Raising Your Child in a Digital World:

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

Parents

Why it’s hard for kids & teens to focus online

May 19, 2020
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The global health pandemic forced many students into remote, online learning. Whilst many students initially rejoiced at the idea of learning at home on their devices (sometimes in their PJs), they soon discovered that online learning was both exhausting and very different to learning at school, in-person. One of the chief things students have struggled […]

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Why your kids are exhausted after online learning 

May 1, 2020
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I’ve had the privilege of helping a number of schools adjust to online learning in recent weeks*. I’m in awe of the rapid transformation many schools have undergone as they attempt to shift their teaching approaches. It is a remarkable feat! You see teaching online is not simply a matter of ‘digitalising’ your existing teaching […]

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Lower the bar- why it’s okay to ditch your screen-time rules right now

Mar 31, 2020
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Parents, please lower the bar and release the pressure valve when it comes to adhering to strict screen-time limits during the Coronavirus lockdown period. Trying to stick to your pre-Corona screen-time rules, while we’re all bunkered down at home, will only add to already-elevated stress levels. For most of us, we’re experiencing uncharted waters. Stress […]

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How to work remotely and keep your sanity in tact as a parent

Mar 23, 2020
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The Coronavirus outbreak has thrust many of us into remote working situations, alongside our children and teens who may also be at home (and if it’s not a reality yet, it is imminent). As someone who’s worked at home for the past ten years, whilst raising three kids , I’ve learned a thing or two […]

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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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Why your kids don’t need a #screenfree summer

Dec 5, 2019
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I have very fond memories of my childhood summer holidays. My first thirteen summers were spent camping for six weeks at Coffs Harbour (I’m in awe of my parents who did this on an unpowered site with three kids). We spent most of these holidays going to the beach, surfing, reading (Babysitters Club and Judy […]

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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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When is the ‘right’ age to give kids a smartphone?

Sep 27, 2019
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A common question that many parents grapple with- when is the ‘right’ age to give kids a mobile phone? Put simply, there’s no universal, or prescriptive chronological age that’s deemed ‘right’ or ‘safe’ to give kids a mobile phone. Kids all mature at different rates making it difficult to specify an exact age at which […]

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Managing Technology on Playdates & Sleepovers

Aug 29, 2019
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Screen rules on playdates and sleepovers can be a sticky situation. Just like each family has different rules for snacks, sleep and swearing, approaches to managing digital devices also vary significantly. Families really differ on their tech rules (if you want to see what sort of digital parent you are, you can take my digital […]

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Sharenting Without Shame- Vital Information About Sharing Images of your Kids Online

Aug 29, 2019
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To sharent or not. This is the question perplexing many parents. Documenting our kids’ lives online has become a social norm for many parents. But is it okay to post photos or videos of your children on social media, or blog posts?  If you do post online, what are the risks and how can you […]

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