Raising Kids in the Digital Age

I love my online life. I tweet and Facebook daily. I post on Instagram, and visit Pinterest at least once a week. YouTube is a favourite source of entertainment for me. Being online helps me keep in touch with friends and family, keep tabs on the news, and keep me informed (do you remember when our parents used to make us “go look it up” in a dictionary or encyclopedia? The horror!)

I also am keenly aware of the dangers of being online. Things may not often be what they appear to be, and people often let their nastier, darker sides shine brighter, with the cushion of the internet providing a false sense of bravado.

So many people I talk to who are not frequently online say that they’re happy having their heads in the sand when it comes to technology – too much to learn, too much drama, just not interested. That’s fine – it’s not for everyone. Very little is! But, my question is always, “What about your kids?” if I’m talking to a parent. The fact remains, this generation is more connected than any before it. The average age for getting a first phone is 10.3!

I’m no expert, and I don’t want to tell people what to do, but I can say that I have intercepted many potentially-harmful conversations and situations, for both my girls. Kids today are connected, and having conversations, and doing “things” online that parents who aren’t connected or savvy will never know about. That is frightening to me. That, to me, should be worth the effort and learning curve.

Natalie Rea

Mom to two amazing daughters - a feisty teen in middle school, and an ambitious young adult in university. Originally from Montréal's West Island, I now explore the beautiful trails of Hamilton, Ontario. Proud Canadian, vegetarian, dog-adopter, & bleeding-heart liberal. I smile a lot because I have Resting Bitch Face.