The Importance of Critical Thinking for Children: Tips and Scripts for Parents In today’s fast-paced, information-rich world, critical thinking has become an essential skill for children. It empowers them to analyse information, make informed decisions, and develop a deeper understanding of complex issues. As parents, nurturing critical thinking in our children can help them navigate […]
Are Children Digital Prisoners? Let’s Explore In today’s hyper-connected world, the relationship between children and technology has sparked widespread debate. From smartphones to social media and gaming, the digital landscape is increasingly shaping the lives of young people. A growing concern among parents, educators, and psychologists is whether children are becoming “digital prisoners,” trapped in […]
Social media literacy for both parents and children can significantly improve their online experience, safety, and relationships by fostering a deeper understanding of how social media impacts them and their communities. Here’s how it can make a difference: For Parents: Better Monitoring and Guidance: When parents understand social media platforms, they are better equipped to […]
As a former Deputy Head and Class Teacher for over 20 years I have a real interest in helping schools and homes work together. In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, teaching digital citizenship and literacy has become essential for both families and the school community. The huge increase of devices and online platforms presents […]
The Role of Parents in Shaping Digital Habits: As parents you are the first and most influential role models in your children’s lives. In a digital age, this role extends beyond traditional behaviours to include online activity. Children observe and often mimic how their parents use technology, from the way they communicate on social media […]
Ensuring Schooltime Online Safety: A Guide for Parents As kids head back to school, the digital world becomes an even more integral part of their education and social life. While technology offers incredible learning opportunities, it also brings certain risks. As a parent, you can play a pivotal role in teaching your child how to […]
The Dangers of In-Game Chat for Parents In-game chat features have become a staple in many video games, allowing players to communicate with each other in real time. While this can enhance the gaming experience by fostering teamwork and building communities, it also poses several dangers, particularly for younger players. Parents need to be aware […]
Dealing with digital distractions is a challenge for both parents and children in today’s tech-saturated world. Here are some simple tips and scripts to help manage and reduce these distractions effectively: 1. Set Clear Boundaries and Rules Tip: Establish specific times when devices can be used, such as after homework or during weekends. […]
I work with lots of parents who struggle to start conversations around their kids devices and putting in safety measures around their use. Some parents find them complicated. Some parents dread their kids reactions. Some parents don’t know about them. Most parents don’t know what to say. But one thing is clear from talking and […]
Why “Safety Settings” Is Better Than “Parental Controls” for Discussing Online Boundaries with Children In today’s digital age, where children are increasingly engaged with technology, setting boundaries and ensuring their safety online has become a priority for parents. Traditionally, the term “parental controls” has been used to describe the tools and features that help parents […]
I’ve been pondering metaphors & analogies and I thought Pinocchio’s story is a good metaphor for the importance of developing critical thinking skills, especially in the digital age for kids. Just as Pinocchio begins his journey naive and easily deceived, children today are often faced with an overwhelming amount of online information, some of it […]
I’ve written before about: Anti-Dopamine Parenting! Breaking the Dopamine Cycle: A New Approach to Parenting in a Digital Age Here are some scripts that you can use to talk to your kids about the concept of a ‘Dopamine Crash’ and how it relates to their device use. These scripts are a guide to give […]
How do you manage your Facebook friends? Do you keep your list really tight and only include ‘active’ pals? Or do you accept everyone you’ve ever laid eyes on? I have a Facebook for my real friends & family where I can post about personal things & rant about politics 🤣 and a business one […]
I was asked by the Sun News UK newspaper to write 5 quirky and unexpected tips parents can use to wean their kids off their phones: 📲Create a “Phone Jail” for Family Time: Place all phones in a decorative box or “jail” during meals or family activities. This creates a fun and visible reminder to […]
I was listening to Dua Lipa’s new album ‘Radical Optimism’ on Spotify & the title got me thinking about Radical Optimism – as I guess I have approached life pretty much like this all my life but didn’t know it had a title‼️ So I thought I’d add my take on how Radical Optimism […]
