Your Digital Grandchildren
Posted on February 28, 2015 by bob in Features
Today’s kids have never known a time without computers or the Internet. According to a Pew Internet Project study from 2013, 95 percent of all children ages12 to 17 are now on-line, and 80 percent of teens have a desktop or laptop computer.
So what’s a grandparent to do when hosting electronics-savvy grandkids for a few hours or days? Here are eight tips for setting guidelines and sharing in digital media to engage and learn more about your grandkids.
Find out if they will be bringing their own devices
If you don’t have a computer or video game console in your home, there’s no need to get one just for your grandkids. Ask the parents if their children will be bringing their own digital devices. About 47 percent of teens own Internet-accessible smartphones, and about one in four own a tablet computer.
Set time limits
Grandma and grandpa’s house should be a special place where kids can have fun, and certain rules (like bedtime and allowable treats) are relaxed. However, screen time should come with specific ground rules. If parents don’t provide time limits, don’t be afraid to set your own. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends television and other media should be avoided for infants and toddlers under age 2, and no more than one to two hours a day of entertainment media for children and teens.
The purpose of the visit should be to enjoy time with you, not to spend it alone attached to a digital device.
Grandchildren can enjoy computer games, music and movies, but when they visit, they can also have lots of other wonderful, planned activities like visiting museums, going to the zoo, swimming and taking walks.
Check on Wi-Fi access
If the kids bring a laptop or tablet, they may ask if you have Wi-Fi access. If you don’t have a wireless router in your home, again, 
there’s no need to buy one just for them. If you do have a router or live in a communal setting that provides Wi-Fi, talk with the parents about whether or not the grandkids can surf the Internet on their own devices without supervision. If they bring smartphones with 3G or 4G access, they don’t need a Wi-Fi hotspot in order to get Internet access.
Explore content filters
If you allow your grandkids to surf the Internet on your computer, consider using content filters to block inappropriate websites. Popular browsers like Internet Explorer and Firefox offer content filters or add-ons. Operating systems also have built-in safeguards you can activate and some companies offer free or paid Internet filters. Articles from a variety of popular computer magazines, accessible through an online web search on the topic, can also provide good information.
Watch online videos with them
If the kids like watching videos online, make sure they are appropriate. Watch a few videos with your grandkids and ask them about what types of videos they enjoy and why. Be careful, however, of the comment sections, where anonymous users occasionally post rude or profane comments.
Seek age-appropriate games
If your grandkids like to play video games, there are plenty of free ones available for download or playable through your Internet
browser. Look for age-appropriate games, especially from trusted websites like pbskids.org or www.nickjr.com. Commonsensemedia.org is a good resource for finding age-appropriate games. Some libraries offer free video games on CD ROM for checkout, and many video game stores rent them out as well. Ask parents what the kids’ favorite games are and see if you can borrow/rent some.
Discourage excessive texting or messaging
Many kids today text or instant message (IM) their friends constantly. Set rules for your home about when it is and isn’t appropriate (e.g., meals, outings, other group activities) to communicate electronically with friends. Ask your grandkids about what types of friends they have, where they live and what they like to do together.
Learn about their social media interests
Kids love to create and share content (photos, videos, commentary, etc.) online through social media. Although the popularity of Facebook seems to be waning with teens, three out of every four of them still use it. If your grandkids are on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Vine, Instagram or others, ask them what types of topics they like to post about, whom they follow, and what hobbies/interests they have. You might even be able to suggest new people or organizations to follow on social media.
For more information and resources on hosting your grandkids, visit www.aarp.org/relationships/friends-family/ or www.grandparents.com, official website of the American Grandparents Association.
