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/

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

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.

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

rewards may increase engagement initially but ultimately makes non-screen activities seem more boring fact, in a recent Instagram reel Dr Haidt stated: “if you gamify a 1/4 of a child’s school day with screen He further pointed out that if there is a decline in engagement with repeated screen exposure, it may The assumption that screen-based learning inherently diminishes a child’s ability to focus on non-screen While concerns about excessive screen time and digital distraction in schools are valid, broad claims

lives, and 67% say these platforms make them feel like they have people who support them through tough times This digital presence can provide comfort during times when in-person support isn’t immediately available However, we acknowledge that there are also times when social media and technology can be weaponized

Whether it’s enforcing screen use limits, banning apps, or blocking websites, the instinct to protect child feel validated and ensures you understand their perspective. 4/ Be Patient Sometimes, kids take time Don’t rush the process. 5/ Share Your Own Experiences Be vulnerable and share times when you’ve faced When you take the time to listen, you’re showing them that their feelings matter and that you’re there

Copies of all text messages sent and received with their dates and times that parents can read. (at the time of this review still under development and not available yet) List of all contacts that number if needed, and The ability to see all photos and videos that were taken on the phone (at the time We are not going to share publicly how this can be done, however, it should be noted that with time, The phone does not offer a function that allows for time management.

Screenshots and screen recordings have turned once-private conversations into shareable, duplicable files While we cannot turn back time, we can equip our children to navigate this new reality thoughtfully and The essence of youth conversations has remained constant over time, but the medium through which they

***Update March 2025 *** The London School of Economics and Political Science released and evidence-based report called "Smartphone policies in schools - What does the evidence say?, that should be read by both parents and educators. (6) They also further released this statement on the issue (7) In this 2025 released study from Great Britain titled "School phone policies and their association with mental wellbeing, phone use, and social media use (SMART Schools): a cross-sectional observational study" (8) researchers found: "There is no evidence that restrictive school policies are associated with overall phone and social media use or better mental wellbeing in adolescents. The findings do not provide evidence to support the use of school policies that prohibit phone use during the school day in their current form, and indicate that these policies require further development." Across Canada and the United States, a significant movement is gaining traction among parents, special interest groups, politicians, and even some educators to ban cellphones and other personal electronic devices in schools  (1) . Online campaigns are now emerging, providing parents with blueprints and toolkits on how to advocate for these bans within their school communities.  (2)(3)(4) Many of these articles, blueprints, and toolkits, that we have read in full, offer a variety of resources supporting the position to ban phones and other electronic devices in schools. However, a notable gap exists – few, if any, of these resources include solid, evidence-based research that questions the effectiveness of such bans. Contrary to what some are saying, there is a large body of such research that most parents and caregivers are unaware of and that we will speak to in this blog article.  Consequently, parents and caregivers are often only exposed to one side of the story, leading them to support these “banning” movements without a comprehensive understanding of the potential implications. A noteworthy example is the PEW research, which found that banning cell phones or restricting age-appropriate access to social media could be detrimental, particularly for youth targeted for abuse both online and offline. These young individuals often use social media to seek help and support  (5) If the goal is to equip parents and caregivers with robust, evidence-based information to make informed decisions, then it is crucial to present them with all the best and current evidence available from both sides of the debate. Providing a balanced perspective allows for more thoughtful and informed decision-making regarding the presence of cellphones in schools. To support this goal, we have developed four key resources that offer an evidence-based counter narrative to that of just banning phones and personal electronic devices in schools: Phone Ban Research: This resource delves into the existing and very current research on the impact of cellphones in educational settings, presenting both the pros and cons. It aims to give parents a well-rounded understanding of how phones can affect learning, attention, and overall student well-being. Phone Policy Recommendations: Here, we offer guidelines and recommendations for creating effective phone policies for all levels of schools. These recommendations are based on evidence and best practices, ensuring that any policies put in place are thoughtful and conducive to a positive learning environment. In this article, “Tech, Social Media, & Teens: Addressing Five Concerns with Research-Based Insights,” we aim to continue addressing other popular parental concerns with evidence-based information and perspectives surrounding the use of cellphones and social media Beyond the Ban – Creating School Environments That Embrace Safe and Responsible Technology Use! Emotional, Psychological, Physical, and Social Effects of Technology and Social Media: This comprehensive resource examines the broader effects of technology and social media on children and adolescents. It highlights the emotional, psychological, physical, and social impacts, providing insights into how these factors play a role in the overall debate about phone bans in schools. As the movement to ban cellphones and personal electronic devices in schools heats up and gains momentum across Canada and the United States, it is crucial to recognize the one-sided nature of the current debate. Online campaigns and toolkits promoting these bans are often one-sided and lack robust, evidence-based research that questions the effectiveness of such measures. Many parents and caregivers are only exposed to one perspective, leading to uninformed support for these bans without a comprehensive understanding of their potential implications. To ensure that parents and caregivers are equipped with the information needed for thoughtful and informed decision-making, it is essential to present all the available evidence. By providing a balanced perspective, we can foster a more informed discussion about the presence of cellphones in schools. To support this goal, we have developed the above noted three key resources offering an evidence-based counter-narrative to the movement for banning phones in schools that should be considered in the decision-making process. By offering these resources, we aim to foster a more informed and balanced discussion among parents, caregivers, and schools enabling them to make decisions that are in the best interest of their children’s education and well-being. Here's a great academic review of the research specific to this topic by Dr Pete Etchells who specializes in the effect of technology on youth and teens Digital Food For Thought The White Hatter Facts Not Fear, Facts Not Feelings, Enlighten Not Frighten, Know Technology vs No Technology! References: 1/ https://macdonaldlaurier.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240624_Social-media-and-kids-Bennett_PAPER-v9-FINAL.pdf 2/ https://www.awayfortheday.org/pushbacks 3/ https://phonefreeschoolsmovement.org/administrator-toolkit/ 4/ https://protectyoungeyes.com/phonefreeschools-how-to-talk-to-your-school-district-about-removing-smartphones/ 5/ https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2022/11/16/connection-creativity-and-drama-teen-life-on-social-media-in-2022/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email 6/ https://eprints.lse.ac.uk/125554/1/Smartphone_policies_in_schools_Rahali_et_al_2024_002_.pdf 7/ https://www.lse.ac.uk/media-and-communications/research/research-projects/eu-kids-online/bans 8/ https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanepe/article/PIIS2666-7762(25)00003-1/fulltext