118 Hawaii Parent July/August 2026 Set Time Limits Some families find it helpful to restrict video games and digital devices during weekdays or to switch off all electronics by 8 pm on weekends. Consistency is key, and consequences should be clearly defined if rules are broken. Decide on a specific time when digital devices are not accessible. Reasonable consequences for losing digital device privileges should range from 3 days to a week. When longer consequences are given, children become more frustrated rather than learning the lesson. Involving children in the consequence process encourages them to understand why the rules exist and motivates them to be responsible and accountable. Play to Understand and Connect It’s crucial to understand what games children are playing. One of my students’ moms sets aside time to play alongside her son and explore their digital world. She shared that playing may not be fun for her, but it helped her improve her relationship with her son. She understands why he’s interested and saw how happy he felt teaching her how to play his favorite game. Establish Open Communication Create an environment where children feel heard and understood. This fosters cooperation and reduces conflicts. Rely on parental controls, as these invaluable tools keep children safe online. Research sites like www.top10.com ensure children have a safe online experience. Educate Children about Cyberbullying Educating children about cyberbullying is crucial. Let them know that no one should make them feel uncomfortable or ashamed online. Cyberbullying is a serious issue that needs to be addressed promptly. The best tips are to listen to them, document the incidents, and report them to the school staff or authorities. I recently encountered a situation where a student received hurtful messages questioning their worth as a friend. The seventh grader responsible was suspended from school, and charges were filed. Handling Inappropriate Content Online If your child accidentally watches
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