The Good - Youth Tech and Internet Use

Chapter 1: The Greater Good

In this web book, we will discuss several concerns associated with the onlife world that both teens and parents need to be aware of and alive to. However, we want to emphasize that the majority of our teens are doing super-uber-cool things online and using the internet in positive ways—and we adults need to start acknowledging this fact. Youth are using the power of digital media and technology to explore, connect, create, and learn in ways we only dreamed of.

Here are some of the positives we’ve seen the majority of teens engaging in:

• Pursuing their passions

• Gaining knowledge and self-educating on topics they care deeply about

• Exploring identity and self-expression, and figuring out where they belong in this big, wonderful world

• Writing blogs and building online communities

• Gaming and participating in e-sports, fostering strategy, communication, and teamwork

• Learning to code and build digital tools

• Maintaining friendships and forming new ones, often with people from around the globe

• Streaming, creating, and remixing music

• Producing and editing videos, becoming skilled storytellers

• Engaging in constructive discussions with like-minded individuals

• Taking action in social and political activism, supporting causes and driving real change

• Acting as digital first responders and peer supporters, helping others in times of emotional, psychological, or social distress

The biggest shift we’ve seen in recent years? Teens are no longer just consumers of social media—they’ve become producers and creators of digital content, knowledge, solutions, and movements.

Real-World Youth Innovation Highlights

Consider just a few of the many powerful examples we’ve come across:

• A BC First Nations teen who built an app to preserve and teach her Indigenous language

• An 18-year-old in Vancouver who developed an app to predict falls in seniors based on gait detection

• Two Alberta teens who co-founded a software company while still in high school

• Three Nova Scotia students who solved their school's Wi-Fi coverage problem through app development

• A team of four 11-year-old girls who built an app to support peers with social anxiety and tied for third in a global competition

• A 14-year-old girl who invented a device to eliminate vehicle blind spots, earning a $20,000 scholarship

• A 15-year-old Ontario girl who built a digital cane to assist those with visual impairments

• A BC teen who created an app to support youth in responding to drug overdoses

• A group of Ontario high school girls who placed third in a national cybersecurity competition

• A Grade 12 student who developed a mentorship app to connect teen girls with women in tech, winning a $10,000 scholarship

• A New Brunswick teen whose school-closure alert app is now widely used

• A 14-year-old in BC who built a homework organizer app to help his peers stay on top of schoolwork

• A team of robotics students who engineered a robotic wheelchair for a child with mobility challenges

These are not isolated cases. This is a wave. A movement. A quiet revolution of youth innovation, empathy, and purpose that’s being powered by the onlife world.

And yet—how often do we, as adults, amplify these success stories with the same energy we express fear about online dangers?

Let’s shift the narrative.

Let’s begin by celebrating what’s going right.

Let’s lead with the belief that most teens are not just surviving online—they’re thriving.

https://thewhitehatter.ca/blog/most-teens-using-tech-social-media-in-a-positive-way-case-in-point/ 

When to Be Concerned as a Parent

That said, being celebratory doesn’t mean being blind to potential harm. Knowing that most of our kids are doing amazing things online, it’s also our job as parents and caregivers to know when to step in.

So, when should you be concerned about your child’s onlife activity?

Here are some red flags to be aware of:

• Vamping: Is your child spending long hours online late at night? Teens call this "vamping." Late-night screen time often disrupts healthy sleep cycles and may indicate overstimulation or escapism.

• Screen switching: Do they suddenly close or hide their screen when you enter the room? This behaviour could signal they’re viewing content they know you’d find concerning.

• Secretive behaviour: Are they reluctant to talk about what they’re doing online? Do they get defensive when asked about their activity?

• Homework deception: Do they claim to be doing homework online, while teachers report they’re falling behind?

• Concerning content: Have you come across unexplained sexual, violent, or otherwise disturbing content on their device?

• Unexpected communications: Is your child receiving calls, emails, mail, or packages from unknown individuals? Predators sometimes switch to non-digital channels to avoid detection.

• Social withdrawal or behavioural shifts: Is your child pulling away from family, acting out, or showing other marked changes in mood or personality?

Parent Tip: Look for Clusters

One sign alone may not mean much—teens are private by nature. But when two or more of these warning signs start clustering together, that’s your cue to raise your antenna. Don’t jump to conclusions, but do initiate a calm, respectful, and non-judgmental conversation.

Avoid accusations.

Lead with curiosity, not control.

Ask questions like:

• “I’ve noticed you’ve been staying up really late online—how are you feeling?”

• “You seem a little distant lately. Anything going on that you want to talk about?”

• “You’ve always loved sharing what you’re up to. I miss that—can we catch up?”

Your goal is not to police their behaviour—it’s to remain a trusted adult they feel safe turning to if and when something goes wrong.

In the end, the onlife world is not inherently dangerous or inherently safe.

It’s a powerful tool—one that reflects the values and guidance we give our kids.

And when we engage with them in this world, not from fear, but from curiosity, respect, and hope?

That’s when we empower them to do great things.