In today’s world, many of the traditional rites of passage that once guided children into adulthood have quietly disappeared. As social psychologist, Jonathan Haidt, explains in The Anxious Generation, modern secular societies have largely abandoned these community milestones – rituals that once involved separation from childhood, a meaningful transition, and a celebratory re-entry as a […]
WhatsApp is a popular messaging platform that has transformed the way in which we communicate. Its user-friendly interface and instant communication features have made it a must-have for nearly all of us. The connectivity it offers is especially valuable for expats who want to keep in touch with loved ones and friends back home. With
This week, I had one of those parenting moments I won’t forget. And let me preface this by saying: I’m not completely naïve when it comes to tech. I have a pretty decent understanding of digital risks, and I like to think I’ve put solid boundaries in place at home. Which is exactly why I’m
A friend recently challenged me on something I hadn’t thought too deeply about previously: the growing habit of tracking our children’s whereabouts using geolocation tools. While I have strong views on the harms of smartphones and social media for children, tracking had felt, until now at least, like a relatively harmless safety feature. I hadn’t
While using devices can be entertaining, it is essential that we help children and teens take a break from screens, especially when they’re spending time with friends. A no device policy on playdates isn’t about rejecting technology altogether; it’s about setting limits to create opportunities for kids to connect in more meaningful ways. In today’s
Renowned social psychologist, Jonathan Haidt, author of The Anxious Generation, has recently shifted his focus. Having previously focused on the impact of technology on young people’s mental health, he now cautions that we may have been overlooking something even more foundational: attention. He admits he may have “grossly underestimated” just how much children’s ability to
This isn’t an easy conversation to know where to begin and at which age to do so at, but with the average age of children first seeing illicit content in the UK is at 13 (and 1 in 4 children have viewed it at 11 (2023 Children’s Commissioner report)), the earlier we engage our children
Dear Parent, This contract is designed to create an open line of communication between you and your child regarding their mobile phone. . The goal is to help your child begin to use their technology with intention, NOT be ruled by it. We advise you to review this contract and decide upon the family values
One second. That’s all it takes – one swipe to a viral TikTok or an offbeat YouTube Short, and your child sees something they can’t unsee. At home, we do our best to keep screen time safe. We set boundaries, filter content, and stay in the loop. But what about when our kids head out
Children start engaging with online platforms at a young age, often before anyone has taught them about their digital footprint and online reputation. It is crucial for them to understand these to ensure they build a positive online reputation and avoid potential mishaps. If your child is already browsing the internet and interacting online, you
