Chatty folk are spoiled for choice when it comes to instant messaging apps. WhatsApp is still the communication king, but Telegram is a popular alternative – especially for those who prioritize privacy and security. Telegram’s comprehensive security features might explain how it’s attracted over 800 million active users and was the world’s 6th most downloaded app in 2023. Although Telegram’s strong focus on privacy might sound like music to a parent’s ears, its features could expose your child to some serious online threats.  What is Telegram? Telegram was launched back in 201 ..read more

Just like how shopping, banking, dating, and almost everything else has been transformed by the digital age, so has bullying. Of course, the traditional schoolyard menace still exists. But today’s bullies can hide behind their phones and computer screens, and make your child’s life a misery 24/7.  And, with children worldwide spending approximately 4 hours a day on their personal devices, cyberbullying is a serious parenting issue that won’t be going away soon.  The urge to fight a child’s battles is strong for any parent. But, it’s important for their development that they know h ..read more

Dr. Nicole Beurkens Child psychologist Have you installed a parental control app on your child’s devices with the best intentions of keeping them safe online, only for them to remove the app from their phone? Or maybe their device has become a bone of contention, because while your goal is protection, your child uninstalls parental controls from it because they believe they are old enough to look after themselves. Whatever the situation you find yourself in, the“kids vs. parental controls” scenario can be frustrating for everyone involved. It can be difficult for parents to know what ..read more

You have a new message. The tiny dopamine hit we feel when we see these words on our screens may help explain why direct messaging apps are among the most popular apps – for adults and kids.  Our annual data report showed that kids in the US spent 45 minutes every day exchanging messages on WhatsApp, Messenger, and similar apps.  But parents need to be aware of another, more controversial, messaging app that’s particularly popular among young teens. What is Kik? Kik is a Canadian-born messaging app that claims to be “your place to chat and message with all of your friends and to ..read more

  It’s unusual to go anywhere these days without seeing children and teens engaged with screens- especially in situations where they may be prone to feel bored. Whether it’s at a restaurant, in the car, at a sibling’s sports event, or in their own home or yard – many kids are spending a good portion of their day engaged with screens as opposed to finding ways to engage with the world around them. In fact, one of the biggest complaints I hear from parents is how frustrating it is to deal with their child’s cries of “being bored” when they aren’t allowed to use digital media. Many parent ..read more

Helping your child develop confidence is an important aspect of their development, and has lifelong influence on shaping beliefs about themselves and their abilities. Self-esteem, often referred to as confidence, is the sense of one’s own worth and capabilities. It encompasses feelings of self-worth, self-acceptance, and self-respect. Children with healthy self-esteem are more likely to navigate challenges with resilience, develop positive relationships, and pursue their goals with determination.  Many factors can negatively impact a child’s developing self-esteem. From social media pr ..read more

Before we get on to Hoop, we need to talk about Snapchat – the social media phenomenon that Hoop integrates with to connect people around the world. Since its humble beginnings in a Stanford dorm room, Snapchat has amassed over 406 million daily active users sending more than 5 billion snaps every day. The platform introduced the world to disappearing photos and ‘stories’ – a now standard feature of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and other platforms.  As no shock to parents whatsoever, Snapchat is enormously popular with the younger generation. Based on time spent, Snapchat is the most ..read more

Dr. Nicole Beurkens Child psychologist It’s no secret that social media has become a significant part of life for the vast majority of adults and teens. From social communication, to politics and world events, and certainly as a source of entertainment, social media use continues to increase in young people. Our 2023 annual data report showed that children spent a global average of 112 minutes a day on TikTok, the social media app most used by kids. While the negative effects of social media on children and teens are well-explored, there are also plenty of benefits for our kids too. H ..read more

Children and teens thrive on routine. Having a clear structure for their day – from getting ready for school to prepping for bedtime – not only makes things run smoothly and avoids arguments, but helps their development too. That’s without even mentioning how beneficial routines are to your family relationships and stress levels. But how do you create a family routine that works for everyone – and why exactly are they so important? Let’s take a look. Why is it important to have a family routine? Though your day may naturally tend towards some kind of routine, creating a defined plan may se ..read more

  Snapchat, Instagram, Myspace, AIM… since the internet age began, teens and pre-teens have found ways to connect online and meet others. After all, these are the years when many of us become more socially aware, more curious about others, and start friendships that can last a lifetime. This is often encouraged by parents as research has shown that both real life and internet friendships can be beneficial for children. Wizz is the latest app to connect young people online -and it’s been cooking up controversy among parents worldwide. The Wizz app, which has been dubbed ‘Teen Tinder’ fo ..read more