There is a perplexing dichotomy today in modern culture: the Internet dominates almost every area of our lives from shopping and recreation to work and learning, making it both an invaluable and positive tool for every member of the family. Yet the proliferation of information available and concerns over accuracy and safety can make guiding children's use of technology seem like an overwhelming task.
These two conflicting views of the Internet can create what is described in psychological terms as cognitive dissonance. Cognitive dissonance is a term used to describe the feeling of discomfort that results from holding two conflicting beliefs and helps to explain why parents can often feel overwhelmed about the challenge of providing good guidance to their children on navigating the Internet.
What is required is a more holistic and balanced approach to educating families as to how to support young children in their use of the Internet - an approach which views the Internet as a positive tool and communicates educational messages to parents, from a parent's perspective, about both the opportunities and challenges that the Internet offers.
Fostering communication between parents about their children's use of the Internet is an important strategy that will help to normalise discussion about how to reconcile the conflicting views about the value and the risks associated with Internet use. Empowering parents to educate their children to be able to navigate the Internet in a way that's fun and safe is key, as is ensuring they are keeping pace with the rapidly changing patterns of use of technology.
Club Penguin, the #1 virtual world for kids, has compiled a new major interactive guide to theWeb, which is designed to provide an informed and balanced approach to the Internet, giving insights from a number of parent's perspectives into how the Internet can be used to foster children's love of learning.
Bringing together contributors from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, including BBC presenters Gabby Logan and Neil Oliver, MP Zac Goldsmith and child blogging star Martha Payne, author of NeverSeconds; Club Penguin's Guide to the Wonderful World of the Web gives a helping hand to parents trying to keep up with the pace of digital change.
I was delighted to write the Introduction to the guide, which is available to download via www.disney.co.uk/club-penguin. Parents are also encouraged to exchange their own ideas and tips for children's use of the Internet by going to www.facebook.com/DisneyforMums.
Club Penguin's Guide to theWonderful World of the Web is an innovative approach to Internet safety education programmes, and one that promises to be effective.