Read 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.
Read MoreDiscover the importance of 'third spaces' for teens and how these vital non-digital environments, where adolescents can thrive and escape the pressures of home and school. Learn about the challenges and solutions to creating these inclusive, safe, and engaging spaces in a world dominated by screens, with practical tips for educators, parents, and teens.
Read MoreSocial Media promotes rigid personal boundaries and quite some confusion, especially for teens and emerging adults. This one-size-fits-all approach lacks nuance. Real friendships require honest communication, not corporate-like strategies. Social media skews our perception of relationships; we must balance setting boundaries with understanding the complexities of human connections. The blog post offers hands-on advice for teaching teens and emerging adults to navigate friendships.
Read MoreIn a world flooded with digital distractions, educators must reflect on their tech behavior. Students notice when teachers prioritize emails over conversations. A survey revealed 41.7% felt ignored due to tech use, affecting their well-being. To set an example, teachers and leaders must curb excessive emails, promote in-person interactions, and adhere to communication guidelines. Prioritizing meaningful connections over digital noise not only enhances student-teacher relationships but also equips students with healthier tech habits.
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