Ever wondered why your child struggles to put down the controller or log off social media? It’s not just willpower—it’s design. Games and platforms are built to hook users with rewards, streaks, and social validation, while offering the illusion of connection. This post breaks down the psychological mechanics behind these digital traps, helping you understand what your child is up against and how to guide them toward balance and real-life connections.
Read MorePlaying video games with your child isn’t about being good at the game—it’s about stepping into their world, building trust, and sharing meaningful moments. By playing together, you’ll not only connect and spark conversations but also gain insights into their gaming habits, making it easier to set boundaries that truly work for your family.
Read MoreGaming isn’t just a pastime—it can fulfill deep emotional needs like stress relief, connection, and confidence. But it also comes with challenges like toxicity and overuse. When my son challenged me to see gaming through his eyes, I discovered how much I’d been missing. By stepping into your child’s world and understanding what gaming means to them, you can open the door to honest conversations and help them find balance. Let’s explore what kids gain from gaming—and how listening can make all the difference.
Read MoreRead what kids are saying about their parents’ phone use. Research shows that presence strengthens emotional bonds and boosts your child’s development.
Read MoreU.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy recently proposed warning labels on social media platforms to combat adolescent mental health crises. I've seen social media's damaging effects firsthand. Educators and parents must ensure kids are mature enough for social media, and parents need support to manage it effectively. Could warning labels be the necessary wake-up call?
Read MoreBelonging is a crucial part of growing up, and many marginalized youth have turned to the Internet as a solution. This digital third space offers help but falls short of addressing the deeper issues we are facing in managing the mental health crisis of teens' overreliance on phones and the loneliness epidemic. Do we want to outsource this critical work to the Internet?
Read MoreAs someone who's advocated for reducing unnecessary screen time in schools for over a decade, I find Jessica Grose's latest piece in The New York Times both timely and accurate. The article "Get Tech Out of the Classroom Before It's Too Late" resonates deeply with my experiences moving from school to school and witnessing the varied impacts of technology on student engagement and safety. While tech has undeniable benefits, its integration into every aspect of our educational system raises critical questions about its effectiveness and the trade-offs involved. If we want to talk about this in business terms, we could mention opportunity cost - what are our children and teens missing by being on their screens?
Read MoreAdd Everyone You Know: Hidden dangers in unsolicited group chats affecting children. Discover a student's alarming experience with harmful content and how it reflects a broader issue. Get essential tips on enhancing digital safety through WhatsApp settings and encouraging open discussions about online risks. Protect your child from cyber threats and foster a safer online environment.
Read MoreShould children read on Kindles and iPads or stick to traditional books? Recent studies reveal a 'screen inferiority effect,' impacting children's comprehension when reading digitally. Despite tech's convenience, tangible books offer irreplaceable educational benefits, fostering in-person discussions and deeper understanding. Reflect on your child's reading habits and consider integrating more physical books into their routine for a balanced learning experience.
Read MoreBoost your child's social media literacy: navigate digital challenges, ensure online safety, and promote responsible usage. Learn to distinguish credible information and foster critical thinking. Essential tips for parents on guiding children through the complex digital landscape, reinforcing privacy, ethics, and digital citizenship. Start the conversation today for a safer online tomorrow.
Read MoreDiscover insights on AI's impact, from cyberbullying to deepfakes, and learn how to foster safe, ethical online behavior. This post is ideal for parents and educators who are looking to understand a teen's use of AI so that they might have better conversations, create effective digital citizenship classes, and create a safe space within schools for its use, empowering the next generation with the tools for a safer digital future.
Read MoreExplore Meta's latest child protection measures on Instagram and Facebook in our new blog post. We will discuss the impact of these updates on teen safety, privacy settings, and the role of parents and educators in navigating the digital landscape.
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