Parenting in the Digital Age

May 24, 2024 - By Nina Bradley Clarke

One of the most frequently asked questions I get from other parents is about parenting in the digital world. This is such a complicated topic that I have written about before here on the blog, as well as, covered extensively on the “Nina’s Got Good News” Podcast. Fortunately, my feeling is that the pendulum is swinging toward more parents delaying smartphones and delaying social media. BRAVO! The best-selling book “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt might be one of the many reasons why I am sensing this shift.

Recently, I was invited as a mom creator to attend a “Screen Smart” event hosted by Meta and Instagram in Boston.

Being at that event got me thinking: we should revisit this entire topic here on the blog with some new advice and information. The amazing Dr. Aliza Pressman, who was my guest on Episode 110 of the Podcast about “Raising Good Humans”, was the featured speaker at the Boston event. She shared great advice about how parents need to be parents.

Click here to learn more about Instagram’s tools and resources for parents, including the parental controls that Instagram now has available.

In today’s digital world, parenting comes with unique challenges and opportunities. Here are some tips to help you and your kids get set up for success:

1. Set Clear Boundaries

Establish rules for screen time and stick to them. Encourage tech-free zones like the dinner table to promote family time and face-to-face conversations.

2. Educate About Online Safety

Teach your kids about the importance of privacy and the potential dangers of sharing personal information online. Discuss the importance of recognizing suspicious activities.

3. Encourage Balanced Use

Balance screen time with offline activities. Encourage hobbies, sports, and playing outside to help them develop a well-rounded lifestyle.

4. Stay Informed

Keep up with the latest apps, games, and social media platforms your children use. Understanding these tools can help you guide their use more effectively.

5. Foster Open Communication

Create a safe space for your kids to talk about their online experiences. Regularly discuss what they enjoy, any issues they encounter, and how they’re feeling about their screen time.

6. Utilize Parental Controls

Use parental control settings on devices and apps to monitor and limit your child’s online activity. This can help protect them from inappropriate content and excessive usage.

This list is a reminder to myself as well. None of this stuff is easy as a parent, but by setting clear boundaries and staying engaged, we can help our children with technology in a healthy and positive way. I am inspired by finding the helpers who are doing the hard work to help all our children navigate the digital age. Last week I was able to interview the three wonderful founders (all moms!) of the Phone-Free Schools Movement. They are using their voices for change, and it’s paying off. Again, they give me hope and optimism that the pendulum is swinging in the right direction.