Digital Parenting Made Smarter: Lessons from Experts
Digital Parenting Made Smarter: Lessons from Experts
Parenting in the Digital Age
The internet is an incredible resource for children. It offers access to educational materials, creativity tools, and ways to connect with the world. However, navigating it safely requires guidance, especially for younger users. Recognizing this, Smart has reinforced its campaign for responsible digital parenting and child protection by engaging parents who are also online influencers in a Family Day event.
Held at its flagship store in Mandaluyong City, the event became a platform for sharing best practices in guiding children’s online activities. The occasion also celebrated the launch of Smart’s Junior Plan, a postpaid subscription designed to give children a safer digital experience. Equipped with a curated suite of kid-friendly apps and backed by Smart’s Child Protection Platform, this plan is a tech-forward way to keep kids secure online while staying connected.
Tips for Keeping Kids Safe Online
Parents shared practical advice for navigating the digital world with kids:
- Set Limits on Screen Time and Guide Online Activities
Louise Santos (@mommypracticality), a mother of three boys aged 8, 14, and 21, emphasized open dialogue about safe and unsafe websites. While her older sons can discern better on their own, she strictly regulates her youngest son’s gadget use. “We really talk about the sites they can visit,” she said. “And as parents, we also need to set an example.”
Celine Cornejo (@teachercelineph), a preschool teacher and mother of three, keeps her kids away from their phones during school nights. “They’re only allowed access from Friday after school until the weekend,” she shared. “Kapag Friday, excited na sila.”Model-host Kelly Misa-Fernandez (@kellymisa) also takes a balanced approach for her nine-year-old son. While he’s had restricted internet access since age five, Kelly now focuses on limiting his usage to weekends or light school weeks. - Teach Kids About Online Safety
One of the biggest risks online is talking to strangers, a point Celine stressed. Her sons are aware not to share personal information like their names, address, or passwords. “I always remind my kids that some people pretend to be kids online, but in reality, they are adults,” she explained. - Discuss the Reliability of Online Information
Celine tackled a delicate moment with her children when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer. “My kids love looking things up on Google,” she said. “So, my husband and I told them that while they’re smart, not everything online applies to our situation. Each patient is unique, and the best source for their questions is us or my oncologist, not Dr. Google.”
This kind of honest communication emphasized the importance of family as a support system beyond just digital tools. - Build Trust Before You Correct
Louise underscored the value of trust in parent-child relationships. “We are our children’s safe place. They should feel they can come to us for anything, even before we correct them.”
Eri Neeman (@erineeman), a host and dad to an eight-year-old, echoed this sentiment: “How can your child open up to you if they’re scared? If all you do is scold them, there’s no connection or relationship.” He also advised parents to be self-aware, encouraging reflection on the parenting styles they inherited. “You can’t pour from an empty cup,” he pointed out. - Use Technology to Bond and Have Fun
Robin Cruz, part of TikTok’s father-and-son duo @anythingarticulated, strengthens his relationship with his eight-year-old son Gabe through the digital world. “We bond by unboxing toys. But we also follow a strict no-gadgets rule during meals,” he shared. Robin supervises Gabe’s YouTube and gaming activities closely, turning their shared interests into teachable moments.
Similarly, Kelly shared her excitement about geeking out with her son over games like Mario Bros and their mutual love for ’80s music. “It’s nice finding shared interests, but I also stay mindful of the risks,” she said.
Young mom and content creator Ulya Nikita (@ulyanikitaa) enjoys chatting with her six-year-old online. “When I get a message notification from him, it makes me smile!” she said. Ulya admitted that traditional games felt repetitive, so she opted for digital ones to make playtime more engaging.
Smart Junior Plan: A Tool for Safer Digital Parenting
Smart’s Junior Plan is designed for children of Smart Postpaid subscribers on Plan 999 and up. For PHP 499 per month, it provides:
- 10GB of open-access data.
- Unlimited all-net calls and texts.
- Unlimited access to kid-friendly platforms like Khan Academy, YouTube Kids, Messenger Kids, Spotify, and even Mobile Legends.
The plan incorporates Smart’s Child Protection Platform, which works 24/7 to block access to harmful content. In 2024, it successfully blocked 1.6 million malicious sites and over a million phishing attempts.
“Technology evolves rapidly, and while it offers benefits, it also poses risks for children as vulnerable users,” explained Melissa Vergel de Dios, PLDT and Smart’s Chief Sustainability Officer. “The Smart Junior Plan not only connects families but also prioritizes child protection.”
Backed by Smart’s reliable mobile network, the plan ensures fast downloads, seamless streaming, and lag-free gaming, creating a safe and enjoyable online experience for kids.
A Call to Action for Parents
The Family Day event highlighted the shared responsibility of parents and tech providers to ensure safe internet use for children. Whether through limiting screen time, building trust, or using child-friendly technology like the Junior Plan, parents can help kids navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.
