As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, many schools have taken to E-learning models to help them cover lost grounds due to the closure of schools. Lots of pictures and videos of children at various “class stations” in their homes have gone viral – some were seen in their school uniforms and others in casual wears, while some were seen working on their parents’ work stations, and some others on the dining table. In this interview, Ugochi Obidiegwu a Safety Education Advocate, also known as ‘The Safety Chic’, shared with UGOCHI MBA child safety tips on ways parents can keep their children safe while learning via the internet.
What are your thoughts on E-learning for children in this pandemic period?
Safety Education Advocate
First, kudos to all schools who are trying to create some semblance of normalcy for our children. Kudos to the parents for making an effort to comply with school plans so that children can get some learning. From the reviews we saw, children were excited to see their friends again.
That being said, if we do not make certain safety considerations, we might inadvertently harm our kids.
What type of harm can E-learning cause kids?
There are three kinds of risks children can be exposed to online; Content risk which is the exposure to content that is harmful, visually disturbing or not age-appropriate. Also, Conduct risk which is simply behaviour that makes another person uncomfortable e.g. bullying, sexting. Finally, Contact risk. This is exposure to wrong persons e.g. scammers or adults posing as teenagers.
What can parents do to ensure safe E-learning?
Parents should consider the choice of furniture. Most furniture in some homes is more suited to adults than children. Therefore, if a child spends long hours learning with the wrong furniture, they might not maintain proper posture because the seats are uncomfortable for their body size. This will eventually lead to body strains and pains. So, set up age-appropriate “class stations”. If you do not have and cannot buy, improvise with what you have. Throw pillows can be great for their lower back. Elevating the laptop with books can be done on a low table etc. Also, appropriate lighting. Since the children would be looking at computers for long periods, how can you ensure eye issues do not arise? Ensure the class station is properly lit but this lighting must not reflect on the screen. It is also important to manage the brightness of the screen. Ensure that the child’s eyes are not too close to the screen.
What can parents do to avoid these risks?
Parents need to educate their children on the right actions to take in different scenarios so that even in their absence, they can handle the pressures of the world, especially on the internet. Your children’s safety is of utmost importance as we embrace these new changes.
What more steps will you encourage parents to take for online safety of their kids?
Parents should keep necessary study tools within reach. What are all the things needed to ensure the school day goes smoothly? Keep within reach in the class station. This ensures that your child is not overstretching, overreaching, bending or twisting unnecessarily. Remember their bodies are still growing and we do not want them to have musculoskeletal disorders down the line. Also, breaks must be enforced periodically. It is unhealthy to coop the child at a class station for hours on end. Even if they do not want to move, as teachers and parents we must encourage them to move.
Any other important point to be considered in ensuring safety?
Frequent Hydration. Yes, WATER. Encourage them to drink more water. Encourage healthier habits, drinking water is good for them in the long run.
