What is the Importance of Digital Parenting – 5 Essential Tips for Parents

Doesn’t it seem like the evolution of Edtech has entirely transformed how students learn today? Well, perhaps not entirely, but the shift from traditional classroom learning to virtual learning has been a significant change that all students collectively went through. It is now common for educational institutions to offer a blend of both online and offline learning solutions where students are free to choose their mode of learning based on the method that best meets their needs. 

But learning in a virtual environment comes with its own set of challenges that could sometimes be difficult for children to tackle by themselves. Online learning may be flexible but the pressures of learning in a digital space could lead to difficulty in understanding complex topics, not being involved during classes, unable to manage distractions or focus during lectures and so on. Here’s where strong parental support plays a pivotal role in improving a child’s virtual learning journey. As a parent, you can guide your child by helping them find the right e-learning approach, setting up a distraction-free learning environment or simply offering support whenever needed. . 

In this blog post, we take you through the importance of digital parenting and the steps you can take to improve your child’s online learning experience.  

The Importance of Digital Parenting

According to KPMG, India is the second largest market for E-learning after the United States and is expected to grow by USD 2.28 billion between 2021 and 2025. So, the growing interrelationship between technology and education is here to stay and calls for a strong need to set boundaries so that the online space is used more mindfully. 

To keep up with ever-changing e-learning trends, it is essential for parents to learn the importance of digital parenting to help children make the most of their online education journey. Let us begin by first understanding what digital parenting is. In simple terms, digital parenting refers to the steps that parents take to support their child’s well-being in a digital world. 

Here are five reasons that can help you understand the importance of digital parenting and embrace it:. 

1. Enables children to use digital devices responsibly 

It involves being proactive about boundaries around using digital devices like laptops, smartphones, tablets, etc. Remote learning often demands students to be virtually present for prolonged hours for classes, tests, assessments or research work. In such scenarios, parents can establish time limits around screen time post classes and plan device-free activities. Some operating systems also allow you to set an online activity timer to limit screen time, which can be incredibly useful.

2. Informs children about threats in the digital space

As informative as the internet is, it can also be prone to a number of cybersecurity concerns like malware attacks, phishing scams, hacking, webcam spying, etc. Parents who are well aware about cyber attacks space are better prepared to educate their children on safe browsing and how to use the internet cautiously. Upgrading security features, changing the privacy setting of digital devices, installing a premium antivirus software are a few ways to ensure your child has a safe online experience while attending classes virtually. 

3. Helps monitor children’s online activities 

As we have already established, the digital space is prone to certain dangers that children could be vulnerable to. Apart from this, being dependent on digital devices for learning could also lead to procrastination. Students may play online games, surf online or watch their favorite YouTube videos instead of paying attention during online class. It is essential for parents to monitor their child’s online activities to make sure they’re on track. With the Extramarks Parent App, parents can track their child’s attendance, learning progress, recent activities and a lot more using just a single application. 

4. Encourages children to have open conversations around cyberspace

Staying up to date on the latest trends in the digital space regarding edtech, social media, new applications or software helps create a safe space for children to have open conversations around the internet. Children may also become more comfortable sharing any challenges they may be facing pertaining to e-learning, asking for suggestions regarding online projects or simply having a discussion around something new that they discovered or learned about.  

5. Ensures study-life balance  

The more aware parents are regarding the demands of online learning and internet consumption, the better ground rules they can set to help children attain the right study-life balance. Exercising parental controls such as limiting online surfing/gaming time, restricting usage of digital devices during meal time, encouraging children to go device-free during outings or play time can be a good way to strike that balance. 

E-learning Tips for Parents 

Virtual learning may not be the right fit for every student but can spring up exciting opportunities for learners that are more productive and tend to focus better in a flexible study-at-home environment. While teachers act as the  primary mentors at school, it is important for parents to take on this role at home to support their child’s online learning needs. This is not to say that parents need to fulfill the role of a teacher. However, what they can do is set up a conducive learning environment; model responsible behavior around technology and be there to guide and support children when required. 

Here are five tips that simplify how you can support your child during online classes:  

1. Establish a schedule

Traditional schooling provides students with structure that can be hard to replicate when it comes to remote learning. For some students, the flexibility that comes with e-learning is a natural fit. But for others, especially young learners, having a planned schedule such as a time table to work around may be necessary in order to maintain order and boost productivity. Parents can help their child develop a well-thought daily or weekly schedule that will help them manage their time effectively as well as keep up with academic goals. Establishing an effective routine will also make sure that children learn the importance of being responsible and accountable to complete their homework, assignments and study sessions on time. 

2. Set up a distraction-free work space

One of the most useful strategies to enhance productivity and help children focus better is to have the right environment that is conducive for online learning. The right study area directly influences a child’s ability to concentrate and get into a learning mindset. A good starting point to create an ideal work space for your child would be to take their personality into consideration. For example, if your child is someone who likes to study in a quiet space, a desk and a comfortable chair in a room that’s away from too much noise might be an ideal setting. Make sure they have all the supplies they might need during online class – headphones, notebooks, stationery, etc. so that they can focus better.  

3. Encourage physical activity and exercise 

Learning in a virtual environment means lots of screen time – logging in to classes, research work, online assignments, calls with peers and so on. In the midst of all this, it is easy for kids to slip into lethargy and lead a lifestyle that involves little to no activity. This is where the importance of digital parenting comes into picture. Exercise and outdoor play time can bring about a considerable positive influence on a child’s well-being. Taking short breaks from study time to play with friends, do some stretches or even go for a brisk walk can give your child that much needed rejuvenation which will not only help them develop a healthier lifestyle but also focus better. 

4. Maintain contact with teachers 

Virtual teachers play an integral role in enhancing a student’s online learning experience. Parents should develop an open dialogue with teachers and have frequent communication regarding their child’s performance and progress. This will help children be on track and get appropriate help, guidance or assistance from both parents as well as teachers whenever needed. 

5. Celebrate the wins 

Learning in a remote environment can sometimes be isolating for children. Apart from spending time with their friends, children may need some appreciation to validate their efforts and progress. Boosting their motivation with words of encouragement can be a great way to let them know that their efforts are appreciated, valued and admired. This will, in turn, help them stay motivated and perform better. 
Here, at Extramarks, we understand the importance of digital parenting and the role of parents in supporting a child in a virtual learning environment. This is why we created the Extramarks Parent App to help you track your child’s progress and be a true partner throughout their e-learning journey. So, if you’d like to transform the way your child learns, Extramarks is the way to go!

Last Updated on October 12, 2023