A friend recently told me that her son, whose middle school plans to show Screenagers schoolwide before the semester ends, is already feeling defensive about what he anticipates will be “another parent attack” on one more dreaded teen behavior that we parents have to “do something about.”
“There are a lot of good things that happen on screens,” he insists pre-emptively. “It’s not just all wasting time.” His latest favorite evidence is a popular YouTube video considering the question, “Can video games make you smarter?”
It’s true that social networks and innovative apps have brought a lot of good into our lives. There are plenty of examples of online connectedness playing a big role in enabling people to advocate for positive ideas and take action quickly. In a large-scale crisis like a natural disaster or major accident, word can spread instantly on social media with photos, connecting people to help, services and volunteers.
We also connect more conveniently to people far away, re-connect to people from other eras of our lives, and establish valuable links with new people based on shared interests or knowledge. Political and grassroots activists mobilize support and get organized more quickly and cost-efficiently than ever before thanks to the existence of social media platforms.
I’d like to devote this week’s family conversation to the many “tech positives” in our lives. Our own teens will probably teach us a thing or two about it. Pro-girl blogger Michelle Cove challenged her readers to use social media for good — as in spreading inspiration and laughter — and shared three high-impact examples to get us thinking in that direction.
· What is an example of how a social media network really benefited you recently?
· Have you considered using social media to make something good happen for others or your community?
· Have you been inspired by movements or ideas you encountered online?
· Have you experienced innovative uses of technology in your classroom?
· What specific screen activity makes your life better?
May 30, 2016
As well as our weekly blog, we publish videos like this one every week on the Screenagers YouTube channel
A friend recently told me that her son, whose middle school plans to show Screenagers schoolwide before the semester ends, is already feeling defensive about what he anticipates will be “another parent attack” on one more dreaded teen behavior that we parents have to “do something about.”
“There are a lot of good things that happen on screens,” he insists pre-emptively. “It’s not just all wasting time.” His latest favorite evidence is a popular YouTube video considering the question, “Can video games make you smarter?”
It’s true that social networks and innovative apps have brought a lot of good into our lives. There are plenty of examples of online connectedness playing a big role in enabling people to advocate for positive ideas and take action quickly. In a large-scale crisis like a natural disaster or major accident, word can spread instantly on social media with photos, connecting people to help, services and volunteers.
We also connect more conveniently to people far away, re-connect to people from other eras of our lives, and establish valuable links with new people based on shared interests or knowledge. Political and grassroots activists mobilize support and get organized more quickly and cost-efficiently than ever before thanks to the existence of social media platforms.
I’d like to devote this week’s family conversation to the many “tech positives” in our lives. Our own teens will probably teach us a thing or two about it. Pro-girl blogger Michelle Cove challenged her readers to use social media for good — as in spreading inspiration and laughter — and shared three high-impact examples to get us thinking in that direction.
· What is an example of how a social media network really benefited you recently?
· Have you considered using social media to make something good happen for others or your community?
· Have you been inspired by movements or ideas you encountered online?
· Have you experienced innovative uses of technology in your classroom?
· What specific screen activity makes your life better?
May 30, 2016
As well as our weekly blog, we publish videos like this one every week on the Screenagers YouTube channel
Sometimes, I sit down to write this blog with a huge smile on my face — this is one of those times! 😊 When COVID hit, I worried about young people feeling isolated. I knew peer-to-peer programs could be powerful, but I realized there were almost none focused on navigating online challenges. So, over two and a half years, with the help of some brilliant peers, professionals, and teens we developed Boosting Bravery — a free mental wellness club that aims to provide students with knowledge and practical skills to thrive in their online and offline lives. Now, I’m thrilled to publicly launch this program that schools can access for free.
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‘Hookup Culture’—it’s a phrase that gets tossed around all the time, but what does it really mean? More importantly, how does it shape young people’s relationships, self-worth, and social expectations? The term makes it seem like all teens and young adults are participating, comfortable with it, and accepting of it as just the way things are. But wait—not so fast. Today, I’m sharing insights from teens I spoke to in my recent podcast on this topic, along with myth-busting information from Dr. Lisa Wade who offered advice for parents.
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This blog explores how children often perceive parental love as conditional, linked to their achievements. It offers insights on fostering unconditional love, with reflections and practical questions to help parents ensure their children feel valued for who they are, not just for what they accomplish.
READ MORE >for more like this, DR. DELANEY RUSTON'S NEW BOOK, PARENTING IN THE SCREEN AGE, IS THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE FOR TODAY’S PARENTS. WITH INSIGHTS ON SCREEN TIME FROM RESEARCHERS, INPUT FROM KIDS & TEENS, THIS BOOK IS PACKED WITH SOLUTIONS FOR HOW TO START AND SUSTAIN PRODUCTIVE FAMILY TALKS ABOUT TECHNOLOGY AND IT’S IMPACT ON OUR MENTAL WELLBEING.
