Future-Ready Kids: Preparing for a Digital World

• Parental Controls Keep Your Kids Safe Online – Here’s Why They’re Important
• The Balancing Act: Parenting, Smartphones, and the Crucial Need for Connection in The Early Years
• How Do Kids Learn Through Play? Discover the 6 Stages of Development You Need To Know!
• EdTech Leaders and Influencers To Follow
• Navigating the Digital Jungle Podcast

I talk to lots of parents about all sorts of things, naturally, in my work but I’ve noticed not many parents think to use parental controls on their child’s devices.

Today’s fast paced digital world means greater access to larger and larger oceans of information & it’s hard to keep up.

Everyone’s reach and access to information and media grows exponentially daily, including your children. It can be daunting to keep track of everything your child does online.

Parental Controls can help you keep track of what your child is doing, as well as guide them to what you consider safe and best, so they can grow into responsible adults.

Parental controls are tools and features designed to help parents manage and monitor their children’s use of electronic devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and gaming consoles. These controls offer various settings and restrictions that empower parents to create a safe and healthy digital environment for their children.

Here’s an overview of parental controls and their key features & why they should be part of your digital parenting to keep your kids safe.

🛜 Content Filtering:

Parental control software often includes content filtering options that allow parents to block or restrict access to inappropriate websites, apps, and online content. This feature helps protect children from encountering explicit or harmful material while browsing the internet or using apps.

🕹️App Restrictions:

Parents can use parental controls to limit the types of apps their children can download and access. This feature enables parents to block access to specific apps or app categories, such as social media, gaming, or shopping apps, based on their child’s age and maturity level.

⏳Screen Time Management:

Many parental control tools offer screen time management features, allowing parents to set limits on how much time their children can spend on devices each day. Parents can schedule screen time restrictions, enforce bedtime limits, and track their child’s screen time usage to promote healthy screen time habits.

🖲️Privacy Settings: Parental controls often include privacy settings that enable parents to manage their child’s online privacy and safety. This may include options to block location tracking, restrict access to personal information, and control who can contact or interact with their child online.

💻Remote Monitoring:

Some parental control software provides remote monitoring capabilities, allowing parents to view their child’s device activity, including websites visited, apps used, and screen time usage, from a centralised dashboard or mobile app. This feature enables parents to stay informed about their child’s digital behaviour and address any concerns proactively.

🧑🧑🧒🧒 Age-Based Restrictions:

Parental control settings can be customised based on the child’s age and developmental stage, allowing parents to adjust settings and restrictions as their child grows and matures. This ensures that parental controls remain effective and appropriate for their child’s evolving needs and interests.

🔐Device Lockdown:

Parents can use parental controls to remotely lock or disable devices, temporarily or permanently, in case of lost or stolen devices or as a consequence for rule violations. This feature helps parents enforce consequences and ensure compliance with screen time rules and restrictions.

📈 Usage Reports and Alerts:

Many parental control tools provide usage reports and alerts that notify parents of their child’s device activity, including websites visited, apps installed, and screen time usage. These reports and alerts help parents stay informed and involved in their child’s digital life, allowing them to address any concerns or issues promptly.

Overall, parental controls empower you to take an active role in managing and monitoring your children’s digital experiences, promoting responsible device usage, online safety, and healthy screen time habits.

By leveraging parental controls effectively, you really can create a safer and more balanced digital environment for your children to explore and learn.

But Remember!

Parental Controls Are Not Parental Replacements

There is no better Parental Control than you.

Being involved in your child’s life, both on and offline is the single best way to ensure they’re making healthy choices that are best for them. Like any other aspect of your child’s life, your guidance is invaluable to help them grow to be responsible adults.

The Balancing Act: Parenting, Smartphones, and the Crucial Need for Connection in The Early Years

There’s a great buzz around Jonathan Haidt’s new fascinating and thought provoking book that points out the hugely important years between the ages of 9 to 15  in shaping a child’s experiences of life and how smartphones have impacted on a whole generation of children’s mental health and wellbeing and how everything changed globally around 2010 with the introduction of smartphones with cameras, Instagram and the shift from a play-based childhood to a smartphone-based childhood.

It really is a defining book worth reading.

But it got me pondering and reflecting on the important role parents play from how they interact with their phones during breastfeeding or bottle feeding, and nappy changing, right up to those crucial ages of 9-15 and beyond.

The huge importance of the early years in parenting and the use of smartphones – because to me everything is related, connected and part of the jigsaw.

In the ever-evolving digital age, smartphones have become ubiquitous, seamlessly integrated into various aspects of our daily lives. While these devices offer unparalleled convenience and connectivity, they also present a significant challenge for parents navigating the delicate balance between technology and genuine human connection, particularly in the crucial early years of a child’s development.

Parenting in the digital era comes with its own set of complexities, and the pervasive presence of smartphones can inadvertently hinder meaningful interactions between parents and their young children. As adults become increasingly reliant on their devices for work, communication, and entertainment, it’s all too easy for screens to encroach upon precious moments of bonding and engagement with their little ones.

I see too many children running out of nursery, childcare or school eagerly waiting to be greeted by their parents, who are distracted on their mobile phone and not paying attention to their child’s excited and enthusiastic faces and smiles. It saddens me as it’s not probably a deliberate act of snubbing their child  but just not an aware parent consciously thinking about what they are doing – sleep walking at the school gates I call it!

Research has shed light on the potential consequences of excessive screen time and digital distraction during the formative stages of childhood. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends limiting screen exposure for children under the age of two and promoting interactive play and face-to-face interaction instead. This guidance underscores the critical role of genuine human connection in fostering healthy development and emotional well-being from infancy onwards.

Yet, amidst the myriad demands of modern life, many parents find themselves grappling with the temptation to resort to smartphones as a quick fix for entertaining or pacifying their children. Whether it’s handing over a device to keep a restless toddler occupied during a grocery run or allowing screen time to buy a few moments of respite, the allure of digital distraction can be difficult to resist.

However, the potential pitfalls of excessive screen time extend beyond mere entertainment value.

Studies have linked prolonged exposure to screens in early childhood to a range of adverse effects, including delayed language development, diminished social skills, and disrupted sleep patterns also excessive screen time can detract from opportunities for sensory exploration, imaginative play, and face-to-face interaction – all of which are crucial for a child’s  holistic development.

At its core, effective parenting hinges on nurturing meaningful connections with our children – connections that are grounded in presence, attentiveness, and genuine engagement. While smartphones undoubtedly offer convenience and connectivity, they should never serve as a substitute for the irreplaceable bond forged through shared experiences, heartfelt conversations, and moments of undivided attention.

So, how can parents navigate the digital landscape while prioritising authentic connection with their children?

Here are a few strategies to consider:

• Establish Boundaries:

Set clear boundaries around screen time and establish designated device-free zones and times within your home. Create a balance that allows for both digital interaction and meaningful offline engagement.

• Lead by Example:

Children learn by example, so model healthy screen habits by limiting your own device usage and prioritising quality time with your family.

• Foster Face-to-Face Interaction:

Make a conscious effort to engage in face-to-face interactions with your child throughout the day. Whether it’s sharing meals together, reading books, or playing games, prioritise activities that promote direct communication and connection.

• Embrace Unplugged Activities:

Encourage your child to explore the world beyond screens through outdoor play, creative outlets, and hands-on activities that stimulate their imagination and curiosity.

• Stay Present:

Practice mindfulness and be fully present during interactions with your child. Minimise distractions and give them your undivided attention, conveying your love and support through both words and actions.

Parenting in the digital age requires a delicate balancing act – one that prioritises genuine human connection amidst the pervasive presence of smartphones and screens. While technology undoubtedly offers countless benefits and conveniences, it’s essential to recognise the invaluable role of face-to-face interaction, emotional attunement and shared experiences in nurturing healthy development and fostering strong parent-child relationships.

By embracing mindful parenting and prioritising authentic connection, we can navigate the digital landscape intentionally and ensure that our children thrive in an increasingly connected yet complex world.

How Do Kids Learn Through Play? Discover the 6 Stages of Development!

‘Play with me!’

You may be a parent who loves to play with your kids, or you may be a parent who dreads hearing this refrain and then you suffer pangs of guilt for the rest of the day!

Play is all about having fun! Any activity organised or unstructured that your child finds fun and enjoyable is considered play. But play is much more than just a fun activity for your child!

As your child grows, they go through different stages of play development.

While playing, children learn and develop important skills they will continue to use throughout their lifetime. Problem solving, creativity, and willingness to take risks are just a few of the skills developed through play.

Children who use their imagination and ‘pretend’ in safe environments are able to learn about their emotions, what interests them, and how to adapt to situations. When children play with each other, they are given the opportunity to learn how to interact with others and behave in various social situations.

We all know that children should play as much as possible — there is lots of academic research showing that play is essential to development because it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children – and parents who participate in play gain a better understanding of their kids, bond with them and nurture their self-esteem.

Play is the way kids express, understand, and process their emotions and is crucial for recovery from the lockdowns and stress the pandemic has had on them.

How Long Is Enough?

Kids always want you to play for longer – I remember when  Molly was young and I played Ludo 3x on a Sunday when her brother was at a football game with his Dad – and I had to call it a day after that as there’s just so much fun two people can have playing Ludo!

Parents often ask me ‘If you have more than one child, does each need dedicated play time with you?’

The short answer is, yes. Getting silly with you, playing, chatting, laughing and relaxing is an important shared experience.

It bonds you and creates memories that last a lifetime, but it also shows your child that you love spending time with them which is good for their self esteem

The good news is, what constitutes play is less awkward and time-intensive than what you may believe.

Here’s how to approach playing with your kids in a new way.

• KISS – Keep It Simple Stupid

Play Can Be Simple

Most parents of young children have struggled to answer this question: How do you play with a child who hasn’t yet mastered communication skills? It doesn’t take much effort.

Think: Engaging babies and toddler with developmental play.

This can be done with sensory toys, preferably ones that aren’t electronic, which allows your child to explore using their hands or mouths. While ‘Peek a Boo’ games can introduce the concept of “object permanence” (understanding that objects can still exist even if they aren’t seen), that’s a developmental milestone usually seen around eight months.

Remember: Young children don’t need constant entertainment — and playing by themselves shouldn’t be overlooked. Allowing children to explore their environments safely can be just as vital as active parent and child sessions.

It’s a balance.

Children especially little ones like to be near you, but that doesn’t mean you should always be on the floor. My kids loved pots and pans, rolling pins and wooden spoons, or cups to play with in the kitchen while I cooked which all helped them to enjoy exploring and independent play.

Let Your Kids Take the Lead

Play is how children express and process their feelings.

Children are always being told what to do so play offers them a chance to take the lead which is good for them.

Playing is important but CONNECTING is even more important so it could be you’re better at walking in the park and talking – finding those moments of connection where you feel present with your child.  It could be as simple as It’s putting your phone down and listening, maybe your good at telling stories at bedtime, letting the kids potter about in the garden with you as you plant seeds – it’s all about relaxing, engaging and including your kids – no matter how old they are

Children who use their imagination and ‘pretend’ in safe environments are able to learn about their emotions, what interests them, and how to adapt to situations. When children play with each other, they are given the opportunity to learn how to interact with others and behave in various social situations.

As Einstein said. Play is the highest form of research’ so be sure to give your child plenty of time and space to play.

There are 6 main stages of play during early childhood, all of which are important for your child’s development.

All of the stages of play involve exploring, being creative, and having fun. There is no right or wrong way to play or no need to be worried if your child takes their time going through the stages. All they need from you is a safe space to play.

Unoccupied Play (Birth-3 Months)

At this stage your baby is just making a lot of exploratory movements with their arms, legs, hands, feet, etc. They are learning about and discovering how their body moves.

Unoccupied play primarily occurs in babies, from birth to three months.

This is the first stage of play, and to the untrained eye, it doesn’t look like play at all! But babies are observing their surroundings and their random movements with seemingly no objective is actually known as ‘unoccupied play.’

Despite appearances, this is a stage of play, and it sets the stage for future play exploration.

As parents you don’t need to do anything special to encourage this play in your little one as babies do it instinctively. However, it’s important to allow your baby to have time to explore unchecked, even if it’s just wiggling their hands and feet in the air.

 Solitary Play (Birth-2 Years)

This is the stage when your child plays alone. They are not interested in playing with others quite yet.

Solitary play is just what it sounds like—your child is playing alone and by themselves.  This type of play is important because it teaches your child how to keep themselves amused, as they explore and use their imagination creatively, which eventually leads them to becoming more self-sufficient.

Toys for independent play can be anything that babies, toddlers, or pre-schoolers can play with on their own, such as stuffed animals, blocks, toy figures, dressing-up costumes, play “tools,” dolls, lorries, push & pull toys, and books.

Any child can play independently, but this type of play typically begins to emerge by age two.

It is most common in children between two and three.

At this age, your child is still self-focused, egocentric and lacks good communication and sharing skills. If your child is shy, they may prefer this type of play at older ages as well.

Pre-schoolers may continue to choose to play independently, even after learning to play well with others, as it provides your child with unique opportunities to explore their own interests and agenda on their own terms.

Spectator/Onlooker Behaviour (2 Years)

During this stage your child begins to watch other children playing but doesn’t play with them.

Your child may watch what you or other adults are doing as well. Onlooker play is typical for children between two and three years old and is especially common for younger children who are developing their vocabulary.

Don’t dismiss the importance of this stage, it builds on the previous ones. It’s a healthy form of learning through play and a natural part of your child’s play journey. It could be that your child feels hesitant, needs to learn the rules, and/or maybe is the youngest and wants just to take a step back for a while to watch before joining in play with others. Watching helps them gain confidence.

Parallel Play (2+ Years)

When a child plays alongside or near others but does not play with them this stage is referred to as parallel play.

Put two 3-year-olds in a room together and this is what you are likely to see: the two children having fun, playing side by side in their own little worlds. It doesn’t mean that they don’t like one another, they are just engaging in parallel play.

This type of play begins around age two and differs from playing together in that neither child tries to influence the play of the other.

Despite having little obvious social contact between playmates, children in parallel play learn a great deal from one another for instance awareness of different types of play.

Even though it appears that your child isn’t paying attention to the others, they often copy the other child’s behaviour.

Like each of the other stages, this type of play is viewed as an important, progressive bridge to the later stages of play. Many types of activities, from drawing to playing with toy cars, can occur during parallel play.

Associate Play (3-4 Years)

When your child starts to interact with others during play, but there’s not a large amount of interaction at this stage. Your child might be doing an activity related to the children around them but might not actually be interacting with the other kids. For example, the children might all be playing on the same piece of playground equipment in the park, but they are all doing different things like climbing, swinging, etc.

Associative play is slightly different from parallel play, which commonly begins between ages three or four. In this type of play, your child is involved with what the other child is doing—for example the children are building a castle with blocks. As they build their individual buildings, they are talking to one another and engaging with each other but mainly working on their own. Typically, this form of play phases out by age five.

This is an important stage of play because it helps your child develop a whole host of skills, such as socialisation, taking turns, problem-solving, cooperation and language development & vocabulary.

Associative play is how many children begin to make real friendships.

Cooperative Play (4+ Years)

When your child plays together with others and has interest in both the activity and the other children involved – they are participating in cooperative play.

Cooperative play is where all the stages come together, and when children truly start playing together. Typically occurring between four and five years of age, this is the predominant type of play seen in groups of older pre-schoolers or children who have older siblings or have been around a lot of children.

Cooperative play uses all of the social skills your child has been developing and you can see them in action.

This stage of play can encompass many different types of play. Whether your child is doing a jigsaw puzzle together, playing a board game, or enjoying an indoor or outdoor group activity, cooperative play sets the stage for future interactions as your child matures into an adult.

Other Types of Play

While the above stages are important and vital to your child’s social development, there are other key types of play that also contribute to a child’s development. These kinds of play usually manifest once your child begins to engage in cooperative play.

Competitive Play: When your child is playing Snakes and Ladders or on a sports team, they are engaging in competitive play. Rules, turn-taking, working as part of a team, and the realities of winning and losing are the big lessons taken from this type of play. Emotional regulation, learning to be a good sport, and coping with defeat are learned from competitive play as well.

Constructive Play: Constructive play teaches kids about manipulation, building, and fitting things together. Examples include building with blocks, playing with Lego, making a road for toy cars, or constructing a fort out of pillows, making sandcastles, or having fun making bracelets out of playdough, Cognitive skills are being used to figure out how to make something work best, whether it is a block tower that won’t stand up or a sandcastle that keeps collapsing. This play also teaches the power of trying again. It’s also great for physical skills (both fine and gross motor) necessary to manipulate and control the chosen toy or material.

Dramatic/Fantasy Play: When your child plays dressing-up, and pretends to be a shopkeeper, teacher, doctor, or spy, it’s called dramatic or fantasy play. Through this type of play, your child is developing their imagination but they are also learning how to take turns, cooperate, share, and expand their vocabulary and use of language.

Physical Play: Gross and fine motor skills really come into play with physical play, whether your child is throwing a ball, climbing a tree, or riding a bike. Physical play encourages kids to develop fitness skills and to enjoy physical activity.

Symbolic Play: This type of play can include singing, jokes, or rhymes, drawing, colouring, or working with clay, counting, or making music. Symbolic play helps children learn to express themselves and explore and process their experiences, ideas, and emotions.

I always say 'Play is the Way' and is the antidote to a smartphone based childhood - let's make it a 'play-full' childhood instead!

For parents looking for interesting content on technology in education and family life, there are several valuable resources provided by various organisations, governments, and schools.

1. ConnectSafely's Parent's Guide to Education Technology: This guide highlights how educational technology (edtech) enables communication, collaboration, creativity, coding, and sharing among students. It provides practical insights on how teachers and parents can utilise digital tools to enhance learning and engagement. Topics include using social media for learning, collaborative digital tools, and the importance of digital citizenship (ConnectSafely).
2. Frontiers' Research on Parents’ Acceptance of Educational Technology: This study explores the factors that influence parents' acceptance and use of educational technology. It highlights the importance of providing structured technological tools and the role of social influence from other parents, teachers, and the public. The findings suggest practical implications for governments and school leaders to support parental engagement in their children's learning through technology (Frontiers).
3. MIT's Analysis of Educational Technology: This comprehensive review by MIT discusses the effectiveness of various edtech programmes. It reveals that while increasing access to technology improves computer skills, it does not always translate to better academic outcomes. The article emphasises the potential of educational software, especially in personalised learning and maths, and the modest but meaningful impact of low-cost interventions like text message reminders to parents (MIT News).
4. TeachAI's AI Guidance for Schools Toolkit: This toolkit provides detailed guidance for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) in primary and secondary education. It covers the development of responsible use policies, privacy considerations, and the importance of professional development for educators. The toolkit aims to ensure that AI is used effectively and ethically in educational settings, benefiting both teachers and students (TeachAI).
5. U.S. Department of Education's Funding Digital Learning: This resource outlines various funding opportunities available to support technology in education. It discusses the CARES Act and other federal funds that can be utilised for enhancing technological capacity, including hardware, software, and connectivity. This information is crucial for school leaders and policymakers to plan and sustain technology investments (Tech Ed Gov).

For parents in the UK seeking engaging articles on technology, several sources offer valuable insights and guidance.

1. GOV.UK: The UK government's official website provides comprehensive resources on using technology in education. This includes policy papers, guidance for schools on meeting digital and technology standards, and research on the impact of educational technology. The site also offers practical advice on buying technology and services for schools, which can be useful for parents looking to understand the landscape of educational technology (GOV.UK).
2. Frontiers in Psychology: An article titled "Parents’ Acceptance of Educational Technology: Lessons From Around the World" explores factors influencing parental engagement with educational technology. It highlights how structured technological tools provided by schools and social influences play significant roles in enhancing parental support for children's learning. This research, conducted with data from 4,600 parents across 19 countries, provides a global perspective that can inform UK parents about effective practices (Frontiers).
3. McKinsey & Company: This global consultancy offers insights into the impact of educational technology on student outcomes. Their research indicates that the effectiveness of technology in the classroom varies significantly by region and how it is used. For example, students perform better when teachers, rather than students, use technology. This nuanced view can help parents understand how to best support their children's use of technology for learning (McKinsey & Company).

These sources provide a mix of practical guidance, research findings, and policy information that can help UK parents navigate the complexities of educational technology.

For staying updated on technology in education and related topics, here are some influential people I like to follow on LinkedIn:

EdTech Leaders and Influencers:

Tom Vander Ark: CEO of Getting Smart, an education advocacy firm. He shares insights on innovations in education technology and personalized learning.

Katrina Stevens: CEO of The Tech Interactive and former Deputy Director at the U.S. Department of Education. She focuses on the intersection of technology and learning.

ISTE is home to a passionate community of global educators who use technology to revolutionise learning.

Academics and Researchers:

Dr. Eric Sheninger: Associate Partner at the International Center for Leadership in Education. He writes extensively on digital leadership and the role of technology in school improvement.

Professor Rose Luckin: Professor at UCL Institute of Education and a leading expert on AI in education. She shares research on how AI can support teaching and learning.

Government and Policy Makers:

Bridget Phillipson - Secretary of State for Education. She provides updates on educational reforms and policies.

Baroness Beeban Kidron 5Rights Foundation Building the digital world that young people deserve.

Sonia Livingstone LSE Professor, Researching and Advising on Children's Rights in the Digital Age | Digital Futures for Children | Global Kids Online | PlatFAMs | Youth mental health in digital contexts - and other research projects.

Industry Leaders:

Sal Khan : Founder of Khan Academy. He shares his experiences and thoughts on leveraging technology to provide free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere.

Richard Culatta: Innovative Educational Leader. His expertise includes education policy, teacher preparation, educational technology, and innovation. Culatta is known for his thought leadership, coalition building, and public speaking.

Thought Leaders and Consultants:

Al Kingsley All things #Education, #EdTech, #Ai, #Digital & Growth. CEO NetSupport, Multi Academy Trust Chair, DfE Advisory Board, ISC Top 10 Global Edrupter, 📒Author/Speaker, DBT Export Champion, 23 Edufuturist, BESA EdTech Chair.

John Cavanaugh Executive Director | Privacy Evangelist | CIPM, CIPP/US, YPP

Bill Schmarzo Dean of Big Data, CDO Chief AI Officer Whisperer, recognized global innovator, educator, and practitioner in Big Data, Data Science, & Design Thinking

Graham Brown-Martin: Founder of Learning Without Frontiers and author of "Learning {Re}imagined". He discusses future trends in education and the role of technology.

Parven Kaur Founder of Kids N Clicks- AI Tools For Families- Vuelio UK top #20 blogger-Finalist Scottish Asian Entrepreneur of the Year- Digital Parenting -Internet Safety Tips-Social Emotional Learning

Angeline Corvaglia Data Girl and Friends | Digital Defender Parent | Empower Young Minds with Online Safety and AI

Following these great people on LinkedIn will provide a broad perspective on the latest trends, research, and discussions in the field of educational technology.

Navigating the Digital Jungle with Sue Atkins and Friends Podcast🗺️🔦🧭

🌐 Dive into the complexities of raising tech-savvy kids with my new podcast series!

Join us as we explore the challenges parents face in the digital age and uncover strategies for navigating the ever-changing landscape of online safety, screen time management, and digital literacy.

Hear from fellow parents as they share their experiences, concerns, and insights on raising children in today's digital jungle.

Stay tuned for expert advice, real-life stories, and practical tips to help you guide your family through the digital wilderness.

Don't miss out on essential conversations to empower your parenting journey in the digital era! 📱💻 #DigitalParenting #OnlineSafety #TechKids #DigitalJungle

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