Blog | Screentime Advice for Parents | Julia Storm

Most Teens Get Their News from YouTube - and That's NOT a Good Thing

We are living in a time when many Americans prefer to get their news in small bites from social media recommendations, rather than from the more in depth analysis of legitimate news organizations. But we now know that this reliance creates what are known as information “filter bubbles” where we only see news we agree with and are never exposed to alternative or opposing views. I am more and more convinced that gathering information solely from social media is leading to some pretty terrible outcomes and few groups are more vulnerable to the negative repercussions of this than teenagers.

Media Literacy, Parent TipsJulia StormApril 24, 2020media literacy, teens, YouTube, newsComment

Thinking of Getting Your Kid a Phone? Read This First...

Are you confused about whether your child is ready for a phone? Giving a child a phone is a huge step and there is no going back, so let’s make sure your child is ready. If the question of when to introduce your child to the world of smartphones is weighing heavy on your mind you’re not alone. Read on to find out if your child is ready and what you can do to make the transition easier for both you and your child.

Parent TipsJulia StormDecember 6, 2019ReConnectsmartphone, phones, tweens, media contract, devices, parental monitoring, Pinwheel PhoneComment

Why Media Literacy Might be the #1 Most Important 21st Century Skill for Your Kids

This week is National Media Literacy Week - I know it doesn’t sound very sexy or festive or exciting, but it’s actually a really big deal and I’m going to tell you why! By teaching our kids to become critical thinkers, creators and skeptics when it comes to media, we give them an invaluable skill that will protect them and help them to make sound choices online as they get older. Read on to get some easy tips for starting these conversations with your kiddos!

Parent Tips, Media LiteracyJulia StormOctober 21, 2019media literacy, educationComment

A Parent’s Summer Screen Time RX - the How, Where & When Method

Summer means more freedom, less school work and more fun. But I certainly don’t want to throw all the family rules out the window and during the school year our screen time limit keeps things running pretty smoothly. So how do I maintain our family rules and values around device use while still allowing them a summertime “win?”

My Super Duper Round Up of Books about Online Safety to Give to Your Kids!

You guys asked for it so here it is. My big list of books FOR KIDS about online safety, managing online drama, pornography, video games and tons of other subjects that you can read with your kids or simply gift to them. Spanning age 4 up to 18 this list will hopefully offer a little something for everyone and is a great way to get difficult conversations going through reading - one of my very favorite offline activities!

Easy Ways to Participate in National Day of Unplugging

When was the last time you truly unplugged? Left your phone at home for the day, stayed off the laptop, went a whole day with your kids off of devices? If you’re like me it’s probably been a while! This weekend is National Day of Unplugging. A chance to take a break from our devices - sound daunting? Don’t worry - I’ve got some tips for you to make it fun and meaningful for you and your family.

Health and Wellbeing, Parent TipsJulia StormFebruary 27, 2019ReConnect Consultingunplug, media diet, conscious consumptionComment

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 14, 2018ReConnectvacation, holidays, screentime, screen-free, familyComment

Keeping Your Young Child Safe in Multiplayer Games

More and more young children are playing multiplayer video games and making themselves vulnerable to online bullying, predators and identity theft. Here are some steps you can take to make sure your child is well armed and protected so they can enjoy their games safely.

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