Digital Wellness, Digital Citizenship, Screen Time & Digital Media Literacy

AI is becoming a bigger part of our kids’ lives. From homework helpers and video apps to chatbots that feel “friendly,” parents are left scrambling to understand what’s safe, what’s risky, and what actually helps our kids.

This is a guest resource from a colleague on all things tweens, teens and gaming. We know you have a lot of questions and concerns, so here are vetted resources to help you make sense of the effects of gaming on your child.

You've got questions and I have answers. Take a moment to browse through common questions and vocabulary surrounding digita wellness.

Active vs Passive Screen Time: What Parents of Tweens and Teens Need to Know

There's a big difference between active and passive screen time. Learn some examples of passive and active media consumption.

Connected, Not Consumed: A Teen's Guide to Healthy Phone Habits

Why not provide your child with the best resources available in helping them develop healthier phone habits?

It’s a change in perspective that invites us to think beyond just setting timers and really dive into what our kids are doing online.

Parents, carers and teachers are worried about digital distractions, media overload, and the effect of social media on kids’ focus, mental health and safety.

*Detailed Version!

Screen Time Resources and Advice

Understanding the concerns parents face, I've developed screen time resources and advice for parental monitoring just for you.

Understanding digital media literacy isn’t about mastering every device or app. It's about knowing enough to guide our kids through a world filled with content, interactions, and risks.

Our kids are growing up with screens in their hands and learning from sources we didn’t have to navigate when we were their age. That’s why it’s so important for us to equip them—and ourselves—with the tools to thrive in this digital landscape.

Android parental controls offer practical tools to help us guide our children through their digital experiences safely.

Digital Wellness, Media Mentor Month and Global Day of Unplugging

Looking to spring clean your tween or teen's digital life? 

Smartphones in Schools: Weighing the Pros and Cons

Smartphones are not just devices for communication; they're powerful tools that can open up a world of information and possibilities.

It’s much more than just setting limits or rules —it’s about creating a shared understanding and setting clear expectations for everyone in the family.

How Technology Empowers Neurodivergent Tweens and Teens

 Technology plays a pivotal role in the lives of tweens and teens, including those who are neurodivergent.

Looking for ways to block social media and websites so that your tween or teen can focus during study time?

You Can Still Change Your Tech Rules

Think it's too late to start implementing screen time boundaries? Think again! Effective Screen Time Strategies for Teens.

Sometimes you just need a bit more help. I'm often asked how to check for incognito content. Here you go!

How to Monitor Your Kid's Device Use Without Invading Their Privacy

When it comes to tweens and teens, things can get sticky and heated when talking about phone monitoring or parental control apps.

How to Talk to Your Teen About Screen Time Boundaries

Navigating the digital world with your tweens and teens can feel like a constant battle.

Building Healthy Digital Habits in Tweens and Teens

"Get off your phone!" Sound familiar? Looking for ways to stop the arguing around screen time and build healthy digital habits?

14 Ways to Get Your Kids Offline

It can be challenging to encourage our tweens and teens to unplug and engage in other activities.

Consistent Messaging Around Screen Time

Its important to understand whether you're using conditional or consistent messaging when it comes to device boundaries in your home.

Digital Wellness and Tweens and Teens' Mental Health

How can we help our tweens and teens' mental health during their online journey, and understand what digital wellness refers to.

Homework Apps for Tweens and Teens Focus

Need apps to help you with your child's homework focus and productivity? Here are some ideas for digital wellness for students.

Reality of Mental Health and Tweens and Teens Online

The digital space has left parents and guardians staring into the Pandora’s box of our kids' screen-centric lives.

The Pros and Cons of Giving Your Child a Smartphone

Handing over a phone comes with a lot of responsibility. Let's talk media literacy, digital wellness and screen time.

Understanding How Apps Keep Our Kids Hooked

It's important for our tweens and teens to understand how and why apps keep them coming back for more.

Now, with more schools banning smartphones, the conversation is shifting toward smartwatches as an alternative.

World Mental Health Day: Nurturing Digital Wellness for Our Youth

As we observe World Mental Health Day, it's a poignant reminder of the critical role digital wellness plays in the mental and emotional health of our young ones

What is Digital Wellness?

In today's digital age, where technology plays an integral role in our lives, it's crucial for parents to understand why digital wellness is important.

A Journey of Trust and Connection

I'm often asked why my kids share their online life with me, so I asked them.

The Power of Digital Dungeons: Unleashing Hidden Talents in Our Teens

 Insights into the positive aspects of online interactions, particularly in the context of tabletop role-playing games. 

Parental Control: Mentorship vs. Surveillance

I'm a proponent to mentoring over monitoring. Here's why.

Navigating Technology for Their Bright Future

Are we setting up our children for their future? Are they ready for college and being on their own?

Digital Citizenship Week

It's Digital Citizenship Week! Grab my slideshows to help you teach important topics such as digital wellness, digital citizenship and media literacy!

Empowering Our Children in the Digital Age

There are some key elements that go into helping our children thrive in an online world. 

Becoming Less Engaged with Your Phone: Tweens, Teens & Adults

Are you trying to find ways of spending less time on your phone? Try some digital wellness practices.

The Digital Detox Guide: Promoting Digital Wellness for Teens

Explore the concept of a "digital detox" for teens.

Amazing Podcasts for Tweens and Teens

Tech can be an awesome source of inspiration and learning!

Healthy Tech Habits for Your Child

We need to consider the whole child as we look into what age is the right age for a cell phone and social media.

7 Mindfulness Apps Perfect for Teens to Support Digital Wellness

Using tech for good...balancing our mental health with our tech use.

4 Healthy Digital Habits for Tweens and Teens

Developing healthy screen time habits that will serve them well in the present and the future.

Nurturing Screen-Smart Kids through Parental Engagement 

Explore the importance of nurturing screen-smart kids through a holistic approach.

We're all concerned with our kids online world, and all we want is for them to be healthy, well-quipped and safe. Then I ask, are we doing enough?

*Easier Version

Tweens and Teens Constantly Checking Their Phones?

Why are they constantly checking and how can we help foster digital wellness?

Digital Wellness for Parents: Prioritizing Your Own Habits in the Digital Age

Parents of tweens and teens need to believe in digital wellness and model too!

Scope and Sequence for Media Literacy

Here's a K-8 scope and sequence for any educators or homeschoolers out there.

Celebrating Global Media and Information Literacy Week

Global Media and Information Literacy Week is coming Oct 24-31! Wondering how to incorporate media literacy into your family life?

Gifting Devices This Holiday Season: A Parent's Guide

Thinking of gifting your tween or teen a device this holiday season? Make sure you follow these guidelines to make it a successful moment!

ChatGPT

There's a lot of talk about ChatGPT. I try to make some basic sense about it for parents and educators.

Making the Holidays Merry and Mindful: Digital Wellness Tips for Students, Parents, and Staff

In the spirit of creating a tech-positive experience that connects us rather than divides, here are some mindful strategies to keep your digital holiday merry and bright, both at work and at home.

Curious as to what Digital Wellness Day is and how you can celebrate it with your kids every day?