Eyes locked on screens. However, too often, their glances were met with parents whose head were face down looking at a phone screen So the next time you're at your child's game, recital, or performance, put down the phone.

Some relied heavily on passive screen-based learning, while others struggled to maintain student engagement

and driving real change Acting as digital first responders and peer supporters , helping others in times 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?

and incel culture that Adolescence portrays, is becoming increasingly muddled, and we believe it's time

Ultimately, digital literacy is not a one-time lesson but an ongoing process that evolves alongside technological

In response to growing concerns about screen time and digital distraction, there is an increasing call Less screen time equals more focus, right? Not necessarily! When technology is present in the classroom, teachers can model appropriate tech use in real time, demonstrating students learn how to manage them by developing habits like turning off notifications during focus time , evaluating the credibility of online information, and making mindful decisions about screen use.

teen boys are growing up in a world of constant change, and adolescence has always been a challenging time However, at the same time, this research shows that these same young men report high levels of stress At the same time, helping teen boys recognize and manage their emotions is key to navigating the often-intense

In recent months, we’ve heard from many families worried about their elderly parent’s online activities, particularly regarding connections with people they don’t know, and the risks to them of financial fraud. In fact, we have helped several families cope with some of the consequences of a senior who fell victim to an online crime. This concern is growing as seniors become one of the fastest-growing groups online. While the internet offers many benefits, there’s an undeniable need for vigilance when it comes to digital safety for our aging parents. The internet can significantly enhance the quality of life for seniors. It provides: Access to essential services: Ordering transportation, groceries, and meals. Health monitoring: Apps and devices can track wellness and alert caregivers to irregularities. Safety enhancements: Tools that promote security in the home and beyond. Up-to-date information: News, trends, and resources to stay informed. Entertainment: Access to movies, games, and hobbies. Peace of mind for caregivers: Alerts and updates about seniors’ well-being. Connectivity: Staying in touch with family, friends, and healthcare providers. These advantages underscore why we strive to keep seniors connected to the digital world for as long as possible. Unfortunately, the risks seniors face online are real, particularly in cases where 1/ They are lonely and want to connect with others and the internet gives them the community to do that. 2/ They purposely and stubbornly ignore your thoughts and recommendations specific to the online threats they can face, or 3/ They are experiencing cognitive decline, such as early-stage dementia or Alzheimer’s, which may be impairing  judgment or memory.  When seniors don’t grasp or purposely and stubbornly ignore the dangers of digital fraud, or forget safety guidelines, families are often left with tough decisions. While removing internet access entirely is sometimes necessary, it’s typically something we would recommend to be a last resort. There are steps families can take to address concerns while preserving their loved one’s digital independence for as long as possible. Invest In A Managed Router If your parent lives with you, or even in an independent living facility where such options are possible (we worked with one family who did this with an independent living facility), consider installing a managed router like the Gryphon Router. (1) This tool enables you to: Control internet access. Block inappropriate or high-risk websites. Monitor their online activity. prevent malware to be downloaded This setup can ensure they stay connected to family and friends while minimizing exposure to potentially harmful sites or scams. Families we have worked with report great success with this solution, especially in scenarios where the senior is open to some level of digital oversight. Use A Secure Sandboxed Messaging Platform Since staying connected with loved ones and friends is a top priority for many seniors, consider introducing them to a platform like Kinzoo. (2) Although this app was designed for youth, this app facilitate texting and video chatting in a secure, user-friendly environment tailored for safety and simplicity for seniors as well. What sets KINZOO apart is its focus on privacy and control, allowing family members to monitor interactions and ensure that only trusted contacts can communicate with your senior parent. By integrating a platform like this into their digital routine, seniors can maintain meaningful connections without the risks associated with open social media or unsecured messaging apps. This approach not only fosters their sense of independence but also provides peace of mind for families concerned about online safety. Platforms like KINZOO, although designed for youth, are an excellent solution for bridging the gap between connection and security, giving seniors the tools to stay in touch while minimizing exposure to potential risks. Secure Financial Safeguards Financial exploitation is one of the biggest risks for seniors online. If possible, obtain power of attorney to oversee their finances. This step allows you to: Monitor transactions. Prevent unauthorized transfers. Serve as a second layer of protection, akin to two-factor authentication. However, gaining power of attorney can be challenging if your parent is resistant. In such cases, open conversations emphasizing the goal of protection rather than control may help ease the transition. In some situations, especially as cognitive challenges worsen, the only viable option may be to restrict or remove access to the internet altogether. While this can feel drastic, it’s sometimes the best way to protect them from personal and financial harm. Navigating the digital world with senior parents can be a delicate balance between empowering their independence and ensuring their safety. The internet offers a wealth of benefits for seniors, enhancing their quality of life and keeping them connected to the people and resources they value most. However, the risks of online scams and financial exploitation require families to stay vigilant and proactive. By investing in tools like managed routers and securing financial safeguards, you can better protect your loved ones while delaying the need for more restrictive measures. Open communication, empathy, and collaboration are essential in maintaining trust and understanding. In cases where difficult decisions must be made, prioritizing their personal and financial well-being is paramount. With patience and thoughtful planning, you can help your senior parents navigate the digital age safely, ensuring they reap the benefits of connectivity while minimizing risks. Yes, helping senior parents stay safe online requires patience, communication, and proactive measures. By addressing risks early, you can strike a balance between preserving their independence and protecting their well-being. Ultimately, these decisions are never easy, but ensuring the safety of your loved ones is always worth the effort. Related Articles: Digital Food For Thought The White Hatter Facts Not Fear, Facts Not Emotions, Enlighten Not Frighten, Know Tech Not No tech References” 1/ https://www.kinzoo.com/ 2/ https://gryphonconnect.com/

Time the New Secondhand Smoking?” Renstrom coined the term "secondhand screen time" to describe situations where parents are distracted She likened secondhand screen time to the digital equivalent of toxic secondhand smoke, arguing that Yes, there is research indicating that excessive screen time, particularly for children under 7 years thewhitehatter.ca/blog/smartphones-are-the-new-cigarettes-really/ 4/ https://theconversation.com/is-secondhand-screen-time-the-new-secondhand-smoking

On one side, we see advocates warning of the perils of screen addiction, mental health crises, and exploitation Families may: Waste time and money on programs or tools that don’t deliver meaningful results.

This claim is misleading and plays into a broader moral panic surrounding screen use in schools. Common themes in this moral panic include: Blaming screens for all youth behaviour issues rather than Instead of framing all screen use as the same, we should recognize that context, intent, and supervision infrastructure to help minimizes risks Our challenge to educators - ultimately, the key is not to eliminate screens

Statement #1: “The average number of hours that teens spend online watching a screen is 8.5 hours a day time, aligning more closely with pre-pandemic levels. (5) The broader body of research suggests that the relationship between screen time and mental health This figure is often quoted in presentations by others, but has fluctuated over time. new-tech-enables-thousands-of-additional-child-victims-to-be-counted-in-sexual-abuse-images-for-the-first-time