History shows abstinence-only approaches fail. For teens & tech, harm reduction, digital literacy, and guidance work better than bans or delays.

Teens view tech with balance. To support them, we must listen, collaborate on rules, and empower them, not control them, with digital literacy and trust.

Minimalist phones like Wisephone help parents avoid “whack-a-mole” battles by offering kids safe, age-appropriate tech without web or social media access.

In 2025, two key risks for youth: the rise of the manosphere targeting boys, and tech-driven radicalization—both demand urgent, informed adult guidance.

In Canada, ISPs must report CSAM or face fines up to $100K. Youth and families can leverage this law to demand action when illegal content is found online.

Online sextortion, often targeting teen boys, uses tactics like threats, grooming, deepfakes, and AI to extort nudes or money—urgent awareness is vital.

Focus on screen activity, not screen time; use the “Power of Three” (creative, social, physical) to build balanced, healthy digital habits in youth.

Mediated parenting, not fear or free rein, helps youth build digital literacy, safety, trust, and responsibility in today’s “onlife” world.

Keep tech out of bedrooms—improves sleep, safety, and mental health; reduces risks of predation, distraction, and late-night device overuse.

Teens love social media for entertainment, connection, and self-expression. It's not good or bad—like a hammer, it's all in how it's used. Balance is key.

Most teens use tech for good—creating, learning, and connecting. But parents should stay alert for behavior shifts that may signal online risks.

The internet offers great benefits, but parents must stay aware of risks like cyberbullying, exploitation, hate speech, dark patterns, and online shaming.

Parents need evidence-based guidance, not fear. Tech use isn’t ruining kids—panic and misinformation are. It’s about balance, not blame.