• Skip to content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Shop ModernMom
  • Become An Insider

ModernMom

The premiere destination for moms

  • Parenting
    • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Kids
    • Tweens and Teens
    • ModernMom Monday Videos
  • Cooking
  • Living Healthy
    • Breast Cancer
    • Health & Fitness
    • Body after Baby
    • Beauty
    • Relationships
    • Love
  • Lifestyle
    • Crafts
    • At Home
    • Education
    • Travel
    • Pets
    • Decorate
    • Money
    • Brooke Burke
  • Celebrate
    • Holidays
      • Easter
      • Valentine’s Day
      • New Year’s
      • Christmas
      • Hanukah
      • Halloween
      • Thanksgiving
    • Birthdays
    • Parties
  • Must Have
  • Contests
  • Entertainment

Parents: It’s Time to Start Taking Tech Responsibility

November 22, 2014 by Andrea Benton Leave a Comment

Over the last three weeks, I have read various articles on how parents are being caught unaware when their kids are using their smartphones, tablets or console gaming systems and then are horrified when they get their credit card statements. What parents realize is that they were charged gobs of money while their kids were using their devices unbeknownst to them. (I will admit that this blog post might turn into a bit of a rant…)

Parents: wake up and take responsibility, please. Ask yourself, who allowed the child to have the smartphone, tablet or console gaming system. If the answer is you or a family member then you need to understand the benefits and the risks of the technology you have allowed to enter your household.

Yes, technology is constantly changing and it is a pain in the butt to keep up but parents more than ever have to be proactive. Why do we think that smartphone, tablet or console gaming companies are looking out for our best interests or our kids. They are not and NEVER will be. Their basic goal is to make a profit. Sure, regulations will change after a while to make things more difficult for these companies but like everything in life you need to be aware of what your household is signing up for and follow these steps….

1. Research the smartphone, tablet or console gaming system you are about to purchase.

This means read forums, ask other parents or follow technologically savvy people in the know. Learn about what you need to be aware of. Would you buy a car without researching it? Probably not, so why is technology different?

2. Read the terms and services agreement.

Seriously…yes! Sure it is full of legal jargon that will make your eyes glaze over but you might find something in the privacy section which makes you uncomfortable or ask questions. I can’t tell you how many times I have clicked “Yes” on a Terms and Conditions (T&C’s) online statement. I assume, like everyone else that these companies T&C’s are ok. They most likely are but when you first enter into an agreement with a company, at least try to understand what you have committed to.

3. Explore the device or console gaming system you have purchased when your kids aren’t around. 

Yes, your kids have mastered it faster than you can say “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”, (did I spell that right?)  but are you comfortable with it. We recently got an Xbox and I’m exploring each section to familiarize myself with it so that when my son screws it up (b/c he will), I can attempt to fix it.

4. Don’t fall into the typical parental roles with technology.

Recently, my hubby and I took a day off and do household chores. He did the gardening and I did the laundry. There is a tendency within technology to let men “Rule the Roost” within the household. Don’t do it. Both parents need to be actively involved and understand the ramifications of technology. Yes, I’m not technological inclined and I screw up with technology a ton but I don’t let it deter me. At the end of the day, I’m an educator to my kids, if they are interacting with technology, then I need to know it.

5. Learn the lingo.

Do you know your 3DS from your LOL? One of the most effective ways to stay on par with technology is to understand the acronyms. They are all over technology. While it doesn’t make you an expert, it does help you keep current.

So the next time you get a large bill on your credit card statement, from a piece of technology you allowed your son or daughter to use, take a breath and say “Yes, I was the person who allowed this piece of technology to enter into my household. I guess I just learned a huge lesson!” And of course, speak to your kids about it.

Do you agree with my point of view? If you do, like my Facebook page so you can keep up with technology.

Comments

comments

Filed Under: Parenting

About Andrea Benton

Andrea Benton is a passionate techie Mom, who has two young children, both of which love tablet technology. She blogs about tablet technology for parents and childcare providers. Follow her on Twitter at @weebootmom

Reader Interactions

Primary Sidebar

Search

Tell a friend

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
ModernMom Boutique

ModernMom TV

Featured

How to Save Your Kid from Drowning

The lifeguard moving quickly past Lindsey’s chair seemed to … [Read More...] about How to Save Your Kid from Drowning

Must Have

STEM-related Toys to Include in Your Child’s Easter Basket This Year 

April has arrived which means it’s time to pull out the food … [Read More...] about STEM-related Toys to Include in Your Child’s Easter Basket This Year 

Did you know?

fade hair color quickly

How to Fade Hair Color Quickly

Cravings & the Sex of the Baby

Cravings & the Sex of the Baby

safe to color Your hair while breastfeeding

Is it Safe to Color Your Hair While Breastfeeding?

Tips on Exercising While Pregnant

Tips on Exercising While Pregnant

How Many Calories Does 10,000 Steps Burn

How Many Calories Does 10,000 Steps Burn?

How to Detect a Miscarriage

Does Pregnancy Cause Flu-Like Symptoms?

Does Pregnancy Cause Flu-Like Symptoms?

Footer

  • About Us
  • Contact ModernMom
  • Advertise With Us
  • Press
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Contributors

Copyright © 2022 Modern Mom. All Rights Reserved.

Reproduction of any portion of this website only at the express permission of Mom, Inc.

The information provided on ModernMom is for educational use only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.