There is no way of getting around it: mobile phones, computers and other electronic devices are central to the modern world. But technology also comes with its dangers. That leaves a major question. How do we reap the benefits of electronics while avoiding the pitfalls? 

Be cautious when using social media.

It is tempting to share every detail of our lives to a global audience, but first impressions can be negative as well as positive. What you view as a fun picture with friends could be seen as offensive by someone else. The rule of thumb I advocate is what I call the “grandmother rule”: Would you share this picture with your grandmother (or grandfather)? If you wouldn’t, you should not put it on social media and share it with the world either. Remember: the internet never forgets. Even if you delete something, there is always a trail that can be used to trace it. 

Be wary about contact with strangers on the Internet.

The Internet is full of strangers, and even if you chat with someone on the Internet, you must keep in mind that you have never met them. They may not be who they claim to be; they may be using a false identity. And not everyone on the internet is communicating with you because they want to be nice to you. There have been countless cases of adults pretending to be children and luring unsuspecting real children to become friends on them on the internet. In some cases, children have even ran away to meet these adults in person, and then been murdered by said adult, who was using them all along. 

Do not neglect other aspects of life in favour of social media.

It is tempting to chat with your friends online rather than do work or other such commitments. Spending time on screens can enrich your life and provide opportunities to do things that you would not be able to do otherwise. However, it should not undermine your commitment to other duties such as school or work, your offline social life, or even basic functions such as sleep. Always stay on top of school or work, and ensure that any work you need to do is completed before unwinding on social media. 

I'm a parent. How can I encourage healthy screen usage in my children?

You should encourage them to follow these three rulers. My advice would be that young children (under the age of 10), have screen time limits and barriers on social media usage that prevent them from being exposed to these dangers too young. When children become preteens and young teenagers (10-14), it is time to gradually relax these restraints to ensure that your child becomes familiar with the world of technology. Do not allow children to create an account with social media providers until they reach the minimum age requirement. Teenagers (15-17) can have almost unlimited screen time and access, but it is still important to ensure that screen time does not get in the way of their school work or social life outside of a screen. 

By being careful, you will be able access the many benefits of screen time while avoiding the risks. If you are not, then you will fall victim to the many traps that come with spending time on the internet. It is not about ignoring social media or screens altogether, or imposing draconian rules on screen time: it is about knowing the game and the risks involved, and playing the game to avoid them.