Our screens and print media are filled with distressing current global events. Sadly, natural disasters, shootings and terrorist attacks infiltrate our news feeds, newspapers and TV screens on a daily basis. In recent times, there have been some very distressing global events that are heavily … [Read more...]
How Much Screentime for Children?
Today’s children, often referred to as ‘digital natives’ or ‘Gen Z’ are growing immersed in a digital world. Technology is having a direct and dramatic impact on young children’s childhood and is shaping the ways in which they learn and develop. We are at an interesting juncture in terms of … [Read more...]
Please Minimise Your Child’s News Exposure
The recent siege in Sydney is upsetting for adults, so we must be even more mindful of what our children are being exposed to directly or even indirectly through the media and also their peers. Here are my tips when there's distressing world events reported in the news: 1. Even though it's … [Read more...]
Why Background TV Isn’t Healthy For Little Ones
Leaving the TV switched on throughout the day is commonplace in many homes. It’s often just the “done” thing. So parents are often quite shocked to learn that there are unintended consequences of “background TV” on their child’s development. I live by the mantra by Maya Angelou, “When you … [Read more...]
Response to 60 Minutes Episode: Toddler Tech Addition?
The 60 Minutes episode called Screen Addicts has caused much concern amongst parents and early childhood educators. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMnkbmT8qAM I’ve been inundated with parents of young children asking me to share my insights so I thought this blog post would answer some of … [Read more...]
My 2015 Tech-Solutions
Like most of us I love the new-year period. It’s an opportunity for a fresh start. It’s a time of restoration. It’s a time to set some new intentions. I’ve set my goals, picked a theme word for the year and set some core-desired feelings. These are the things that I know that alot of us … [Read more...]
Please Minimise Your Child’s News Exposure
The recent siege in Sydney is upsetting for adults, so we must be even more mindful of what our children are being exposed to directly or even indirectly through the media and also their peers. Here are my tips when there's distressing world events reported in the news: 1. Even though it's … [Read more...]
I’m Worried…Really Worried About Parents and Technology!
I’m worried. In fact I’m really worried. Before I begin this blog post, please know that this is one of the most difficult posts I’ve written. My heart is pounding out of my chest. My fingers are working double time as they try to keep up with the ideas in my head (and heart). I feel … [Read more...]
Three ‘Tantrum-Proof’ Ways to Get Kids to Switch off the TV
Confession… my three year-old son watches TV. I know. Shock horror. Many people (incorrectly) assume that as a children’s media researcher I would ban TV viewing. Pfft! If I did that we would never eat a meal, I would struggle to feed my newborn baby and my home office would be destroyed every time … [Read more...]
Three Tips for Preventing Technology-Related RSI in Children
There is no denying that today’s children are spending increasing amounts of time with digital devices. But is this digital exposure coming at a high cost to their physical development? Are children REALLY suffering from RSI? A generation of children is increasingly suffering from physical … [Read more...]