Last weekend, my son and I were hanging around the Apple Store at a popular shopping center until “Big Miracle” started. A lot of other parents seemed to have the same idea, jostling for an open computer among the throngs in the uber crowded tech center. We chose a table, and my 10 year old waited his turn while two young girls, surfed the internet and screamed excitedly while watching LMFAO gyrate across the Mac Book Pro screen. The girls, about ages 5 and 7, howled and danced, a pink screeching blur in Hello Kitty sweatshirts. Their parents, chatting at the opposite side of the table, only gave the briefest of glances in response to their high-pitched screeching. My son rolled his eyes in irritation, but waited patiently while the older girl did another You Tube search, clicking maniacally until images of animated pornography floated across the screen. The girls grew quiet and stopped dancing, but they did not take their eyes off the undulating body parts. I immediately blocked my son’s view and motioned for the father to come over. I crossed my arms announced flatly, “Your girls are viewing inappropriate content.” The father anxiously ran over and his expression darkened. “This is exactly why you don’t go on You Tube!” he raged, grabbing the bewildered girls and leading them out of the store.
Questions for Ask A Behaviorist:
Did the father have the right to be angry with his children even if he had told them multiple times to avoid You Tube?
No. He should have been angry with himself. Children require constant monitoring when surfing the Internet. They do not have the maturity and self-control to evaluate and monitor content.
Did the parents have the right to take a moment, relax and have a chat?
No. The Internet is not a babysitter. They did not have the right to chat, gossip, snack, nap, text, or daydream in any establishment that offers open access to the Internet.
Here’s a core value to adopt at the Apple Store: Never, ever take your eyes off your kids and what they are viewing. Never.