Smartphones vs. Social Media: What Every Parent Needs to Know
Credit: Freepik I’ve been really pondering the distinctions and listening to the debates around giving children smartphones versus access to social media. Smartphones vs. Social Media: Understanding the Debate for Parents In today’s digital age, one of the most critical decisions parents face is when—or even if—to give their child a smartphone. Layered within that […]
Christmas Pester Power Around Digital Devices: How to Respond with Confidence
The holiday season brings joy, festivities, and often an influx of wish lists from children. In today’s digital age, those lists are increasingly dominated by requests for the latest gadgets, gaming consoles, or smartphones. This phenomenon, known as “pester power,” can leave parents feeling pressured, especially when they want to balance their children’s desires with […]
DO YOU KNOW WHO YOUR KIDS ARE TALKING TO?
Credit: Tim Tebow Foundation DO YOU KNOW WHO YOUR KIDS ARE TALKING TO? Maybe it’s time you did ! Understanding the Risks of Snapchat, TikTok, and Discord In today’s hyper-connected world, your child’s smartphone is more than a device—it’s a portal to vast networks of social interaction, gaming, and entertainment. While platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, […]
How to Start Conversations About Cyberbullying
Talking to your child about cyberbullying can feel daunting, but open communication is key to helping them navigate challenges online. Here’s how to get started: 1. Choose the Right Moment Why it works: Kids are more receptive when they’re relaxed and not feeling pressured.How to do it: 2. Ask Open-Ended Questions Why it works: Encourages […]
The Parenting Paradox: Why We Overprotect Children in the Real World and Underprotect Them Online – And How to Fix It
In a world where helicopter parenting is becoming increasingly common and smartphone trackers are often seen as essential for keeping children safe, it’s important to consider a different approach: one that empowers children through incremental independence. Gradually allowing children to make their own decisions, experience small challenges, and take responsibility for their actions can be […]
How to Help Kids of All Ages Spot Fake News and False Information Online
In today’s digital world, it’s more important than ever for children to be able to identify reliable information amidst a sea of digital content. Whether they’re young kids just starting to explore the internet or teens navigating social media, developing media literacy skills is crucial. Here’s a guide to teaching your kids the essentials of […]
Growing Up in the Age of Digital Solitude – Welcome to ‘Generation Isolation & What You Can Do About It!
More than half of the young people who use their phone the most want to reduce the amount of time they spend on them but many do not know how, a survey has found. A study into young people’s lives outside school from youth charity OnSide found that 76% of young people aged 11-18 spend […]
Getting Kids to ‘Pitch’ Why They Want a Particular App: A New Way to Evaluate Screen Time Choices
Getting Kids to ‘Pitch’ Why They Want a Particular App: A New Way to Evaluate Screen Time Choices In today’s digital world, children are drawn to new apps constantly, from social media platforms to educational games and beyond. As a parent, it can be challenging to keep up with these requests while also making sure […]
The Dangers of YouTube Kids & Auto-Play: A Guide for Parents
Lisa came to me with a concern many parents share. Her toddler, a bundle of curiosity and energy, loved watching videos on YouTube Kids while she handled household tasks. But recently, Lisa noticed that her little one seemed glued to the screen, watching increasingly fast-paced, repetitive videos that popped up through autoplay. She wondered about […]
Is It Time to Ditch ‘Screentime’ and to Focus on What Really Matters ?
Image from FreePik For years, “screen time” has been the go-to measure of how much tech exposure is considered “too much.” Parents, educators, and researchers have relied on this idea to define and regulate children’s interactions with screens. But as technology becomes more embedded in every aspect of life, it’s clear this one-size-fits-all approach is […]
