “gaming with children helps parents experience how these games are played so they can evaluate the content and redirect their children to the safe practices.”
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