Terms like “social media addiction” appear hundreds of times more often than more accurate language like of technology “addiction,” it can make everyday behaviour seem pathological and discourage healthier approaches We believe that when this phrase is applied to digital life, the term fits perfectly. week Keeping devices out of bedrooms at night Taking one week per month to step back from a specific app

We have met youth and teens who use their devices to run small businesses, create digital art, build apps This is why we need to approach the issue of screen use with more empathy and less judgment.

and offers ideas across categories such as books, toys, and apparel. 2/ Speed, Efficiency, and Decision Go directly to the company’s official site or app to check orders.

Every notification feels dangerous, every app feels like a risk multiplier, and parenting becomes reactive Clear scaffolding, including age-appropriate access, rules, and expectations are extremely important and shame this parent was carrying, we provided them with several resources that take a more balances approach Where did my approach leave no room for conversation?

A balanced approach recognizes that technology isn’t inherently harmful or inherently beneficial. If a youth or teen can transition off a game, video, or app without a meltdown, it’s a good sign that posted, manage online relationships, and plan for the transition into more adult spaces like banking apps For students who need translation tools, assistive apps, or digital learning supports, technology can New apps appear overnight, AI becomes more capable by the month and online risks evolve in ways that

Technical Spoofing This approach manipulates the technical side of access, and two of the most common From the platform’s perspective, it appears that everything checks out. 4. Sometimes kids simply ask an older sibling, parent, or friend to approve access on their behalf. modest technical skills can set up a server or a peer-to-peer service that exists beyond the reach of app

look and feel completely normal to young people, social media platforms, gaming spaces, and messaging apps Young people are rarely approached with anything that looks like exploitation. Instead, they are often presented with what appears to be opportunity: Modelling or influencer offers AI allows offenders to appear more attentive, more responsive, and more emotionally in tune than would The approach is rarely forceful, it’s relational.

At the same time, not every youth or teens approaches this world with the same level of maturity, access Parents and caregivers don’t need to be experts in every new app.

Brett Holfeld from the University of Newfoundland found that approximately 50% of those who experience Everything:  Encourage teens to take screenshots of abusive messages and store them in a vault or decoy app

our programs about their use of technology, a striking and refreshing insight emerges, many of them approach At the same time, they recognize and appreciate the benefits of technology which include access to information Ask them to share what they know about new apps, platforms, online gaming, or trends.

than banning technology or allowing unlimited access, onlife parenting is about fostering a balanced approach Instead, parents and caregivers can help their children develop a holistic approach to technology, where Setting age and developmentally appropriate boundaries and guidelines helps establish healthy habits Asking open-ended questions like, “What do you enjoy about this game or app?” By fostering a balanced approach, staying present, and replacing judgment with curiosity, you can help

Brett Holefeld from the University of Newfoundland found that approximately 50% of those who experience Everything: Encourage teens to take screenshots of abusive messages and store them in a vault or decoy app