Navigating Tech: Teens, Tweens & Online Safety
Episode Overview
Understand the adolescent brain's vulnerability to online risks. Set clear boundaries and oversight for kids' phone use. Recognise signs of cyberbullying and offer support. Promote empathy and open communication with children. Be aware of algorithms that can lead kids down harmful paths.
It's not like someone's at Facebook saying, oh, let's promote eating disorders; it's the algorithms that lead you down that path.
In this episode of Mental Health Matters, Liz Lange and Dr. Mark Burton tackle the tricky topic of technology and its impact on teens and tweens. With the internet offering both connection and chaos, the duo explores how parents can help their kids navigate this digital landscape without getting lost in the labyrinth of online dangers. Dr.
Burton sheds light on the adolescent brain's vulnerability, explaining how the need for approval and underdeveloped decision-making skills can lead to risky online behaviour. From cyberbullying to online predators, the conversation covers the gamut of challenges young people face in the virtual world. But fear not, parents! Liz and Dr. Burton discuss practical strategies for setting boundaries and maintaining oversight when it comes to smartphones and social media.
They suggest that parents should consider themselves as custodians of their children's phones, with the authority to monitor apps and online interactions. The episode also delves into the importance of empathy and open communication, offering tips on how to recognise signs of cyberbullying and support children through their struggles. While the internet can be a minefield, Liz and Dr. Burton emphasise that it's not all doom and gloom. There are positive aspects too, such as finding supportive online communities.
However, they caution against the algorithms that can lead children down dangerous paths if left unchecked. With anecdotes about their own experiences and reflections on modern parenting challenges, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to protect their kids from the darker side of technology. So, whether you're a parent, guardian, or just someone interested in mental health, this episode provides valuable insights into keeping our young ones safe in an increasingly digital world.
Are you ready to take control of your child's online experience?