Before children are ready for school, they need time to splash, squish, dig, dance and imagine. Not swipe.
Building Brains Through Play – Why Messy, Hands-On Learning Beats Apps In a world filled with educational apps and digital flashcards, it’s easy to believe that technology holds the key to early learning. But research — and centuries of childhood wisdom — tell a different story: Before children are ready for school, they must first be ready for life. And the best preparation for life? Play. Messy, creative, real-world play. It’s how children build their bodies, their brains, their social skills, and their confidence. No app can match the power of puddle-jumping, block-building, paint-splattering exploration. Let’s explore why hands-on play is the gold standard for early learning — and what nurseries, teachers, parents and professionals can do to protect and promote it in the digital age. Why Play Is Still the Ultimate Learning Tool Here’s what happens when a child engages in unstructured, real-world play: These are not “soft” skills. They are the foundation of school readiness — and life readiness. And they can’t be rushed. They must be lived, felt, repeated and experienced in the real world. The Trouble With Swapping Play for Screens Of course, not all screen time is harmful. But here’s what we know: The more time young children spend in front of screens, the less time they spend in deep, embodied learning experiences. Screens can shortcut some surface-level knowledge (like numbers or colours), but they bypass the rich, multi-sensory learning that helps children make meaning. Children need to move to learn. They need to touch, hear, smell, climb, test, fall, and try again.An app that teaches the word “mud” is not the same as squelching in it. When we over-rely on screens to “teach,” we rob children of the messy, magical process of learning by doing. 5 Ways to Champion Real Play in a Tech-Heavy World Whether you’re a parent, early years professional, or teacher, you can help shift the balance back to play. 1. Say Yes to Mess Play isn’t always tidy. But it is always meaningful. 2. Value Play as Real Learning Shift the narrative. Play isn’t just a “break” from learning. It is the learning. 3. Create Screen-Free Zones for Deep Play Where possible, keep screens out of play spaces. 4. Offer Open-Ended Materials Loose parts play is a goldmine for creativity. 5. Be Present, Not Perfect You don’t need to set up elaborate activities. Sometimes the most powerful play happens when adults simply sit alongside, narrate, wonder aloud, or join in. Children crave connection. And connection deepens learning. For Parents: Ditching the Guilt and Embracing the Mud Many parents feel pressure to offer “educational” apps or feel guilty if their child isn’t practicing letters by age four. Let this article reassure you: If your child is pouring water between cups, balancing on logs, building towers from cushions, and hosting teddy bear picnics — they are learning. Deeply. Brilliantly. Joyfully. Don’t worry about the alphabet apps. Worry about whether your child has enough time, space, and freedom to play without a password. School Readiness Begins in the Sandpit, Not on the Screen When we prioritise hands-on, real-world play, we do more than prepare children for school. We prepare them for life. We help them: And we send a powerful message: You are not a passive consumer. You are a capable, curious, imaginative learner. Want to Give Children the Strongest Start – Beyond the Screen? 🎒 The Sue Atkins School Readiness Toolkit is packed with screen-free, brain-building, play-based activities and advice for children aged 3–6.It’s everything you need to prepare children for school without over-relying on devices. ✅ Includes printable resources, tech-balance tips, and expert insight for parents, nurseries, and early years educators. ✨ Start your school readiness journey today – filled with mud pies, giggles, and growing brains. 👉 Explore the Toolkit Here
Beyond the Screen – Why True School Readiness Starts Offline
School Ready, Tech Smart Welcome to my new School Readiness & Tech: Article Series When we talk about getting children ready for school, technology often enters the conversation early. Parents are bombarded with messages about apps that claim to teach toddlers to read, online platforms promising to make maths fun, and screens marketed as tools to give their child a head start. But the truth is more timeless and reassuring: the most important aspects of school readiness have nothing to do with technology at all. They are built offline, through real-world play, interaction, movement, and conversation. In this article, we explore what true school readiness means — and why it’s vital for early years professionals, nurseries, teachers, and parents to look beyond the screen when laying the foundations for learning. What is real school readiness? School readiness doesn’t mean being able to recite the alphabet or complete worksheets. It’s about a set of skills, attitudes, and emotional strengths that allow a child to enter the classroom with confidence and resilience. Children who are truly ready for school can: These abilities aren’t built through screen interactions. They are developed through rich, hands-on experiences that stimulate all areas of a child’s development. The Risk of Overreliance on Technology in Early Childhood There’s no doubt that technology has a place in modern childhood. Used wisely, it can support storytelling, creativity, and connection. However, when technology dominates a young child’s daily life — particularly passive screen use — it can displace the very activities that are most essential for development. For instance: In 2019, a World Health Organisation guideline suggested that children under five should have no more than one hour of sedentary screen time per day — and that infants under one year should have no screen time at all. Why? Because early childhood is a critical period for physical, emotional, and cognitive growth that can’t be outsourced to technology. Play: The Engine of Readiness If we want to prepare children for school — and life — we must protect and champion play. Play is how children explore the world, test out ideas, develop resilience, and learn to collaborate. In play, they make decisions, solve problems, experience emotions, and work out how to negotiate with others. They encounter frustrations (“the tower fell down!”) and learn to persevere (“I’ll try again.”). Simple, screen-free experiences are incredibly powerful: When children are immersed in play, they are not “just playing” — they are laying down the neural pathways that will support reading, writing, maths, science, and emotional resilience later on. Building Readiness Without Screens: Practical Tips For early years settings, schools, and parents, the question becomes: how can we support school readiness in a world saturated with technology? Here are some practical steps: Conclusion: A Different Kind of Head Start The best preparation for school doesn’t come from a screen, a worksheet, or a “learn to read” app. It comes from connection, conversation, play, and exploration. When we give children the freedom to move, create, imagine, and interact with real people and the real world, we are not holding them back — we are giving them the most powerful head start of all. Because readiness isn’t about what children know — it’s about how they approach learning itself.And that journey always begins beyond the screen. Ready to give your child the very best start? Discover the ‘Navigating the Digital Jungle School Readiness Toolkit’ — your complete guide to preparing confident, resilient, and curious learners. Packed with expert advice, practical activities, downloadable resources, and step-by-step strategies, this toolkit is trusted by parents, nurseries, and teachers alike. Whether you’re supporting one child or a whole group, it’s the easy-to-use, research-backed roadmap that helps you balance real-world play and healthy technology habits — giving children everything they need to thrive, both now and as they start school. Explore the toolkit today and start building a brilliant foundation for lifelong learning. Discover more on the link here.
What is Screen Time Costing our Children in the Early Years?
In a world where screens are everywhere—from smart TVs and tablets to phones in our pockets—it’s no surprise that even our youngest children are being drawn into the digital swirl. But as technology becomes more embedded in daily life, a growing body of research is urging us to pause and ask: What is screen time costing our children in the early years? Toddler tantrums & tech — what’s really going on? You’re in a café. Your toddler’s bored. You hand them your phone. Peace… for now. Sound familiar? In today’s digital world, more and more parents are turning to screens to soothe toddler meltdowns. But while it might feel like a lifeline in the moment, over time it can delay something far more important: your child’s ability to regulate emotions. Tantrums aren’t “bad behaviour.” They’re big feelings in little people who don’t yet have the words—or the tools—to cope. As a parenting expert, I help families shift from “Plug in and Pacify” to “Pause and Connect.” Here are 3 quick tips to help your toddler learn emotional resilience—without always reaching for tech: Name it to tame it – “You’re feeling cross because we had to leave the park.” Create a calm corner – A cosy space with books, cuddly toys, or sensory items. Model calm – Your calm is contagious. Breathe through the storm together. Let’s raise children who can feel their feelings—not fear them. Let’s use tech intentionally—not as a crutch. Pause to Ponder and if you need a hand I’m here to help. 1. The Science of Screen Exposure The first five years of life are a time of incredible brain development. During this window, children’s brains are building the neural foundations for empathy, language, attention, and emotional regulation. And the best way to support that growth? Through real-world, multi-sensory interactions—not screens. When children engage with people, nature, and open-ended play, they experience the kind of stimulation that strengthens brain architecture. But when screens dominate the early years: These aren’t just minor hiccups—they’re foundational to a child’s lifelong wellbeing. 2. Tech in the Nursery: Helpful or Harmful? Screens are becoming more common in early years settings—sometimes used for entertainment, sometimes for managing behaviour, and often marketed as “educational.” But most so-called educational apps are built for profit, not child development. They often offer flashy animations and reward-based systems that interrupt deeper thinking and learning. More importantly, screen time can displace the very things young children need most: When screens are overused, they crowd out the simple joys of childhood—the games, the giggles, the mess, the magic. 3. Early Attachment in a Digital Age Let’s talk about technoference—that moment when a parent looks down at their phone during play, or scrolls through messages while feeding their baby. It may seem small, but for a child, these interruptions can chip away at their sense of being seen, heard, and valued. Young children don’t just need to be cared for; they need to feel emotionally connected. Screens can’t offer that connection—only human presence can. Secure attachment forms through micro-moments: eye contact, soothing words, shared laughter. These are the interactions that teach a child, “You matter. You’re safe. You are loved.” 4. Reclaiming Childhood Childhood isn’t a race. It’s not a performance. It’s a sacred time of wonder, curiosity, and discovery. Reclaiming it in the digital age means having the courage to say: It’s not about banning technology but about making intentional choices. Let’s model presence. Let’s protect time for play, connection, and creativity. Let’s remember that the best “app” for a young child is a present adult. A Final Thought Our children are growing up in a digital world, and that isn’t going to change. But the way we introduce and balance technology can change. Let’s start early. Let’s be thoughtful. Let’s reclaim childhood—not just for our kids, but for ourselves too. Need a little extra support?Download my ‘Navigating the Digital Jungle. A Parents’ Guide to Manage Toddlers and Tech with Scripts to feel more confident, connected, and calm—one moment at a time. Let’s start a conversation.How are you managing tantrums and tech at home or in your setting?
From Baby Bottles to Brand Loyalty: Is Big Tech Marketing to Your Baby?
Marketing to babies and toddlers is a growing concern, especially in today’s tech-driven world. The marketing industry has increasingly turned its focus to the youngest consumers, making them targets for everything from toys to digital devices, often before they can even speak or make decisions for themselves. Here’s how this trend plays out, why it’s troubling, and what you as a parent need to know. 📊 The Rise of Targeting Babies and Toddlers In recent years, companies have ramped up their marketing strategies to reach the parents of babies and toddlers. While this may sound innocent at first—promoting educational toys or products that help with early development—there’s an increasing amount of marketing that is pushing products and experiences aimed at babies, toddlers, and young children as a way to create long-lasting brand loyalty. Baby Tech Tech companies have jumped on this bandwagon by marketing tech products such as smart baby monitors, app-driven toys, and even baby-friendly tablets. This isn’t just about convenience for parents. Some companies claim these devices can help babies learn quicker or be more connected to their parents through technology. But this raises serious concerns about how early tech exposure impacts early brain development. Influence of “Mommy Blogs” and Social Media Mothers and fathers are often targeted on platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, where “mommy influencers” show off the latest products for their babies—ranging from organic baby food to $300 strollers. These influencers unintentionally become part of the marketing machine, promoting products that aren’t always necessary or beneficial for a child’s well-being. And this is amplified by algorithms that keep showing them more products, making parents feel like they need these things for their children to thrive. Branding the Baby Some brands have even gone so far as to create entire “personalities” for babies. Infants are marketed with specific traits like “the sporty one” or “the curious one,” turning them into little consumers before they’ve even had the chance to explore their own identities. This leads to kids being influenced at a much younger age to develop specific tastes and desires based on brand marketing rather than their own organic interests. 😨 Why Parents Should Be Concerned Early Tech Exposure:Research shows that exposure to screens and tech at an early age can hinder development. Babies’ brains are rapidly developing in their early years, and the interactions they have with their environment, caregivers, and physical play are critical. Studies suggest that passive screen time can delay language development and interfere with social skills. The earlier children are exposed to tech, the harder it is for them to disconnect when needed later in life. Consumerism Before Consciousness:When babies and toddlers are marketed to, they’re not yet in a position to make informed choices about what they want or need. This marketing often leads parents to believe they need products to ensure their child is getting the best start in life—sometimes leading to overspending on things that aren’t truly necessary. Babies are often marketed toys or products as “educational” when they might actually be more about creating brand loyalty from an early age. Parental Pressure:The constant stream of “must-have” products can cause parents to feel immense pressure. Parents may feel that they need to buy the latest tech gadgets, clothes, or toys to keep up with the trends. This also creates a cycle of stress, as parents may start comparing their lives to curated influencer content, leading to self-doubt and consumer guilt. Brand Loyalty Formed Too Early:By the time children are toddlers, brands have already started to shape their desires. The influence of logo recognition, advertising jingles, and character-based branding starts to take root very early. This creates a powerful brand loyalty that’s hard to break, making it difficult for children to make decisions based on personal taste or practicality as they grow older. 👨👩👧👦 What Parents Can Do Limit Screen Time for Babies and Toddlers:Follow the guidance from experts such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, which recommends no screen time for babies under 18 months, except for video chats. For toddlers, screen time should be limited to one hour per day with educational content, and it’s important to watch it together to provide context and interaction. Focus on Developmentally Appropriate Play:Instead of focusing on “high-tech” toys, prioritize age-appropriate, hands-on toys that encourage creativity and physical play. Building blocks, sensory toys, and outdoor activities can stimulate your child’s development in a much healthier way. Be a Critical Consumer:Parents should be wary of marketing tactics that target them through influencers or social media ads. Ask yourself if the product being marketed truly benefits your child’s well-being or if it’s just another trend designed to make you feel like you need it. Encourage Active Engagement:Engage with your child in ways that build their emotional, cognitive, and physical skills. Reading books, singing songs, and having meaningful interactions without digital distractions are critical for healthy development. Model Healthy Tech Use:As your child grows, model how to use technology mindfully. Show them that tech is a tool, not a crutch, and emphasize the importance of balance—ensuring that outdoor play, family time, and real-world interactions are prioritized. 🔍 Final Thoughts While it’s impossible to completely shield children from the digital world, we can take steps to limit their exposure and teach them to navigate it thoughtfully. By being critical consumers and focusing on the development of our kids rather than jumping into the latest tech trends, we can help preserve their innocence and encourage healthy growth. As parents, it’s our job to keep Big Tech in check, making sure it doesn’t define who our kids are or who they become. Questions to Ponder for Parents: Is this product truly necessary for my child’s development, or is it just a clever marketing gimmick? How much screen time is appropriate for my baby or toddler, and how can I create healthy boundaries? Am I allowing my child to form brand loyalty before they are old enough to make independent choices? How do I ensure my child’s
Boys, Brands & Big Tech: The Hidden Influencers Raising Our Sons
🚨 How Big Tech & Brands Are Targeting Boys — And Why It Matters 🎮 1. Gaming Skins = Social Currency In Fortnite, Roblox, and similar platforms, boys are encouraged to spend money on digital “skins” and upgrades that have zero functional purpose — but huge social value. The message? You need this to fit in. 💪 2. Supplements & “Alpha” Culture Teen boys (and even tweens) are being served content on protein powders, pre-workouts, and “bulking” — often laced with toxic masculinity messaging. They’re learning that muscles = worth. Insecurity is now a revenue stream. 🧢 3. Hyper-Masculine Influencers From TikTok to YouTube, many boys are exposed to influencers promoting “toughness,” emotional repression, and dominance — masked as “confidence.” Some even veer into misogyny and red-pill ideology — all under the guise of self-improvement. 📱 4. YouTube Ads & Algorithm Bait Boys watching innocent Minecraft or football videos often get fed ads for “cool” gear, competitive challenges, or status-driven products — from branded trainers to energy drinks. It’s aspirational marketing disguised as entertainment. 🕶️ 5. Digital Gear & Tech Fetishisation Smartwatches, gamer headsets, LED room lights, VR sets — marketed as essentials for being “in the know” or a better gamer. Big Tech sells boys the idea that more tech = more status. These patterns show that boys, like girls, are being nudged towards narrow definitions of success, confidence, and self-worth — shaped not by character but by commerce. Here are five conversation-starting scripts for parents to use with boys (or any child really) to gently explore the influence of Big Tech, marketing, and digital identity — in your warm, curious tone that invites reflection, not fear or shame. 🧠 1. The “Why Do You Want It?” Script “That new skin looks cool — what makes it special to you?”(Pause and listen)“Do you think it’s about how it helps in the game, or how it looks to others?” ➡️ This script encourages kids to explore the difference between play and social pressure. 📺 2. The “Who’s Behind the Screen?” Script “You know how some YouTubers always have the latest gear or protein drinks?”“What do you think — are they showing you something because they love it, or because someone’s paying them to?” ➡️ This opens the door to digital literacy and decoding influencer culture. 🎯 3. The “Real Strength” Script “Some people online talk a lot about being ‘alpha’ or strong. What do you think makes someone strong?”(Let them speak — then gently offer alternatives)“I think being kind, calm, and brave in tough moments is a kind of strength too.” ➡️ This helps shift strength from image to values. 👟 4. The “Stuff or Self?” Script “Do you think you’d still be you if you didn’t have that skin/trainer/tech?”“What are the things about you that no one can buy or sell?” ➡️ This builds identity beyond possessions or avatars. 🧍♂️ 5. The “Pressure Check-In” Script “Do you ever feel like you have to look or act a certain way to fit in online or at school?”(If they say yes, stay open and curious)“That’s really normal — want to talk about it more together?” ➡️ This opens space for vulnerability and connection. In the end, the real power lies with us as parents. While Big Tech and the marketing machine may seem like forces too large to fight, we have the ability to guide our children with intention, compassion, and awareness. By staying engaged, asking questions, and teaching them the value of self-worth beyond likes, skins, or ads, we can give our children the tools to navigate this digital jungle with confidence. Let’s not allow tech giants to define who our children are or who they should become. Instead, let’s take control and raise a generation grounded in authenticity, kindness, and resilience.
Too Young for Toner? ‘Sephora Kids’ And How Big Tech & Beauty Brands Are Luring Young Kids Into Skincare
Trying to be like a mum Credit: Freepik Have you heard the buzz about “Sephora Kids”? Yes, we’re talking about 8-year-old girls — still in primary school — flocking to beauty shops, clutching colourful serums, eye creams, and retinol-infused lotions. And no, they’re not shopping for mum! Now, I’m all for a bit of self-care — a warm bath, a gentle cleanser, a dab of suncream — but when children as young as eight are being swept up into a grown-up world of skincare routines and beauty marketing, it’s time to pause and reflect. So, should we be worried? I believe we should be — and here’s why. 💻 How Big Tech & Beauty Brands Are Luring Young Kids Into Skincare It’s not an accident. It’s a strategy. Big Tech platforms — especially TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram — are fertile ground for beauty marketing aimed at younger and younger audiences. Here’s how they’re doing it: 📱 1. The Algorithm Loves a Trend Once a child watches one “Get Ready With Me” (#GRWM) video or skincare haul, their feed becomes saturated with more of the same. These aren’t innocent skincare routines — they’re sophisticated advertorials in disguise, often by influencers twice the age of the child watching. 🛍️ 2. Influencers as Trusted Friends Young children don’t always know the difference between a recommendation and an ad. Big Tech and beauty brands know this. That’s why influencer deals, paid partnerships, and unboxings are so popular — they sell products wrapped in trust. 🧠 3. Fear-Based Messaging Even 8-year-olds are being exposed to ideas like “you’ll get wrinkles,” “your pores aren’t clean,” or “you’re not glowing enough.” It’s grooming a generation to feel not good enough — unless they buy something. 👀 4. #SephoraKids Is A Marketing Goldmine Big brands are watching. They see that primary school girls are fascinated by routines and rituals. So they design packaging, store displays, and products to feel like toys — colourful, scented, playful — but with grown-up price tags and ingredients their skin doesn’t need. 📊 5. Data-Driven Manipulation Big Tech knows exactly what your child is searching, watching, and liking — and serves up beauty content based on it. It’s not a coincidence your daughter is suddenly “obsessed” with serums. It’s by design. The Tenderness of Childhood Skin Children’s skin isn’t mini-adult skin. It’s thinner, more sensitive, still developing. Many of the popular skincare products found in influencer-led “routines” — like exfoliating acids, retinols, and firming creams — are not just unnecessary for young skin, they can be harmful. Think rashes, burns, allergies. Are we replacing childhood with chemicals in the name of self-care? When Skincare Becomes A Mask For some little girls, skincare isn’t really about care — it’s about fixing themselves. That’s a hard pill to swallow. I’ve worked with families for decades, and I know this: once the seeds of “not enough” are planted, they grow fast. Are we teaching our daughters that their natural skin needs fixing at eight? Are we unknowingly handing them anti-wrinkle creams instead of confidence? Whose Voice Are They Listening To? Many of these young girls are being influenced by TikTok, YouTube, and social media trends — where 20-somethings peddle 10-step nighttime routines and where the algorithm whispers, “You’ll feel better if you just buy this.” Who’s shaping your child’s self-image — you or the internet? Is that skincare haul really about caring… or comparing? The Commercialisation of Childhood Let’s call it what it is. The beauty industry sees our children as customers. That should make us deeply uncomfortable. The earlier the hook, the longer the lifetime spend. Are we okay with corporations mining childhood for profit? Should children be the next frontier of the beauty business? What Can We Do as Parents? Keep conversations open. Ask your child why they want skincare products — don’t dismiss their feelings, but explore what’s behind them. Help them build routines based on health, not image. Encourage time outdoors, creative play, and screen breaks to remind them there’s a world beyond mirrors and marketing. Be mindful of our own habits. What are we modelling in our own relationship with appearance? A Loving Reminder This isn’t about shame or blame. We’re parenting in a world that moves faster than ever — a world where childhood is being edited, filtered, and sold back to us in tiny bottles with glittery labels. Let’s slow it down. Let’s protect the innocence of childhood — not wrap it in serums. Because the truth is, the most powerful “skincare” we can offer our girls is the glow that comes from being seen, celebrated, and loved just as they are. 🌿 Conversation Scripts: Talking to Your Child About Skincare and Self-Worth 👩👧 1. When Your Child Asks for Skincare Products You could say:“That’s interesting — what made you want that serum/cream? Is it something you saw online or at school?”(Pause and listen)“You know, our skin at your age is still learning and growing — it doesn’t need all those ingredients just yet. What matters most is keeping it healthy and clean. How about we look at some gentle, fun things we can do together?” 🪄 Why it works: This script keeps the tone light and curious. It invites your child to reflect on the ‘why’ without making them feel silly or shut down. 📱 2. When You Notice They’re Copying a Social Media Skincare Trend You could say:“I noticed you’ve been talking about routines and products — have you seen those on TikTok or YouTube?”(Listen, don’t judge)“Some of those people are much older, and the products they use might not be safe or needed for young skin. Let’s chat about what real self-care means at your age. What do you think makes you feel good and cared for?” 🌱 Why it works: It opens the door to conversations about influence, age-appropriateness, and self-care beyond appearance. 🪞 3. When They Say They Don’t Like Their Skin or Appearance You could say:“I’m so sorry you’re feeling that
Navigating the Digital Jungle in Blended Families: Challenges, Solutions & Conversation Starters
Blending families is a journey filled with love, patience, and, at times, unexpected challenges. In today’s digital world, stepfamilies face unique hurdles when it comes to managing screen time, setting boundaries, and fostering healthy online habits. Unlike other family units, where routines may be well-established blended families often have to navigate differing parenting styles, house rules, and expectations when it comes to technology. So, how can blended families successfully find their way through the digital jungle without it becoming a battleground? Here, I explore key challenges and offer practical solutions, along with conversation starters to help ease tensions and create a sense of unity. Challenges of Digital Parenting in Stepfamilies 1. Differing Parenting Approaches to Tech One parent may be relaxed about screen time, while the other has stricter rules. Add in different expectations from biological parents in separate households, and suddenly, consistency feels impossible. Solution:Agree on a “House Digital Agreement”—a simple, written set of family tech rules that apply in your shared home. Involve the children in creating it so they feel heard and respected. It’s okay if different homes have different rules, but clarity within your household reduces confusion. Conversation Starter:“I know different families have different rules about screen time. In our home, I’d love for us to agree together on what feels fair and works for everyone. What do you think would be a good starting point?” 2. “They Get to Do It at Mum’s/Dad’s House!” It’s common for children to push boundaries by comparing rules in different households. “At Mum’s, I can stay up playing Fortnite!” or “At Dad’s, I don’t have to put my phone away at dinner!” can lead to frustration and resentment. Solution:Instead of focusing on what happens elsewhere, frame rules as a reflection of what matters in your home. Consistency and predictability provide security, even if they resist at first. Conversation Starter:“I understand that things might be different at your other home, and that’s okay. But in our house, we have this rule because we want to [protect sleep/have time together/keep everyone safe]. Let’s figure out how to make it work for you too.” 3. Managing Social Media & Group Chats Step-siblings, half-siblings, household siblings and other blended family relationship may feel pressure to ‘perform’ in blended family settings, which can spill into social media. Teenagers especially may struggle with how to present their new family dynamic online, or how to handle group chats where tensions between households can arise. Solution:Talk openly about the pressures of social media and reassure children that they don’t need to post or share anything they’re uncomfortable with. Encourage house siblings to set healthy boundaries in family group chats—no pressure to reply instantly, no shaming or teasing, and respect for privacy. Conversation Starter:“Social media can sometimes make family relationships feel more complicated. How do you feel about posting things about our family? No pressure either way, but we can chat if anything ever feels tricky.” 4. Gaming & Bonding—or Dividing? Video games can be a fantastic way for house siblings to bond, but they can also become a source of tension—especially if some children feel left out or if gaming time is causing conflict. Solution:Encourage games that can be played together and set up fair screen time rules so no one feels left out. If gaming is a sticking point, plan screen-free bonding activities too, like board games or family outings. Conversation Starter:“I love that you guys enjoy gaming together! How about we pick a game everyone can join in with this weekend? And if someone doesn’t feel like playing, that’s okay too—let’s find other fun things to do together as well.” 5. Screen Time as an Escape from Emotions Children in blended families may use screens as a way to avoid difficult emotions—whether that’s adjusting to a new routine, dealing with change, or navigating relationships in a blended household. Solution:Create natural opportunities for open conversations and connection without forcing them. Simple rituals like tech-free meal times or a ‘walk and talk’ tradition can help kids feel safe to share when they’re ready. Conversation Starter:“I’ve noticed you’ve been spending a bit more time on your phone lately—no judgement, but I just wanted to check in. Is there anything on your mind? I’m here if you ever want to chat.” Final Thoughts: Tech as a Tool for Connection Technology doesn’t have to be a source of division in blended families—it can also be a powerful way to connect. Watching a series together, sharing funny memes, or even playing a co-op game can help strengthen relationships. The key is balance, mutual respect, and open conversations. By establishing fair and flexible digital boundaries together, blended families can turn the digital jungle into a shared adventure, rather than a battleground. Download ‘Our House Digital Agreement‘ Why not create a ‘House Family Digital Agreement’ together? A fun way to do this is by writing five simple tech agreements and signing them as a family. This could include: ✔️ No phones at mealtimes✔️ One screen-free activity together each week✔️ Respect for personal screen space and privacy✔️ Open conversations if something feels wrong online✔️ Remembering that technology should bring us together, not push us apart The digital world is here to stay, but with thoughtful discussions and shared agreements, blended families can navigate it with confidence and connection. If you need help about creating one or are unsure about what to say to your family, I have created ‘Our House Digital Agreement‘ for Blended Families download. Download it here
Tech Boundaries for Multigenerational Homes
• Balancing screen time expectations across different generations.• Setting tech-free times that respect everyone’s needs.• Managing device sharing and online privacy in shared spaces. Tech Boundaries for Multigenerational Homes In multigenerational homes, technology can be a bridge between generations or a source of tension. Setting thoughtful tech boundaries helps balance screen time, establish tech-free moments, and ensure privacy while respecting everyone’s needs. Here are some strategies to help your household navigate technology together. Balancing Screen Time Expectations Create a Family Tech Plan: Sit down as a family to discuss everyone’s screen time habits and expectations. Model Healthy Habits: Grandparents, parents, and older siblings can model balanced tech use, demonstrating mindful scrolling and taking regular breaks. Encourage Shared Activities: Suggest tech-free activities everyone can enjoy, like board games, gardening, or storytelling, to reduce reliance on screens. Setting Tech-Free Times Establish Sacred Moments: Designate certain times of the day as tech-free, such as during meals, family gatherings, or the hour before bedtime. Use Visual Reminders: Place signs or a family calendar in shared spaces to remind everyone of tech-free times. Create a Charging Station: Set up a communal charging area where devices can “rest” during tech-free periods. Managing Device Sharing and Online Privacy Set Up Shared Devices Properly: On shared devices, create separate user profiles to keep content and settings personalised. Respect Privacy: Have open conversations about privacy, ensuring everyone understands the importance of respecting personal messages, search history, and app usage. Navigating technology in a multigenerational home is about finding balance and respecting everyone’s needs. Open communication, shared expectations, and a touch of flexibility go a long way in creating a harmonious digital environment. How do you manage it?
Why Babies’ Brains Matter – And Why We Need a #BabyBrainDay
The Missing Piece in the Digital Debate Jonathan Haidt has sparked a global conversation about how social media affects teenage mental health, with his excellent book The Anxious Generation leading to movements advocating for later smartphone adoption and tech-free childhoods. But there’s an even earlier, more fundamental issue being overlooked: the impact of technology on babies’ developing brains. Neuroscience shows that a baby’s brain grows at an astonishing rate in the first three years of life. Every interaction—every cuddle, every word spoken, every smile exchanged—builds neural pathways that shape future language skills, emotional intelligence, and social development. Yet, despite the overwhelming evidence that early experiences form the foundation of lifelong well-being, we are failing to have a serious public conversation about protecting babies from the unintended consequences of our digital world. The Silent Crisis: Screens and Early Brain Development Unlike teens, who are actively engaging with digital devices, babies are passive recipients of screen exposure. They don’t choose to be in front of a screen—but screens are often placed in their environment, whether through background TV, parent phone use, or digital entertainment aimed at infants. This passive screen time comes at a cost: Reduced language exposure: Babies learn language through real-world interactions, not from watching a screen. Weakened social connections: Face-to-face bonding is crucial for emotional development. Overstimulation: Rapidly changing images can affect attention spans and sleep patterns. If we care about teenagers’ mental health, we must also care about what happens in the earliest years—because that’s where brain development is most sensitive to external influences. Introducing #BabyBrainDay: A Call for Awareness We need a dedicated day—#BabyBrainDay—to shift the conversation and ensure parents, caregivers, policymakers, and tech companies start prioritizing babies’ cognitive and emotional well-being. Just as we now recognize the risks of social media for older children, we must acknowledge the risks of early screen exposure and advocate for more face-to-face, tech-free interactions in the first years of life. What Can #BabyBrainDay Achieve? A global awareness day could: ✅ Educate parents on the science of early brain development.✅ Encourage tech-free bonding between caregivers and babies.✅ Push for policies that support screen-free spaces in nurseries and childcare settings.✅ Inspire product and tech companies to design for infant well-being rather than digital dependence. Join the Movement It’s time to recognize that protecting mental health starts from day one. A movement for teen mental health is incomplete without a movement for baby brain health. If we don’t act now, we risk raising a generation that misses out on the vital human interactions that build the foundation for resilience, learning, and connection. Let’s start talking. Let’s start acting. Let’s make #BabyBrainDay happen. Are you in?
Sue Atkins Digital Jungle 2025 Challenge: Small Changes, Big Difference!
Are you ready to make 2025 the year of balance, connection, and wellbeing? Join me, Sue Atkins, for this simple and achievable challenge designed to help your family find harmony with smartphones and social media. These small steps will make a big difference in your family’s happiness and health. Welcome to the #SueAtkinsDigitalJungle2025Challenge—your guide to creating a healthier, happier relationship with technology in your family. In today’s fast-paced, screen-dominated world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by smartphones, social media, and the digital distractions that creep into our everyday lives. But here’s the good news: small, intentional changes can lead to big, transformative results. This challenge isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. Together, we’ll explore simple, actionable steps that parents, children and teens can take to bring balance, connection, and wellbeing back into focus for 2025. Are you ready to join the movement and make a difference? Let’s navigate this jungle together! Step 1: Create a No-Phone Zone Why it matters: Protects precious family time and promotes meaningful conversations. Challenge: Choose one place (e.g., the dining table, the car, or bedrooms) to make a strict no-phone zone. Step 2: 20-Minute Digital Detox Daily Why it matters Encourages mindfulness and reduces dependency. Challenge: Set aside 20 minutes each day for a family activity— eating together, reading, walking, playing a board game—without any screens. Step 3: One Screen-Free Sunday Per Month Why it matters: Restores focus and creativity while strengthening family bonds. Challenge: Pick one Sunday each month to unplug as a family. Plan fun, offline activities like a picnic, going swimming, a baking session, or museum visit. Step 4: Social Media Reset Why it matters: Ensures your feed reflects positive, inspiring, and age-appropriate content. Challenge: Spend 15 minutes together unfollowing accounts that spark comparison or negativity. Replace them with uplifting, educational, or fun ones. Step 5: “Digital Check-Ins” Before Bed Why it matters: Promotes emotional wellbeing and ensures healthy sleep routines. Challenge: Spend 5 minutes each evening talking about your day. Use this time to support one another and dock devices outside the bedroom. Step 6: Weekly Family Tech Talk Why it matters: Builds trust and keeps communication open about digital life. Challenge: Once a week, ask your kids one question like, “What’s your favourite app right now and why?” or “Have you seen anything online that upset you?” Step 7: Screen Time Swaps Why it matters: Helps balance screen time with real-world activities. Challenge: For every hour spent online, balance it with an hour offline doing something active, creative, or outdoorsy. These 7 steps are your 2025 Challenge—small, simple changes that you and your kids can commit to for a happier, healthier relationship with technology. Are you ready to join in? Share your journey using #SueAtkinsDigitalJungle2025Challenge and inspire others to thrive in the digital jungle! Step 1: Create a No-Phone Zone Tip:Start with just one no-phone zone, like the dining table. Use a decorative basket to collect phones before meals or set up a fun “phone jail.” Script for Kids:“We want to focus on each other during mealtime because you’re the most important part of our day! Let’s keep our phones in the basket until dinner is over.” Step 2: 20-Minute Digital Detox Daily Tip:Plan a fun activity that everyone looks forward to, like a quick back garden game, cooking a meal together, walking the dog or a cosy story time. Script for Teens:“I know it can feel hard to step away from your phone, but just 20 minutes of family time a day can be our little way to reconnect. What activity sounds fun to you?” Step 3: One Screen-Free Sunday Per Month Tip:Mark the date on the family calendar and plan something exciting like a local bike ride, DIY pizza night, or a trip to a fun place everyone enjoys. Script for Younger Kids:“Let’s call this our ‘Adventure Sunday’! We’ll go on a treasure hunt or bake cakes —no screens allowed while we’re having fun!” Step 4: Social Media Reset Tip:Sit together to review social media accounts. Use this as an opportunity to talk about online safety and mental health. Script for Teens:“Sometimes, social media can make us feel pressured or down. Let’s look at your feed together and see if there are any accounts that aren’t making you feel good. Then we can find some new ones to follow that inspire you.” Step 5: “Digital Check-Ins” Before Bed Tip:Keep the check-in light and positive. Ask open-ended questions like: Script for Parents:“I’d love to hear about your day before we all wind down. Let’s leave our phones to charge in the kitchen and chat for a few minutes instead.” Step 6: Weekly Family Tech Talk Tip:Use this time to address tricky topics like cyberbullying or how to spot fake news. Keep the conversation judgment-free to encourage openness. Script to Start the Conversation:“What’s something funny or interesting you’ve seen online this week?”OR“If you could invent an app to make life easier, what would it do?” Step 7: Screen Time Swaps Tip:Create a “swap list” with ideas like painting, puzzles, gardening, or building something with Lego. Script for Kids:“Screens are fun, but balance is key! If you watch an hour of your favourite show, let’s balance it with an hour of bike riding or making a craft. What do you want to try this week?” Additional Resources Family Technology Contract:Set clear rules around screen use with a customisable contract. Download Here. Navigating the Digital Jungle Screen Time Tracker + Screen Free Activities with Scripts Conversation Starters:Need help navigating tough topics like online safety or cyberbullying? My Digital Jungle Scripts are available to guide you. 7-Day Digital Detox Plan for Families:A step-by-step guide to reset your tech habits together. Download Here. Download My Free Guide: Tips & Scripts for Parents: Building Confidence in Saying ‘No’ to Smartphones Until Aged 14 Expert-Created, Parent-Approved: These resources are crafted with parenting expert Sue Atkins and are backed by research, insights, and real-world experience. Sue’s guides and scripts offer solutions that work. Conversation Starters for Every Stage: Sue’s Digital Jungle
