How to Raise Critical Thinkers in an Age of Disinformation and Misinformation

We are in an era where information spreads at lightning speed with no context or verification to help people assess whether it is true. Children are especially susceptible to believing what they see and hear, particularly if the message is encased in a brief, shocking or entertaining snippet - they can feel smart and informed without doing any of the work. So, if your child has access to YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Discord, X or any other social sharing platform it’s time for some parental guidance.

Media Literacy, Parent TipsJulia StormJanuary 29, 2025misinformation, disinformation, media literacy

Peace, Love & Screen-time : Screen Tips for Winter Vacation

The holidays are a great time for bonding with family and catching up with friends. But all that free time can also lead to three weeks of constant battles over screen time. Let’s look at a few ways to curb the tantrums and bring peace to your home this holiday season.

Parent TipsJulia StormDecember 17, 2024ReConnectvacation, holidays, screentime, screen-free, familyComment

The ‘Manosphere’ and Its Profound Influence on Boys

What is the “manosphere” and what influence is it having on our son’s perceptions of masculinity? In this article I define the manosphere and look at what led to the rise of this extremely influential, hate filled ideology. If you don’t think your son has been touched by this, think again. These influencers are everywhere - from YouTube to TikTok to Discord and Twitch. If your tween or teen son is online, they’re exposed.

Parent Tips, Media LiteracyJulia StormDecember 16, 2024Reconnect/Julia Stormboys, YouTube, toxic content

The Red Flags Every Child Needs to Know to Spot an Online Predator

Kids are spending way more time online in the past year and for many this means time in multiplayer games, online chat forums or social media platforms where strangers and friends mingle. If your child is spending time in Roblox, Minecraft, Discord, TikTok or any other social platform, they need to learn how to spot a potential child predator early.

Keeping Kids Safe, Parent Tips, Digital CitizenshipJulia StormOctober 24, 2024online safety, predators, multiplayer, social mediaComment

Kids and Group Chats - How to Help them Avoid Disaster

From the sharing of offensive memes, to violent threats to bullying and overall meanness; chaos flourishes in group chats. What feels to a 9, 10, or 11 year old like a silly or benign comment can have very real negative consequences. As such, I want to take some time here to outline the texting MUST KNOWS for kids so that parents can mentor their children and guide them as they navigate this thorny landscape.

Assistive Access Turns iPhones and iPads into DUMB devices!

Check out this great hack for turning your child’s iPad or iPhone into an ultra simplified device with only the apps you choose!

Parent TipsJulia StormJune 6, 2024Parental Controls, online safety

Aching to See A Brighter Digital Future for Our Children? Read on...

A lot of the parents I meet and work with tell me they feel not just overwhelmed by parenting in the digital age, but also helpless and hopeless. There is this pervasive feeling that the problem is too big, that we have no say and very little control over how technology modifies our children’s lives. I too slip into this feeling, but I want to share with you the amazing people and organizations that fuel my hope and my resolve that the internet can and will become a better place for kids to inhabit in the future. Let’s take a look…

When Your Tween is Obsessed With Her "Skin Care Regimen"

Many girls as young as 9 years old have become obsessed with expensive skin care routines originating from social media trends. If you have a daughter who fits this description you are not alone! The hashtag #tweenskincare has over 49.5 million views on TikTok. But, is this trend healthy and safe for young girls? I did a little research into this trend and found 3 reasons why it may not be a trend we want to encourage in young girls…

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