Children, Technology and Healthy Development

A day without devices can work wonders for connection. Make it a Christmas tradition to have at least one tech-free day. Play cards, board games, crafting, baking, anything where you're all involved! And, sometimes - where it doesn't involve screen time ;) Could you do a tech-free day? Share your plans below! #DigitalDetox #UnplugAndPlay #FamilyFirst #Christmasfun #christmasgames

Kindness online starts with conversations! Teach kids to recognise and report cyberbullying. Holiday breaks often mean more time online. Talk to your kids about cyberbullying—how to spot it and when to report it. What’s your top tip for encouraging kindness online? #CyberKindness #OnlineSafety #ParentingTips

Day 5: 🎄📸Posting photos of friends and family this Christmas? Teach children about sharing responsibly and the importance of asking for consent before posting images of others. Make it a habit to ask first—teach kids the importance of respecting privacy. "Consent is fundamental to healthy online interactions." (quote from my book Children and Sexual-Based Online Harms) a great stocking filler if you're looking for a last minute gift..available on Amazon! What’s your rule for sharing photos online? #OnlineConsent #DigitalEtiquette #ParentingInTech #DigitalParenting #CyberEthics

🚨 Quick Reminder! I Still Need Your Votes! 🚨 I’m so excited about the chance to talk about Technology for Trauma at SXSW London, but I can’t do it without your help. This talk is all about how technology, gaming, and functional health innovations can support children in healing from cyber trauma – and I’d love your support to make it happen! Here’s how you can vote: 1️⃣ Click the link: Vote Here 🗳️ 2️⃣ Register (it’s quick, promise!) 3️⃣ Search for my talk: Technology for Trauma under Health & Tech Wellness 4️⃣ Tap the 💙 to cast your vote! 🗓️ Voting closes on 19th December, so please don’t wait! Your vote means so much to me – let’s spread awareness about how technology can truly transform trauma healing. Thank you! 🫶 #SXSWLondon #TechnologyForTrauma #CyberTrauma #VoteNow #HealthAndWellness

Day 3 of levelling up this Christmas. Set some time boundaries for healthy Christmas holiday gaming! Gaming during the holidays is fun, but it’s easy for the children to lose track.⌚ Set timers or get them to take breaks. #healthygaming #gamers #parenting #levelupclub #technology #gamingboundaries

Cybertrauma often requires us to look beyond traditional approaches, recognising the distinct and evolving nature of online experiences. As professionals, our role is not only to understand these complexities but to create safe spaces where children can process their digital experiences and begin healing. How are you adapting your practice to support young people navigating online harms? Let’s share ideas and insights 👇 #Cybertrauma #DigitalTherapy #TraumaInformedCare #ChildrenAndTech

Day 2 of my 12 days of levelling up this Christmas🎄 Trauma professionals - remember self-care strategies to enhance well-being. "Increased screen time at work and home can lead to mental fatigue. Take micro-breaks to maintain focus and well-being." (from my Online Harms and Cybertrauma book). Do you have a 'go-to' recharge activity? #cybertrauma #traumatherapy #screentime #selfcare

Welcome to my 12 days of [Levelling up at] Christmas!🎄 12 tips and insights to enjoy this festive season with balance, well-being, and tech learning. Day 1: Unplug occasionally🔌 Switch off and take a break from online. Christmas holidays are a perfect time to bond offline. Encourage activities like board games, pop out for a hot drink, do some baking, or go on a family walk. Do you have any family Christmas traditions to switch off? #FamilyTime #familyactivities #HealthyHolidays #unplug #devices #parenting

Lessons from being a child therapist... Kids' behaviour and communication is often a sign of a deeper message. From my experience of working with children in therapy I get the chance to hear what they really want to say, but don't know how to. Obviously this is biased towards the children who end up in my therapy office but I think there's something here for every parent to learn from, especially the final point I make in this video! #parenting #parents #childtherapist #childpsychology

Parents are now competing with AI bots. Yes it's real and it's going to be more common, so what can you do about it? Banning the technology is not going to work, and doesn't address the root cause. Ask yourself, why would a child use an AI bot for life advice, or as a 'therapist', instead of someone in real life? Because they don't feel they have someone in real life they can talk to in a comfortable way? Because the AI gives better advice? Parents in the modern world need to level up their connection and approach to their children, because if you don't, the AI bots will. Check out my previous video on why this is going to be SO important in the coming years. #parenting #ai #characterai #onlinesafety #mentalhealth