Australia’s Social Media Ban for Kids Under 16: A Step Forward or a Step Too Far?
Australia’s decision to ban children under 16 from accessing social media has ignited a global debate about the balance between protection and personal freedom. This law, one of the strictest of its kind, aims to address growing concerns about the harmful effects of social media on young people. But is it the right move? Will […]
Screen Time, Mental Health, and the Importance of Family Connections This Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, togetherness, and reflection. Yet, in today’s digital world, the constant presence of screens can quietly pull us away from these meaningful moments. This is particularly concerning when we consider the growing impact of screen time on children and teenagers. Recent data reveals that 50.4% of teens aged 12–17 spend […]
TikTok’s Troubling Link to Mental Health: What Parents Need to Know
In recent months, concerns about TikTok and its impact on young users have reached a global level. One of the latest examples is a lawsuit in France, where families have sued the platform, blaming it for their children’s suicides. This case is a painful reminder of the far-reaching influence social media can have on young […]
A Big Step Toward Safer Social Media Use in Schools
We all know how deeply social media is woven into our daily lives, especially for students. It’s a place where friendships are maintained, ideas are exchanged, and, yes, learning can even happen. But it’s also a space where students are exposed to cyberbullying, harmful content, and endless distractions. With 53% of teens spending over five […]
How Social Media Platforms Are Being Held Accountable for Teen Well-Being
In the past few months, some major legal battles have been brewing against social media giants like TikTok and Meta. You’ve probably seen the headlines, states across the U.S. are suing these companies for the way their platforms seem to be hurting young people’s mental health. The scary part? These lawsuits are coming at the […]
Social Media Safety Trends and Solutions
As Cybersecurity Awareness Month unfolds, there’s a focus on social media safety—a critical issue given the growing number of users and the evolving nature of online threats. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook remain popular, particularly among younger audiences, making it essential to address the associated risks. This article delves into the latest trends, highlights […]
Bullying: A Global Issue with Long-Lasting Effects
As we observe National Bullying Prevention Month, it’s essential to recognize that bullying is a widespread issue affecting children worldwide. Whether it’s physical, verbal, or social bullying, the negative consequences extend far beyond the schoolyard. Children who experience bullying often face challenges that can shape their development and future opportunities. Bullying in the U.S.: Key […]
Digital Self-Presentation and Adolescent Mental Health: New Insights from 2024 Research
A recent 2024 study published in BMC Public Health sheds light on how digital self-presentation on social media significantly impacts the mental health of adolescents. In a world where social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat dominate, teenagers are increasingly engaged in strategic self-presentation—carefully crafting their online personas to appear more attractive, successful, or […]
Cyberbullying: What to Do If It Happens to You
Cyberbullying can be a really tough experience, but you’re not alone. Many people go through it, and there are things you can do to cope and feel normal again. It’s normal to feel upset, scared, isolated, helpless, and embarrassed when you’re being cyberbullied. These are all normal emotions to experience. However, it’s important to remember […]
Industry Response to the Growing Online Safety Concern: Are Current Measures Enough?
The internet industry in the U.S., through companies like Google, Microsoft, and Apple, has taken important steps toward online safety by introducing digital well-being tools and parental control features. These tools, such as Google’s Family Link and Microsoft’s Family Safety apps, aim to help parents manage their children’s online experiences. They allow parents to monitor […]