Digital Wellness, Screen Time & Digital Media Literacy
Welcome to my blog, where I'll some tips, information and ideas that will help parents and educators on all things digital education, digital wellness (what does digital wellness mean?), media literacy and digital citizenship!
Our kids are growing up with screens in their hands and learning from sources we didn’t have to navigate when we were their age. That’s why it’s so important for us to equip them—and ourselves—with the tools to thrive in this digital landscape.
Understanding digital media literacy isn’t about mastering every device or app. It's about knowing enough to guide our kids through a world filled with content, interactions, and risks.
We're all concerned with our kids online world, and all we want is for them to be healthy, well-quipped and safe. Then I ask, are we doing enough?
*Easier Version
Parents, carers and teachers are worried about digital distractions, media overload, and the effect of social media on kids’ focus, mental health and safety.
*Detailed Version!
It’s much more than just setting limits or rules —it’s about creating a shared understanding and setting clear expectations for everyone in the family.
It’s a change in perspective that invites us to think beyond just setting timers and really dive into what our kids are doing online.
Now, with more schools banning smartphones, the conversation is shifting toward smartwatches as an alternative.
Looking for ways to block social media and websites so that your tween or teen can focus during study time?
Sometimes you just need a bit more help. I'm often asked how to check for incognito content. Here you go!
14 Ways to Get Your Kids Offline
It can be challenging to encourage our tweens and teens to unplug and engage in other activities.
How to Foster Healthy Digital Habits in Tweens and Teens (Without the Drama)
Navigating the digital world with your tweens and teens can feel like a constant battle.
Nurturing Healthy Digital Habits in Tweens and Teens
"Get off your phone!" Sound familiar? Looking for ways to stop the arguing around screen time and build healthy digital habits?
Active vs. Passive Consumption: Digital Wellness
There's a big difference between active and passive screen time. Learn some examples of passive and active media consumption.
How to Monitor Your Kid's Online Activity Without Invading Their Privacy
When it comes to tweens and teens, things can get sticky and heated when talking about phone monitoring or parental control apps.
The Benefits of Digital Wellness for Tweens and Teens' Online Mental Health
How can we help our tweens and teens' mental health during their online journey, and understand what digital wellness refers to.
4 Healthy Digital Habits for Tweens and Teens
Developing healthy screen time habits that will serve them well in the present and the future.
Digital Realities and Mental Health with Tweens and Teens Online
The digital space has left parents and guardians staring into the Pandora’s box of our kids' screen-centric lives.
A Journey of Trust and Connection
I'm often asked why my kids share their online life with me, so I asked them.
Tools for You and Your Teen's Online Life
Understanding the concerns parents face, I've developed screen time resources and advice for parental monitoring just for you.
Smartphones in Schools: Weighing the Pros and Cons
Smartphones are not just devices for communication; they're powerful tools that can open up a world of information and possibilities.
It's Digital Citizenship Week! Grab my slideshows to help you teach important topics such as digital wellness, digital citizenship and media literacy!
World Mental Health Day: Nurturing Digital Wellness for Our Youth
As we observe World Mental Health Day, it's a poignant reminder of the critical role digital wellness plays in the mental and emotional health of our young ones
How to Handle Holiday Tech Stress
In the spirit of creating a tech-positive experience that connects us rather than divides, here are some mindful strategies to keep your digital holiday merry and bright, both at work and at home.
The Power of Consistent Messaging Around Screen Time Use
Its important to understand whether you're using conditional or consistent messaging when it comes to device boundaries in your home.
The Power of Digital Dungeons: Unleashing Hidden Talents in Our Teens
Insights into the positive aspects of online interactions, particularly in the context of tabletop role-playing games.
Balancing Content Creation and Mental Health: The Digital Wellness Dilemma
We often find ourselves caught between sharing insights and safeguarding our own mental health.
How Technology Empowers Neurodivergent Tweens and Teens
Technology plays a pivotal role in the lives of tweens and teens, including those who are neurodivergent.
Navigating the Digital Landscape with Your Teens: Mentorship vs. Surveillance
I'm a proponent to mentoring over monitoring. Here's why.
Nurturing Digital Well-being: Empowering Our Children in the Digital Age
There are some key elements that go into helping our children thrive in an online world.
The Pros and Cons of Giving Your Child a Smartphone
Handing over a phone comes with a lot of responsibility. Let's talk media literacy, digital wellness and screen time.
Understanding How Apps Keep Our Kids Hooked
It's important for our tweens and teens to understand how and why apps keep them coming back for more.
Navigating Technology for Their Bright Future
Are we setting up our children for their future? Are they ready for college and being on their own?
Becoming Less Engaged with Your Phone: Tweens, Teens & Adults
Are you trying to find ways of spending less time on your phone? Try some digital wellness practices.
The Digital Wellness Conundrum: Unraveling the Threads App
What is Threads? Do we need to be on it? For what purpose? And what about safety controls?
What is Digital Wellness?: Nurturing a Healthy Relationship with Technology
In today's digital age, where technology plays an integral role in our lives, it's crucial for parents to understand why digital wellness is important.
Nurturing Screen-Smart Kids through Parental Engagement
Explore the importance of nurturing screen-smart kids through a holistic approach.
Homework Apps for Tweens and Teens: Enhancing Digital Wellness While Boosting Productivity
Need apps to help you with your child's homework focus and productivity? Here are some ideas for digital wellness for students.
The Digital Detox Guide: Promoting Digital Wellness for Teens
Explore the concept of a "digital detox" for teens.
Mindful Considerations: Nurturing Healthy Tech Habits for Your Child
We need to consider the whole child as we look into what age is the right age for a cell phone and social media.
Scope and Sequence for Media Literacy
Here's a K-8 scope and sequence for any educators or homeschoolers out there.
Tweens and Teens Constantly Checking Their Phones?
Why are they constantly checking and how can we help foster digital wellness?
Amazing Podcasts for Tweens and Teens
Tech can be an awesome source of inspiration and learning!
You Can Still Change Your Tech Rules
Think it's too late to start implementing screen time boundaries? Think again!
Digital Wellness for Parents: Prioritizing Your Own Habits in the Digital Age
Parents of tweens and teens need to believe in digital wellness and model too!
There's a lot of talk about ChatGPT. I try to make some basic sense about it for parents and educators.
7 Mindfulness Apps Perfect for Teens to Support Digital Wellness
Using tech for good...balancing our mental health with our tech use.
Remembering Matthew Perry: Friends, Laughter, and Life Lessons
It's a loss that's deeply felt, not only for his incredible talent but also for the immense impact he had on my life, and countless others, through the screen.
We Want Your Child to Make Mistakes
The secret is out! We really do want your child to make mistakes in class. But why?
Beyond Accommodation: Building a Classroom Community that Honors Neurodiversity
Taking a look at how classrooms can build strong and supportive communities for any type of learner.
Emotional Literacy: From School to Home
Learn about what emotional literacy is and how Skodel is helping your kiddos and teachers in school.
Digital Wellness, Media Mentor Month and Global Day of Unplugging
Looking to understand digital wellness and its importance in schools? Read my thoughts on why digital wellness is needed in addition to digital citizenship, and how parents can get involved.
Third Culture Kids...Do you know one? Have one? Teach one? If you don't know who they are, I'll do my best to explain.
The Learning Pit theory suggests that learning is like a journey, and students often encounter challenges that can make them feel stuck or frustrated.
Transition from Elementary School to Middle School
As a parent to three teens and an educator, I've watched the transition happen from different perspectives. What I've learned is that it's all about preparing them with a holistic approach.
