Every time I've looked at the media this week, the topic of social media and it's impact on kids has been at the forefront. I've read some horrific stories and as difficult as they are to hear, it is so important to share so that we can work towards a better solution. I've also read some passionate arguments around the benefits of social media connection for kids. There needs to be a balance between safety online and allowing kids creative expression, connection and curiosity... and also a realistic lens on how to enforce restrictions so that they can be effective. As we all know, taking something away in it's entirely often makes it more desirable. I'm really hopeful to be at the table, engaging in conversations that create solutions to help most kids... sadly it's unrealistic to think we will solve this problem for all. As adults, parents and carers - and role models - we need to work to understand Gen Alpha & Gen Z and look at them with a positive lens to nurture them. Remember, we were tweens and teens once too - growing up in much simpler times (and I hate to admit it, I don't think we were perfect either!) #connect #protect #respect #nurture #thrive #zown #positivity #parenting #genalpha #genz #tweens #teens
Lauren Sutton / Adlam’s Post
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As parents, guiding our children through the maze of social media can be as daunting as it is crucial. In this digital age, where screens dominate our lives, it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed. But don’t worry because together we can make sure we provide them with all the support and care they need! First and foremost, let’s embrace open communication. Start by having heart-to-heart conversations with your children about their online experiences. Listen attentively, without judgment, to their thoughts, concerns, and interests. By creating a safe space for them to express themselves, we establish trust and foster a sense of security that they can turn to us for guidance whenever needed. Discuss and agree upon reasonable limits for screen time and the types of content they can access. Remember, it’s not about restricting their freedom, but rather about teaching them healthy habits and responsible digital usage. Be mindful of the content you share and the interactions you engage in online, as they serve as powerful lessons for our impressionable young ones. Keep updated on the latest trends and apps that may impact your child’s digital experience. Eventually, it always helps to foster a sense of balance in their lives. Encourage them to explore offline activities, spend quality time with family and friends, and prioritize their mental and physical well-being. Remind them that while social media can be a wonderful tool for connection and self-expression, it’s just one aspect of their lives, and real-life experiences hold immeasurable value beyond the screen. Guiding our children’s social media usage with love is a journey filled with challenges and rewards. Let us together empower our children to navigate the digital world with confidence, resilience, and compassion.🌸 . . #hetalthaker #hetalthakercoach #teenagemind #mindset #positiveparenting #unique #parenting #parentchildrelationship
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Supporting our kids through the range of emotions they experience online is crucial. Rather than rushing to solve problems, we can guide them in understanding and managing their feelings. 🤔 A teen shares, 'YouTube feeds me sad stuff because it knows I’m sad.' Social media algorithms tend to show users more of what they seem to prefer, creating a feedback loop that can reinforce negative emotions, particularly in vulnerable teens. Let's stay aware and discuss proactive strategies to help our children navigate their digital worlds and emotions in healthier ways and mitigate potential risks. #ParentingInADigitalAge #SocialMediaAwareness #DigitalParenting #ParentalGuidance #TechWiseFamilies #SafeSocialMedia #MentalHealthAwareness #HealthyDigitalHabits #ParentingTips #SocialMediaImpact #TeensOnTech #MindfulParenting #ParentSupport #NavigatingSocialMedia #TechSavvyParents #YouTubeAlgorithm #YouTube
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My Thoughts For Today Why keep pretending? Listening to this nice piece of prose make me wonder why we, humans, are the only species that enjoys pretending to be something we are not. If you're in any doubt got to any of the viral social media apps (#tiktok #instagram, etc) and take a look for yourself. Why is it so important for people to always look good? Why is it so vital to get that perfect vacation photo to post online? Humans have a unique propensity for pretense, adopting facades that diverge from who they truly are. This behavior appears to stem from our motivation and desire to fit into social norms, gain acceptance, or achieve personal goals. This pretense can also lead to a loss of authenticity and result in emotional strain to individuals. Ultimately, the tension between one's real self and the 'adopted persona' highlights the complex interplay between individual identity and societal pressures. It makes me wonder, "where are we headed as a society of 'pretenders'?" #ccpn #technology #socialmedia #creativity
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Parenting: What you put into it is what you will get out of it. https://lnkd.in/em_C6Qps
Facebook
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🚀 Exciting News from the World of YouTube! 🎥 I was thrilled to hear that YouTube has stepped up its game in prioritizing the well-being of our youth! 📢 This week, they announced significant changes to their community guidelines aimed at protecting teenagers from content that can negatively impact their body image and self-esteem. As a society, we've often talked about the pressures young people face from social media, and it's refreshing to see a major platform like YouTube taking proactive steps. By limiting the promotion of videos centered on body image and fitness comparisons, they're addressing a critical issue that affects so many teens today. 🙌💪 These enhancements were informed by an advisory committee that highlighted the risks of exposing impressionable minds to harmful content. It’s a major leap toward fostering a healthier online environment for all users. Specifically, the updated guidelines will: ✅ Reduce visibility of videos that promote unrealistic body standards. ✅ Limit content that encourages comparisons between physical traits. ✅ Tackle bullying and social aggression in the context of fitness and appearance. I commend YouTube for launching these measures. It’s not just about watching videos; it’s about safeguarding our youth's mental health. 🌍❤️ Moreover, they're also launching crisis resource panels in select countries to support those facing more severe issues related to self-harm. Just imagine how many lives this can impact positively! Let’s join the conversation! How do you feel about these changes, and what more can be done to keep our digital spaces safe? 🌟 #YouTube #MentalHealthMatters #SocialMedia #CommunityGuidelines #YouthEmpowerment #BodyPositivity
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Every day I and over 100 people in my private Facebook group are encouraged to do the 3 G's. Read more 👉 https://lttr.ai/AYcb8 #spiritualgrowth #gratitude #gratitudejournal #mentalhealth #perspectiveshifting #SpecialistSPerspectives #PerspectiveShifters #FindingLifeBalance #PerspectiveShiftersGroup #PrivateFacebookGroup #IncrediblyPowerfulPractice
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Obviously I am NOT Gen Z, but this is #interesting.... A Gen Z Perspective on Growing Up with Social Media It's no secret that the adults in our lives often warn us about the dangers and addictive nature of social media. However, they didn't grow up immersed in the digital world like we did. They didn't have phones handed to them as toddlers, weren't on Musical.ly before learning to read, and didn't rely on screens to connect with friends during a pandemic. As Gen Z, we're navigating a whole new world. With the wisdom gained from our experiences, we're sharing advice with our younger peers on what we wish we knew when we first got online. #GenZ #SocialMedia #DigitalNatives #AdviceForYoungerGenerations #OnlineSafety
In their own words: What young people wish they'd known about social media
apnews.com
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“The cost of not being able to set boundaries with kids has never been higher. Decades ago, if parents struggled to hold boundaries and tolerate pushback, a child may have had an extra cupcake or stayed out too late. Today the cost of not being able to set boundaries looks more like freely scrolling TikTok at age 8 or playing endless hours of video games at the expense of participating in the real world. I agree that we are facing a crisis—but I don’t see only a crisis of phones and social media. I also see a crisis of what I call “Sturdy Leadership” at a time when our kids need it more than ever.” Becky Kennedy As I reflect on Digital for Life Festival last week and the parents who came up to our booth asking for tips on how to manage their kids social media usage (something I also struggle with), this article points to such a simple insight about the importance of boundaries. Parenting doesn’t come with a handbook and many of us rely on intuition. But when it comes to growing up with devices we don’t have much to go on as we didn’t grow up with them ourselves, so it’s fair enough we might get lost along the way. This article is a timely reminder. https://lnkd.in/gvsPeVKf
What's Missing From Our Conversations About Kids and Phones
time.com
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Please listen to the video below. 3 Tips to Connection with Gen Z
16+yrs IT Professional | WIMBOARD Fellow, Digital Parenting Coach | Certified Wholeness Coach | Certified Management Consultant | Author & Speaker | SCRUM Master | Impacting Lives & Shaping the Next Generation
3 tips to connect with your Gen-Z Are you a parent of a Gen Z? Want to get closer to them? We’ve got you covered! Here are 3 simple tips to help you navigate the world of your Gen Z and connect with them. Join Their Social Media World: “A like, a comment, a little connection—just showing up online makes a big difference.” Not sure how to start? Ask yours Gen Z to show you. Make it a fun learning moment Engage and Be Relatable: “Sometimes the best way to connect is by sharing a bit of your own story.” Get Involved by Asking Questions: “Show them that their dreams, passions, and challenges matter to you.” Parenting Gen Z is about being a guide, not just a rule-maker. Start building that bridge today! #ParentingGenZ #StayConnected #StayConnected #BridgeTheGap #GenZParenting #ModernParenting #DigitalParenting #RaisingGenZ #ParentingTips #BuildingConnections #RelatableParent #FamilyGoals #ParentingAdvice
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🎬 Rewatching 'Hook' reminded me of the '90s 'bad dad' movies and their surprising relevance today. You remember them, right? "Hook," "Jingle All the Way," "Liar Liar" - all these movies about workaholic dads learning to put down their brick-sized cell phones and remember what matters. Back then, it felt like a dad problem. Now? It's all of us. 👀 Last weekend, I had one of those movie-worthy moments of my own. Looking out my window, I saw 11 kids playing in our front yard. No scheduled playdate. No organized activities. Just kids being kids, making up games, solving their own conflicts, and even (grasps pearls) getting dirty. And then some of us parents went outside too. We took out our drinks and chatted while they played. At that moment, I realized this scene has become rare enough to feel remarkable. 💭 We're raising kids in an anxious world, where many of us are trying to balance demanding careers with family life. Our phones buzz with work notifications while we're building LEGOs. We feel the pressure to be the best parent ever, while being the best employee ever, and taking care of our teams, keeping on top of email, being available 24/7. Sometimes the bravest thing we can do as parents and leaders is... nothing. To let the kids or the team figure it out. To resist the urge to check email. To trust that the world won't fall apart if we're not monitoring everything. ✨ Yesterday, I put my phone in another room and spent an hour watching my kid build an elaborate blanket fort. No photos for social media. No multitasking. Just presence. And you know what? The earth kept on turning. Maybe the real lesson from those '90s movies wasn't about bad parenting at all. Maybe it was about giving ourselves permission to be imperfect, to let go sometimes, and to remember that life is meant to be a little messy. 👉 What's your favorite ‘90s movie? I really want to know! #ModernParenting #WorkLifeBalance #LetKidsBeKids #InsurTech #GritCoach
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