Raising Your Child in a Digital World:

Finding a healthy balance of time online without techno tantrums and conflict

Addiction

Unpacking ‘The Social Dilemma’

Oct 29, 2020
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The Netflix documentary The Social Dilemma has garnered much attention in recent weeks,  in mainstream media and ironically on the social media platforms that were vilified in the documentary. The Social Dilemma proposes that social media companies manipulate users by using algorithms and persuasive design principles that result in ‘addiction’ to their platforms. It also suggests that […]

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Are smartphones and social media to blame for teen mental health crisis?

Feb 11, 2020
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Young people are facing a mental health crisis, both here in Australia and internationally. There’s a concerning increase in the rates of mental health issues amongst young people and the finger is often pointed at technology, particularly social media and smartphones, which are contributing factors. But is technology to blame? The dominant, alarmist narrative suggests […]

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No, your son isn’t ‘addicted’ to gaming?

Nov 7, 2019
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Calls crescendo from parents concerned that their sons are ‘addicted’ to online games. There are a few weeks that pass where I don’t hear from parents tearing their hair out about their son’s (problematic) gaming behaviours.  Parents who tell me that their son has punched holes in the all when gaming consoles were peeled from […]

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Why is my child obsessed with YouTube?

May 21, 2019
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YouTube and YouTube Kids have now replaced TV as the chief source of entertainment for both kids and teens. This media juggernaut (which has over 300 videos uploaded to its platform every single minute!) has kids of all ages flocking to it and it has left many parents confused and concerned about its appeal and […]

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What’s all the fuss about Fortnite?

Jul 3, 2018
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I want to write about the dreaded ‘f’ word that’s causing angst in many families.  Fortnite! (Not that word!) In the last couple months, I’ve been inundated with questions from parents both online and during my Parent Seminars about the game Fortnite. There have been numerous blog posts written and also shared on social media […]

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