Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

We live in a world where the internet provides unlimited resources for learning, entertainment, and communication. It can be difficult for parents to determine when their children should begin using the internet. 

Technology has its benefits, but parents have to balance them with the potential risks and help kids develop good habits. 

If you’re a parent, here’s how to make the right decision:

Under 18 Months

In this age group, it is best to avoid screen-based media except for video chatting with family members. Babies are developing their senses and motor skills, and real-world interactions are crucial for their growth. 

Instead of screens, focus on activities like playing with toys, reading books, and spending time outdoors.

18 Months to 2 Years

You should choose high-quality educational programs for children under two years old and watch them together.

Children can benefit from programs that teach basic concepts like colors, shapes, and simple words. You should limit screen time to short sessions and balance it with physical play and social interaction.

2 to 5 Years

Preschoolers can benefit from educational content, but it’s important to limit screen time to one hour per day. Choose programs that promotes learning through songs, stories, and games. 

Parents should continue to co-view and discuss the content to support learning. Try to do things that promote creativity, like drawing, building blocks, or playing.

6 Years and Older

As children grow older, they become more independent in their media use. Set limits on how much time they spend online and what kind of content they access. 

You can teach them internet safety, like not sharing personal info and recognizing harmful content. Furthermore, you should maintain a balance between screen time and outdoor activities.

To make sure your internet connection can handle multiple devices and streaming needs, it’s helpful to run a quick Speedtest to check your bandwidth.

General Tips for All Ages

You should always prioritize educational, engaging, high-quality content. Make sure you’re involved in your child’s media use by co-viewing, discussing content, and setting rules. 

Children should learn about online safety, including cyberbullying, privacy settings, and reporting inappropriate content.

Also, if you’re using specific services like Xfinity, you can run an Xfinity speed test to check your connection speed and see how much bandwidth is being used. 

Sometimes, kids might accidentally download large files or stream in high quality without realizing it, which can slow down the internet for everyone else at home.