Navigating the Digital Landscape: Expert Advice for Raising Kids in a Digital Age

The Motherhood Kit

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We live in an ever-expanding technological space. And as much as we may try to fight it (and protect children from it), smart devices are here to stay. So how do parents arm their kids with the right tools to safely and respectfully maneuver the growing online world?
On this episode, we’re joined by Danielle Bayard Jackson, a multi-faceted businesswoman who is also a friendship coach and educator. Yamel and Danielle discuss a few ways in which parents can help their children work through navigating desires of belonging on and off social media, and model healthy behaviors with technological devices.

Danielle Bayard Jackson is the Founder and Lead Publicist of TELL Public Relations, a friendship coach, educator, host of the Friend Forward podcast, and author of Fighting for our Friendships (out in 2024). When she's not helping women build social and professional connections on Instagram and TikTok, she's chasing her two young kids around the house.

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More and more we're seeing how well kids can operate electronic devices. It can be a great tool for learning new skills, entertainment, and to check-in safely with adults. Living in the digital age affords us all a level of growing independence that cannot be denied. Healthy relationships with technology can be learned, and it starts with the parents.

Tips For Parents:

1. Be aware of hidden social media accounts like Finstas and hidden apps. In this case, it is okay to check your kids devices and filter as needed.
2. Aim for balance between the screen and reality. Warning signs of negative impacts from technology include complaining about constant boredom, tantrums, resistance to limits, sleep interference, and participation in school or face-to-face communication.
3. Be a role model for your children by exemplifying healthy habits with devices and screen time.

Better Choices Online

We're all trying to keep our kids safe. But how should parents handle the scenarios where their kid wants to post personal things or befriend others on social media? How much autonomy is enough? Danielle Bayard Jackson suggests removing any sense of shame surrounding our kids want for involvement in social circles on these apps. We know what it's like to want to fit in and while the potential for harm is greater than it was, the pull for connection is still the underlying factor.

Negative Influences

How do we set the tone for our kids to come to us for help when they're being negatively influenced on social media, and to make better choices independently? Telegraph your dilemma – Lay out the opposing ideas that are in front of you to your child. As a parent, this may entail sharing that while you want them to have friends, you also do not