Keeping your child safe in the digital age is something that parents should take responsibility for.
There is no denying that we live in the digital age. You can access information at the click of a button, just as everyone carries a cellphone, tablet or digital device at all times. Although useful in many ways, the opportunities that staying connected bring have made the world smaller. And, they also bring along some dangers and hurdles. As a parent, how can you guide your children through this new environment?
CHILDREN, PHONES AND THE INTERNET
Many South African parents wonder when to buy their children phones. According to clinical psychologist Vossie Goosen, there is no perfect age to do this. “I first gave my child a cellphone when he was 12,” says Ivy Ndaba whose son, Jabu, is now 16. “I only wanted him to have a phone at 13, but he was nagging me for it. He wanted to be like his friends, who had phones at an early age. I told myself that at least I would be able to stay in contact with him when he was with friends or visiting his dad,” Ivy says. According to US research firm Influence Central, the average American child gets his first smartphone at the age of 10, two years younger than the same statistics showed in 2012. South Africa is not far behind – a 2016 paper titled Global Kids Online published by Cape Town’s Centre for Justice and Crime Prevention found that of those interviewed, 70.4% of children from 9 to 14 used the Internet regularly, while 86.3% had social media accounts.
LET’S TALK ABOUT IT
Denne historien er fra June 2017-utgaven av Bona.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra June 2017-utgaven av Bona.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Damage At Work: Who Pays?
What happens when you damage company property or property that belongs to your employer? Are you liable for the costs?
Safety Tips When Driving With Kids
The roads we drive on can be quite treacherous. Car safety is not only limited to you as a driver, but also your passengers including your children. Vuyi Mpofu gives us six safety tips that you must abide by.
The Impact Of The Coronavirus
When COVID-19 hit South Africa, it came as no surprise that the virus would impact vulnerable communities such as townships and rural areas the hardest. The frequently asked questions since then have been whether the government has given enough information and resources to the people in disadvantaged areas or not. Everson Luhanga investigates further.
Financially Surviving Covid-19
Our finance guru, Sinesipho Maninjwa, shares advice on how you can navigate and survive the financial impact of the coronavirus.
All I Want Is A Baby
Trying to conceive with no success, and undergoing fertility treatment can take its toll on your relationship. This is the reality for many couples, and yet it remains a taboo subject.
THE TRUTH ABOUT - feminine hygiene products
Despite numerous attempts by medical professionals to debunk the need for feminine hygiene products, numerous women still use them. Lethabo Nxumalo finds out why and if they are truly putting you at risk.
THREE GENERATIONS OF MTOBA women
Linda Mtoba (27) is a mom, and she’s extremely happy about it. She chats to Amanda Mtuli about her pregnancy and what motherhood has taught her thus far. She also introduces us to her beautiful daughter, Bean. We are lucky to have the matriarch of the family, Linda’s mother Celiwe Mtoba (47), present during the interview. She lovingly gushes over her first grandchild while giving us insight into what it was like raising Linda.
THE OLDER SIBLING Blues
Expecting the arrival of your bundle of joy may be exciting for you and your partner, but might not be so thrilling for your older child. Experts say kids sometimes struggle to accept the changes that a newborn brings. Fundiswa Nkwanyana spoke to some of them to help you prepare your firstborn for the new family member.
Owning THE SPOTLIGHT
Film and TV star Fulu Mugovhani (29), currently graces our screens as Noli on the M-Net series, Still Breathing. The former Scandal! actress talks about getting into showbiz and lessons learnt on and off the stage.
Life After losing a child
A parent’s worst fear is the death of a child. And, when that fear becomes a reality, grief becomes unbearable and acceptance seems impossible. Four readers share intimate details of their journeys.