A cell phone is more than just a way to make phone calls and texts – these days, the average phone offers access to the entire internet, as well as an array of apps, games, and other functions. As a parent, this can be tricky territory to navigate. You may be tempted to take your child’s phone away, either to protect them from online dangers or as a method of discipline when they misbehave. But […]
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The correct age for kids to start using a smartphone is a subject of much debate among parents, teachers, and experts. But there is little debate over whether teens should have smartphones at all. More and more, a smartphone is becoming a necessity of life that a kid needs by some point in their teens. Teens use smartphones for more than just selfies and games – they’re a safety feature in a world where payphones […]
If you have a teen who enjoys gaming, there’s a good chance that you’ve heard about Fortnite, a free game that’s available on a variety of formats, including PC, XboxOne, and PlayStation 4. It will soon be available on mobile platforms as well. It’s not surprising that a game that’s free to play and available to many gamers regardless of their preferred gaming device is hugely popular among teens and tweens. But should you allow […]
If you’ve been following the news, you’ve probably heard about how data about voters who used Facebook ended up in the hands of Cambridge Analytica and was then passed on and used by political campaigns. While most of the framing of this story has to do with the effect on voters, it’s important to consider what’s happening to the data of Facebook users who are too young to vote, and who are therefore the most […]
If your teen has a smartphone or other mobile device, chances are that you’ve paid close attention when headlines about teen sexting scandals make the news. Perhaps you’ve wondered whether your child is engaging in this type of behavior, or maybe you’re confident that they know better. Either way, this is an issue that will likely affect your teen in some way or another – even if your own teen never sends a sext, they […]
Managing your children’s use of digital media can be one of the most challenging aspects of parenting in the digital age. It’s not enough to just make one rule about computer use – the chances are that your child has access to multiple devices, and multiple programs and apps on each device. Thus, you need a more nuanced approach than turning the computer off and on. Apps and technology change quickly as well, so your […]
Cyberbullying is something that many parents worry about. It has been linked to teen suicide in some extreme cases, as well as to depression and other problems in teenagers, and it’s worrying to consider that your child might be a victim. But what happens if you discover that your child is the bully? Many parents are unprepared for the possibility that their child may be the one at fault in a bullying situation, and are […]
When your teen shares a Facebook post or an Instagram photo with all of their friends, they’re probably not thinking much further into the future than however long it takes to get reactions to their posting. But what your teen does online can last a long time, and it can affect their future. It’s become very common for college admissions officers and employers to Google applicants to find out more about them, and your teen […]
Social media is a central part of the social lives of today’s teenagers, so it seems strange to consider that the very medium that kids use to socialize might be impeding their social skills. But if your child or teenager spends a lot of time on social media, there’s a chance that it is hampering their ability to learn effective socialization and communication skills, and not just because they’re staring at their phone during dinner. […]
Cyberbullying is an especially frustrating form of bullying, as it can seem to the victim as if there’s nowhere to turn to escape the bullying behavior. Cyberbullying turns the victim’s own property – devices like computers, tablets, and mobile phones – against them, and it makes even the victim’s own home an unsafe space. But do victims have legal recourse? The answer is more complicated than you may think. Here are some things you should […]
Although bullying is discussed more widely now than it was years ago, the concept of bullying has been around forever. No matter how old you are, you probably have memories of childhood bullying, whether you were the victim, the aggressor, or just an outside observer. While bullying is not new, it has changed as technology has advanced. And while the digital age has brought many improvements to modern life, bullying is one area that seems […]
The internet is an amazing tool. With it, you can research any subject, communicate with people all over the world, and have instant access to breaking news. It also provides several different types of entertainment. Families make use of these internet tools every day. However, not every family makes use of another important tool: internet monitoring software. The purpose of internet monitoring software isn’t to spy on kids and other family members, it’s to help […]
It’s not exactly news that teens will attempt to sneak a peek at pornography if it’s available to them. Teens – both boys and girls – have always been curious about sex and about the human body. But in today’s world, it’s not just a magazine or even a stray video that your teen might look at. With the click of a mouse, they can have access to an unlimited amount of pornography. What do you […]
As a parent, you want your child to come to you if they’re in trouble or if they need help. But bullying is something that children don’t always feel comfortable talking about with their parents. They may feel embarrassed – bullying often involves attempts to humiliate the victim by sharing private information or secrets, spreading unflattering rumors, or shaming the victim in some way. They may fear that parental interference will make the problem worse […]
When is it safe for your children to start exploring social media apps? Many apps originally aimed at adults or older teenagers have begun to attract younger audiences. SnapChat is a prime example. Though originally made for adults, children as young as nine years old find SnapChat accessible and fun. But is it safe for them to use? Here’s what you need to know about children and pre-teens and their safety on SnapChat. How Does […]