When raising kids, parents wear a lot of hats: We become therapist, teacher, paramedic, coach, chauffeur, and referee. In today’s wired culture most of us can also confidently add “spy” to that list (I prefer superhero, but my kids insist on spy). If you are like most engaged parents you may feel a wave of Read more…
You may have overheard your kids talking about “catfishing” or someone getting “catfished.” No, they aren’t talking about gills, hooks, or vacationing on the lake. Rather, catfishing is a new digital sport that’s taking place online. The Urban Dictionary defines a “catfish” as “someone who pretends to be someone they’re not using Facebook or other Read more…
“Whaaaaaat?! No way! How did that happen?” My 12 year-old screeched from the couch, sat straight up, and locked shocked eyes on her phone. “What’s wrong?” I asked readying myself for some degree of bad news that was sure would follow. Was it a terrible accident? A fall out with a friend? A bad grade Read more…
Following the Boston Marathon tragedy this month, organizations such as Google leveraged technology to instantly connect people and assist in the logistics of the tragedy. No doubt, the Internet—which includes online news sites and social media platforms—is an increasingly popular and powerful channel to gather emergency information, coordinate resources, and give loved ones critical Read more…
With more teens flocking to social networks outside of Facebook, it’s more important than ever for parents to understand—and coach their kids—through the rapid-moving, drama-filled environment of Twitter. Twitter has become a hot spot for teens, many of whom view Tweets the same way they view texts. They tweet quickly and often. And, sometimes things Read more…
We write a lot about new apps on this blog because apps are hot in the very mobile teen world. Kids use apps to stay connected to the outside world and that’s where you as a parent need to be looking when it comes to threats to their personal safety. This week we’re looking Read more…
Many parents shudder at the thought. Some even experience a shortness or breath and heart palpitations when they imagine what might really happen if they took their teenager’s phone away as a consequence for poor choices. When you consider a teen’s sheer dependency on their phone for a social and emotional connection to their peers, Read more…
A new study from Pew Research Center shows that teens are sharing more and more personal information on social media sites than they have in the past. The study is a red flag when it comes to the issue of privacy and a nudge to parents to consistently guide their kids in this issue. For Read more…
It seems that every week a new online predator case hits the headlines and when interviewed the family of the victim often says, “I never in a million years thought this could happen in my home, to my child.” So how exactly does this happen? While it appears absurd to an onlooker, no one is exempt from Read more…
Okay, teens, it may be time to take the wheel—away from your parents. That’s according to a recent survey by conducted by AT&T and published in USA Today. The survey found that 49% of adult drivers admit to texting behind the wheel compared to 43% of teens in the survey that admitted the same. Why are Read more…