Smart Parenting, Smarter Kids

Social Media

Can We Embrace These 3 Insights About Teens and Tech?

Erin Walsh, M.A. and David Walsh, Ph.D. on February 27, 2024

We have an opportunity to build a safer internet with adolescent needs in mind. However, doing so will require that we hold three teen tech realities at the same time.

We have an opportunity to build a safer internet with adolescent needs in mind. However, doing so will require that we hold three teen tech realities at the same time.

Adolescence

Middle Schoolers on Social Media

Erin Walsh, M.A. and David Walsh, Ph.D. on June 10, 2023

Should parents delay social media use until after middle school? Learn what the data say and what middle schoolers need from us regardless of when they go on TikTok.

Should parents delay social media use until after middle school? Learn what the data say and what middle schoolers need from us regardless of when they go on TikTok.

Media

Body Image and Social Media

Erin Walsh, M.A. and David Walsh, Ph.D. on April 10, 2023

Are social media platforms exacerbating body image concerns among teens? Learn why some platforms don't set young people up for success.

Are social media platforms exacerbating body image concerns among teens? Learn why some platforms don't set young people up for success.

Relationships

When Phones Get in the Way of Connection

Erin Walsh, M.A. and David Walsh, Ph.D. on January 4, 2023

When it comes to technology and connection, it's easy to assume that Relationships + Phones = Decline in relationship quality. The reality is more complicated.

When it comes to technology and connection, it's easy to assume that Relationships + Phones = Decline in relationship quality. The reality is more complicated.

Media

Why Kids Need Adults to Talk to Them About Extremism Online

Erin Walsh, M.A. and David Walsh, Ph.D. on June 2, 2022

As far-right extremism grows online, kids need parents and caring adults to intervene.

As far-right extremism grows online, kids need parents and caring adults to intervene.

Media

Screen Time Went Up During the Pandemic

Erin Walsh, M.A. and David Walsh, Ph.D. on May 5, 2022

It's no surprise that screen media use has been up 17 percent for tweens and teens since the start of the pandemic. This is the time to get serious about digital wellbeing.

It's no surprise that screen media use has been up 17 percent for tweens and teens since the start of the pandemic. This is the time to get serious about digital wellbeing.

Attention

Why Digital Distractions Can Make It Harder for Kids to Focus

Erin Walsh, M.A. and David Walsh, Ph.D. on February 18, 2022

Simply saying "pay attention!" to your child when they are online doesn't work very well. Try teaching focus instead.

Simply saying "pay attention!" to your child when they are online doesn't work very well. Try teaching focus instead.

Media

5 Ways to Build Emotional Skills for Social Media

Erin Walsh, M.A. and David Walsh, Ph.D. on February 7, 2022

Want to prepare your child for social media? Don't delay building the emotional skills they will need for healthy interactions online.

Want to prepare your child for social media? Don't delay building the emotional skills they will need for healthy interactions online.

Friends

Why You Should Befriend Your Emotions

Erin Walsh, M.A. and David Walsh, Ph.D. on January 20, 2022

Do you feel like you are constantly waging battle with your feelings? Try befriending them instead.

Do you feel like you are constantly waging battle with your feelings? Try befriending them instead.

Parenting

Parenting After the Facebook Files

Erin Walsh, M.A. and David Walsh, Ph.D. on October 8, 2021

In the wake of the Facebook Files, is the final verdict about social media and mental health finally here? Not necessarily. Learn what teens need from us going forward.

In the wake of the Facebook Files, is the final verdict about social media and mental health finally here? Not necessarily. Learn what teens need from us going forward.

Play

What Kids Heading Back-to-School Need

Erin Walsh, M.A. and David Walsh, Ph.D. on September 16, 2021

Kids need more than just masks and bussing as they head back to school this year.

Kids need more than just masks and bussing as they head back to school this year.

Adolescence

Listen to Youth Voices in Uncertain Times

Erin Walsh, M.A. and David Walsh, Ph.D. on August 13, 2021

Is your teen overwhelmed by the Delta variant and the latest climate report? They aren't alone. And they deserve more than just reassurance that things will be okay.

Is your teen overwhelmed by the Delta variant and the latest climate report? They aren't alone. And they deserve more than just reassurance that things will be okay.

Health

The Relationship Between Screen Time and Teen Mental Health

Erin Walsh, M.A. and David Walsh, Ph.D. on June 4, 2021

4 key takeaways about screen time and mental health that we have learned after a pandemic that many teens spent largely online.

4 key takeaways about screen time and mental health that we have learned after a pandemic that many teens spent largely online.

Coronavirus Disease 2019

Informed or Overwhelmed? The Brain on COVID-19 News

Erin Walsh, M.A. and David Walsh, Ph.D. on March 20, 2020

Are you or your teen constantly checking for COVID-19 updates? Find ways to be informed without being overwhelmed.

Are you or your teen constantly checking for COVID-19 updates? Find ways to be informed without being overwhelmed.

Coronavirus Disease 2019

How to Talk to Kids and Teens About the Coronavirus

Erin Walsh, M.A. and David Walsh, Ph.D. on March 11, 2020

Looking for guidance on how to help children and teens navigate the pandemic? Get tips for toddlers through teenagers.

Looking for guidance on how to help children and teens navigate the pandemic? Get tips for toddlers through teenagers.

Adolescence

How to Talk With Teens

Erin Walsh, M.A. and David Walsh, Ph.D. on February 11, 2020

How do you talk to your teen when they are pulling away? Tips to keep communication going when it matters most.

How do you talk to your teen when they are pulling away? Tips to keep communication going when it matters most.

Motivation

Why Reducing Screen Time Isn’t Your Best Resolution

Erin Walsh, M.A. and David Walsh, Ph.D. on January 31, 2020

Trying to reduce screen time? Substitute a few key changes for your grand resolutions, and they just might stick.

Trying to reduce screen time? Substitute a few key changes for your grand resolutions, and they just might stick.

Media

6 Common Worries About Technology and Teens

Erin Walsh, M.A. and David Walsh, Ph.D. on January 23, 2020

Which of our worries about teens and tech are grounded in evidence and which should we let go of?

Which of our worries about teens and tech are grounded in evidence and which should we let go of?

Media

Persuasive Design and Growing Brains

Erin Walsh, M.A. and David Walsh, Ph.D. on October 24, 2019

Wonder why it is so hard to unplug? Learn why children and teens are even more susceptible to persuasive design and explore ways to help children use media mindfully.

Wonder why it is so hard to unplug? Learn why children and teens are even more susceptible to persuasive design and explore ways to help children use media mindfully.

Anxiety

Stress in Children

Erin Walsh, M.A. and David Walsh, Ph.D. on October 9, 2019

Is your child a worrier? Learn to distinguish typical worry from anxiety, as well as ways to help your child handle it.

Is your child a worrier? Learn to distinguish typical worry from anxiety, as well as ways to help your child handle it.