A child drawing on a tablet and a child endlessly scrolling short videos might both be described as having “screen time”. But are they really having the same experience? Not all screen use asks the same things of a child. Some digital activities involve making decisions, solving problems, communicating, creating or learning. Others ask very little beyond continuing to watch or swipe. That is where the idea of active vs passive screen time becomes useful. It does not mean that

For years, parents have been told how to make social media safer for children. Now a different question is becoming increasingly important: What can children use instead of social media in the first place? For families looking for social media alternatives for kids, the best answer may not be another social network at all. It may be a mix of safer ways to connect, create, play, learn and belong online. That question is particularly relevant in the UK. The Government has annou

Choosing a child’s first social app can feel surprisingly complicated. Many apps describe themselves as safe, private or suitable for children, but those words do not always mean the same thing. To choose a safe social media app for kids, look beyond the age rating. Check who can contact your child, whether accounts are private by default, how guardians are involved, what information the app collects and whether its design encourages healthy use. The safest option will not si

Young people in the UK are facing overlapping crises. From worsening mental health and social division to fears about the future, especially climate change. The digital world often makes these problems worse, as it wasn’t built with children’s well-being in mind. Digital stewardship is essential in promoting healthy development of children. Traditional responses, like banning or limiting screen time, don’t work well. Research shows these restrictions can backfire, failing t