Are you a parent and find yourself on social media and notice that your kids being mischievous with each other online, getting upset when they come home because of some silly video or prank that they did on Instagram? Well then it is not an unusual situation but what matters is to know how to handle it so that it doesn’t become any bigger problem between both of you or even worse make your kid get bullied.Here are some common reasons why children behave like this:
They don’t understand what they are doing and where they are going. This is a big reason why some parents let their kids play outside in the cold weather without proper clothing and shoes and just feel the cold air on them. They also do not think or understand where they are going and the people they are meeting with. When we talk about technology nowadays, one cannot ignore the fact that it has made our lives easier than ever. Everything now takes us less time, money and space and everything can be done at our fingertips and there are no barriers. All of a sudden, children are facing problems by having trouble understanding the concept of time management, organization, deadlines and planning, leading them to lose time and cause stress for themselves or to others around them. Their lack of understanding of the real world becomes an issue and creates tension in the family. The lack of awareness about certain things on social media such as racism, stereotypes, discrimination of particular groups of people, etc. creates a lot of anxiety in your child which increases the chance of creating conflicts in your relationship and causing misunderstandings. They don’t want to be judged or humiliated by peers. Some parents allow their children to share personal details with friends online due to peer pressure and this leads to them feeling more insecure, anxious or depressed. So if you are reading this article again and this happens to be your case.
If you are looking out for ways to help your kids overcome those types of problems that they face while playing games or doing activities online then I have got you covered and this is my top 10 list for helping your kids in overcoming those challenges.
1) Teach them self-control 
First thing is to teach your kid that he/she should take care of himself during online games and be responsible enough to avoid getting distracted. You can start right from childhood with simple conversations like “How many times can you beat me today?” or “Can you break the glass?” and build up this behavior. Also, encourage your kids to follow specific rules and regulations, i.e., never interrupting anyone.
2) Be aware of the type of game or activity 
They play online. If they are playing puzzle games or word games, you need to set up boundaries and limit your kid’s screen time. For example, let your kid watch TV, go to school, participate in sports and avoid staying alone. It is important for him/her to have a good idea of the kind of person he/she needs to be around at social gatherings when online.
3) Be patient
Parents always say patience because we want our kids to succeed in life but it is crucial for your kids to learn how to work hard and take responsibility. By teaching your kids that they need to take responsibility for doing something wrong or wrong when they are wrong, you will give them the skills to deal with situations with patience and kindness.
4) Encourage them to study
Kids are naturally curious and they love learning new things. Encouraging your kids to explore different hobbies can help you get them excited about learning new things and increase their motivation. As mentioned above, if they are not interested in playing board games or computer games, try introducing them to painting, dancing or music. These activities require concentration and focus so they can use all their energy and attention for their studies. There are plenty of resources available online which can help you in developing your kid’s imagination and creativity. Take a look at these websites:
5) Try to establish a healthy routine 
Do not underestimate the power of setting rules and regulations in your kid’s daily activities. This way they will be able to develop a positive attitude towards their studies, improve their communication skills and also become responsible beings. A study found that by following a strict routine in kids’ lives, they would be better prepared for future success. Therefore, if they follow a consistent schedule of doing chores, homework, studying, having regular meals and exercising for half an hour every day and you can call it a healthy routine.
6) Play together 
Letting your kid play together online and sharing their experiences and thoughts with each other is definitely a great way to bond with them. By encouraging them to play together, you will teach them to communicate with each other freely and also teach them valuable lessons.
7) Monitor social media usage
With the rapid growth of social media, it has become necessary for parents to monitor their kid’s digital habits. Parents should understand what messages their kid sends on his/her phone and whether they are receiving appropriate messages or bullying messages which could lead to unwanted consequences.
8) Establish a safe internet space
Your kid probably spends most of his/her time on screens and therefore parents should create a private and secure place for them to spend their precious minutes without being disturbed. Set rules and restrictions that will help your kids follow a safe behavior and respect their privacy.
9) Support their decisions 
One of the biggest causes in children behaving badly online is because of the influence of adults. Don’t force your kid to do anything. Instead give them opportunities to experiment and do what they feel is best for them.
10) Keep devices off until the work is finish working.
Even though this seems like an easy rule, it is extremely important for protecting your kids from cyber bullying. Cyber bullying is defined as “the repeated use of computers or devices to harm another person or their property through bullying, insults, threats, or other forms of harassment.” And in 2021, the number of victims who reported to social media platforms reached over 100 million, according to statistics by Trust pilot.
