Episode 10: Parenting in the Digital Age: Navigating Kids, Smartphones, and Social Media

Perspectives with Matt & Melanie

Ever find yourself at odds over your child's relentless quest for a social media presence? Trust us, we've been there. As my daughter turned 14 and eagerly anticipated her high school years, her demand for a Snapchat account became a hot topic in our home. Join Matt and I as we traverse the digital landscape, sharing personal anecdotes and exploring the complex relationship between children, smartphones, and social media. We differentiate between the device itself and the apps it houses and discuss setting boundaries around their usage. That's not all. We're also sharing strategies about creating guidelines and expectations for your child's digital presence. We've found contracts can be effective, and requesting passwords can provide a level of transparency beneficial for both parents and children. We also cover internet safety, exploring how to engage your child in a meaningful conversation about their digital sphere. We believe in being mindful of what matters to our kids, taking steps to understand their world, and meeting them there. Finally, we consider the darker side of the web, the potential dangers of online gaming and social media exploitation. We believe it's essential to equip our children with the necessary awareness and strategies. In a world increasingly driven by algorithms and targeted advertising, we discuss the merits of understanding these technologies before introducing them to our kids. Join us for this riveting conversation, as we navigate parenting in the digital age together.