Behind the Selfie: How Boys Shape Girls’ Social Media Struggles and Self-Esteem
While much of the conversation rightly focuses on the pressure social media puts on girls, it’s crucial not to leave boys out of the picture — because they’re not just observers, they’re part of the digital ecosystem too. 👀 Boys are watching, liking, sharing, commenting. They’re often the audience for the content girls post — and their reactions can either fuel the pressure or help change the culture. Boys can be both consumers and contributors to unrealistic standards and objectification online. 💬 What can we do as parents of boys? Teach empathy and media literacy earlyHelp boys understand how social media can distort reality — not just for them, but for their female peers. Talk about filters, likes, influencers, and how curated it all is. “Do you think that post shows real life? What might be happening behind the scenes?” Talk about respect, consent, and kindness onlineThis includes how they talk about girls, how they respond to posts, and how they treat others in group chats or DMs. “How would you feel if someone said that about your sister or your friend?” Challenge “locker room” cultureHelp them question toxic norms like rating girls, sharing private images, or making appearance-based jokes. Boys often go along with this for approval — but they need to know it’s okay to step out. Encourage emotional expressionBoys also suffer in silence. They’re often told to “man up” or suppress feelings, which can lead to internalised pressure, shame, or unhealthy digital habits (e.g., hiding behind gaming or consuming harmful content). Create a home culture where talking about feelings — and respecting others’ — is normal and encouraged. Model what healthy masculinity looks likeLet them see dads, uncles, teachers, and male role models talk kindly about women, own their mistakes, and show emotional maturity. 💡 In Short:Boys play a crucial role in either reinforcing or reshaping the digital norms that hurt girls — and themselves. As parents, we can raise boys who are not just kind and confident, but also aware, compassionate, and brave enough to challenge the crowd.
Encouraging Kids to Switch Off Devices Themselves: A Small Habit with BIG Benefits!
Credit: Freepik Encouraging Kids to Switch Off Devices Themselves Is A Small Habit with BIG Benefits! In today’s digital age, screens are everywhere, and managing screen time has become a crucial part of parenting. One small but powerful habit you can encourage in your children is the practice of switching off their devices themselves. Why is this so impactful? When kids take responsibility for turning off their screens, they develop essential life skills like self-regulation and time management. This habit fosters a sense of accountability for their screen use, helping them become more mindful of their tech habits. Here are a few tips to make this practice a success: Set Clear ExpectationsEstablish specific times when devices should be switched off, such as before meals, bedtime, or family activities. Clarity helps kids understand what’s expected. Lead by ExampleShow them how it’s done! Turn off your own devices at designated times to model the behavior you’d like to see. Use Positive ReinforcementPraise their efforts when they remember to turn off their devices on their own. Positive feedback builds confidence and reinforces the habit. Create a RoutineIntegrate device-free periods into your daily schedule. For instance, make it part of their bedtime routine to switch off devices and place them in a designated spot. Explain the BenefitsHelp your kids understand why it’s important. Discuss how too much screen time can affect sleep, focus, or playtime with friends, empowering them to make better choices. Teaching children to switch off devices themselves is more than a simple action—it’s a step toward nurturing responsible, self-aware individuals in a tech-driven world. Small habits like these can create a foundation for a healthy balance between technology and life. So, start today and watch as your kids grow more independent and mindful of their screen time! Download: Navigating the Digital Jungle Family Technology Contracts with Scripts.
