Teens are downloading other Chinese apps in protest of a potential TikTok ban, highlighting flaws in performative policy and demanding broader digital reform.

Lighthouse parenting blends guidance, trust, and independence—helping kids safely navigate tech without overprotecting or micromanaging.

Social media’s shift to community fact-checking risks bias, misinformation, and confusion—parents must teach kids critical thinking and digital literacy.

hifting from "toxic masculinity" to “healthy gender expectations” helps teen boys engage in positive growth without feeling attacked or alienated.

Calling it a “minimalist phone” instead of a “dumb phone” empowers kids to see tech simplicity as a smart, intentional choice—not a limitation.

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

Tech isn't all good or bad. Balance, guidance, and gradual exposure—not fear or extremes—help kids build safe, healthy digital habits.

Before reacting to tech use, parents should listen first—kids want to feel heard, not fixed. Listening builds trust, connection, and stronger guidance.

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

Online friendships can be safe and meaningful—if verified. Open dialogue, due diligence, and trust-building help teens form healthy, secure connections.

Pink Shirt Day raises awareness, but teens say it lacks real impact. Addressing bullying needs year-round action, not just symbolic performance activism.

Teen vaping remains high in Canada, with 29% having tried it and 12% of older teens vaping daily—despite bans, black market access persists.

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

Teens are navigating sexting, nudes, and online image sharing in complex ways—law, consent, tech abuse, and exploitation demand education, not fear.

Despite concerns, bullying—especially cyberbullying—has remained stable or declined post-COVID; clear definitions, education, and early support are key.

Gaming isn’t inherently harmful—balanced use shows social, cognitive, and emotional benefits; problematic gaming is rare and rooted in deeper issues.

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

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

Teens’ online actions can impact safety, reputation, privacy, legality, academics, jobs, housing, and mental health—digital choices matter long-term.

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.