Kids Set Some Technology Rules for Their Parents, Study Reveals

Researchers from University of Washington and University of Michigan reveal that kids have expectations about their parents' technology use. These include some rules such as 'oversharing' at social media and fairness in using technology devices.

Science Daily reports that the study involved 249 families with children ages 10 to 17. They were asked about their most significant family technology rules and expectancies. The study was imparted at the Association for Computing Machinery's Conference on Computer-Supported Cooperative Work and Social Computing in San Francisco this month of March.

The researchers asked the children in what technology rules they want to set for their parents. Kids wish parents would be present keeping an eye on them such as talking with them rather than on their phones or other devices. Parents must also use the technology in moderation and stabilize their activities.

They also hope that their parents would allow them to use the gadgets without their interference. Other rules include not texting while driving, not using the Internet during meal time and no oversharing of their information online without their permission.

"Twice as many children as parents expressed concerns about family oversharing personal information about them on Facebook and other social media without permission," Sarita Schoenebech, co-author of the study and assistant professor in the University of Michigan's School of Information said. "Many children said they found that content embarrassing and felt frustrated when their parents continued to do it."

Family rules for technology and the digital footprints being made should revolve around respect and privacy https://t.co/rf7E4g4GcL

— Angela Whitaker (@awhitaker1104) March 10, 2016

According to researchers, the kids would follow easily the technology rules if their parents would also live by them. The fact is parents and children have difficulties in following the rules such as putting phones down in the particular situation. It is advisable then that app and device designers must determine the consumer needs.

"If app and device designers were more open to fostering healthy technology habits, they probably would make their current customers happier," Julie Kientz, co-author of the study and UW associate professor of Human Centered Design and Engineering said. "And they might bring in more families who've decided the rule is not to use it at all."

Meanwhile, Pew Internet reports that about one-in-three parents have concerns and questions about their children's use of technology for the last twelve months. Parents are supportive of their children's use of social media, the internet and cell phones. They also monitor their children's online behavior and advise them not to share and say inappropriate things online.