Clickbait: What It Is and How Parents Can Help Kids Navigate It
In today’s digital world, children are constantly surrounded by headlines, thumbnails, and videos designed to grab attention—sometimes in ways that aren’t honest or healthy. This is what we call clickbait. While it can seem harmless at first glance, clickbait can influence kids’ expectations, emotions, and even self-esteem. So how can parents help their children recognise and […]
Sensory Neglect in the Digital Jungle: Reclaiming Childhood’s Natural Rhythms
We’re living in a time when children can access the world with a single swipe — yet are often missing the world right in front of them. I call this quiet modern dilemma sensory neglect — not the neglect that makes headlines, but the subtle loss of everyday sensory experiences that once defined childhood. Children […]
Prevention is Better than Cure in the Digital Jungle: PREVENTION
Credit: FreePik Parents as Prevention Models: YOU! Children mirror our tech habits more than our words. The most powerful prevention? Modelling balance. Tip for parents: Put your phone down during family time. Small, consistent actions teach healthy boundaries far better than rules. 💬 Pause to Ponder Question: How do you model a healthy digital balance […]
Prevention is Better than Cure in the Digital Jungle: PERFECTION
Credit: Bernard Hiller Purpose, Not Perfection Perfectionism and comparison online are driving anxiety. Confidence grows when teens focus on purpose, not popularity. Tip for parents: Encourage a hobby, creative project, or volunteering. Grounding identity in values builds resilience — and joy — beyond screens. 💬 Pause to Ponder Question: What passion or hobby gives your […]
Prevention is Better than Cure in the Digital Jungle: FRIENDSHIP
Friendship Over Followers Digital friendship isn’t enough. Teens spending more time online can lose empathy and social skills. Tip for parents:Prioritise offline friendships: clubs, hobbies, or shared adventures. Remember: Likes don’t last, but laughter does. 💬 Pause To Ponder Question: What offline activities bring your family the most joy? #DigitalJungle #ParentingUnplugged #ScreenSmartParenting #SocialSkills
Prevention is Better than Cure in the Digital Jungle: SLEEP
Sleep is Your Secret Weapon Devices disrupt sleep, and sleep deprivation fuels anxiety and depression. Prevention starts with bedtime. Tip for parents: Phones out of bedrooms, invest in an alarm clock, and model good sleep routines yourself. A well-rested teen is a resilient teen. 💬 Pause to Ponder Question: How does screen time affect your […]
Prevention is Better than Cure in the Digital Jungle: COMPARISON
Escaping the Comparison Trap Social media distorts reality. Haidt calls it “the perfect storm for teen anxiety.” Teens see only highlights, which fosters self-doubt. Tip for parents: Talk about perspective: Follow a few “authentic” creators together to normalise real life. 💬 Pause to Ponder Question: Which social media habits help your teen feel confident, not […]
Prevention is Better than Cure in the Digital Jungle: SELF REGULATION
Credit: FreePik Teaching Emotional Self-Regulation Endless scrolling keeps kids on high alert, fueling anxiety. Prevention is teaching emotional literacy: naming feelings, managing disappointment, and stepping away when overwhelmed. Tip for parents: Model healthy boundaries: “I’m putting my phone down for a break — I need quiet time.” 💬 Pause to Ponder Question: How do you […]
Prevention is Better than Cure in the Digital Jungle: ANXIETY
Credit: FreePik Start Early, Stay Connected The best defence against digital anxiety isn’t an app — it’s connection. Jonathan Haidt’s research shows anxiety and depression surged when children spent more time online and less in unstructured, real-world play. Tip for parents: Create daily tech-free rituals — a walk, snack time, or bedtime chat. These small […]
Stop, Think, Tell: Helping Autistic Children Make Safer Choices Online
Credit: ClipArtMax When we think about online safety, the first advice that usually comes to mind is “Don’t talk to strangers” or “Don’t share personal details.” But there’s another side of digital safety that’s just as important, and often overlooked: the content children are choosing to watch. More and more young people are stumbling across […]
