Four tips to help you monitor your children’s online schooling
Are you homeschooling your children? Read on for four tips to help you monitor your children’s online lessons.
If you thought online schooling was just for the pandemic, think again. Many students have remained in online education post-pandemic, with parents saying that it better fits their needs and provides an avenue to learning for children who find it difficult to attend school in person.
In Washington state, for example, there are now over 7,700 kids between Kindergarten and fifth grade who are enrolled in at least one online class. However, kids will be kids, and not having a teacher physically in the room supervising can make it easier for them to get distracted.
To help you, Vasilii Kiselev, CEO and co-founder of Legacy Online School, uses his years of experience as an online teacher to show you how you can monitor your kids’ activity and keep them focused without needing to become tech geniuses.
1) Use parental control software
You can use parental control software to restrict access to non-educational websites during school hours. You can even set time limits on app usage and receive alerts if your child attempts to access blocked sites.
Popular options include Qustodio, Net Nanny, and Norton Family. Many devices also come with built-in parental controls, like Apple’s Screen Time or Android’s Family Link.
2) Monitor their use of devices
Most devices have settings that allow you to track screen time. For example, you can access the Screen Time feature on iOS devices or Digital Wellbeing on Android devices to see how much time is spent on various apps and websites.
If you notice excessive time spent on non-educational activities, have a frank conversation about it. Ask your child why they felt distracted and discuss strategies they can use to focus better.
3) Limit distractions
Create a distraction-free environment by designating a specific area in the home for online schooling where your kids won’t be disturbed. Make sure this space is comfortable and quiet. Use a phone box or drawer where all electronic devices (including tablets and phones) are stored during school hours so your kids aren’t distracted by scrolling.
Another great way to improve their focus is to encourage outdoor or creative activities during breaks, rather than scrolling through social media.
4) Set goals and rewards
Establish clear objectives for your child. Set achievable daily and weekly academic goals, such as completing specific assignments, attending all classes, or maintaining their focus during lessons.
You can create a reward system where your child earns points or tokens for completing tasks or reaching their goals. These can be exchanged for privileges, such as extra screen time, a special treat, or a fun outing.
Help your children navigate the vast online landscape
Parenting in the digital age is like being a tour guide in an unpredictable and sometimes scary new world. Just as a tour guide ensures travellers explore the best sights without getting lost, parents play a central role in navigating the vast online landscape with their children.
When parents discuss online experiences with their children, they help them build positive habits. Think of it as a teamwork exercise – by setting boundaries and negotiating rewards, parents teach their kids to balance screen time with real-life responsibilities.
It’s all about making your kids feel comfortable sharing their online adventures and asking questions so they don’t feel judged and shut down. This helps them learn to think critically about what they see online.
Legacy Online School provides a high-quality, flexible, and accredited online education for students from Kindergarten through 12th grade. Their curriculum is designed to foster academic excellence and personal growth, allowing students to learn at their own pace.
