This is undoubtedly a challenging time, especially for parents and caregivers. There are a ton of uncertainties, and one of them is navigating the new world of online learning and social connections for your youth. We know that the more time kids spend online the more they are interacting with people, and that potentially some of those people are unsafe. On top of that, in the vast amount of down time there are ways in which kids are going to be feeling isolated, and are going to seek connection — and online connections are ironically the safest option during quarantine.
While your gut might be screaming, “Block social media! Limit access! Limit screen time!,” the reality is that whether your approach is to limit screen time or not, teaching youth how to navigate social media and the internet safely is essential. Technology is here to stay. We want to ensure that youth are well equipped and empowered to navigate the web safely and effectively — while also getting the positive connection time with friends that is truly important during these difficult circumstances.
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