Just in time for parents' holiday shopping, Google announced its new "Supervised Users" tool for Chromebooks. You know about Chromebooks, right? They're a very viable alternative to tablets that are just as (in some cases more) low-cost and offer a more laptop-like experience, and this tool makes them an even more viable option for families. [As their name suggests, the Chrome browser is their … [Read more...] about New parental controls for Chromebooks
Parenting
Spreading out emotional risk in digital social spaces
It's a kind of digital-age product segmentation or mitosis (remember learning about how cells divide and multiply in biology class?), all the different communication options that have come with the rise of digital media – texting, liking, social gaming, social networking, tweeting, snapchatting, skyping, etc. Each one seems to be associated with a certain level of emotional investment and risk, … [Read more...] about Spreading out emotional risk in digital social spaces
Why Louis C.K. doesn’t let his kids have phones
The video has gone pretty viral over the past few days. On Conan O'Brien's show last week, Emmy-award-winning comedian Louis C.K. explained why he didn't want to give his daughters (aged 7 and 10) smartphones. [You can watch it at Slate.com.] What he says was – as my friend and fellow parent Anastasia Goodstein commented in Facebook – profound. But to get the depth of it, listen all the way … [Read more...] about Why Louis C.K. doesn’t let his kids have phones
Of babies’ (then older kids’) privacy rights
This is a perennial question, but it's good that it keeps coming up. In Disney's Babble.com, parenting blogger Katie (last name wisely not provided for her son's privacy), again asks when a child's right to privacy kicks in and whether parents are violating that right by sharing photos in social media. "I believe that yes, my son has a right to privacy," she writes, "but I also believe that … [Read more...] about Of babies’ (then older kids’) privacy rights
Reflexive responses to digital bullying & self-harm not helpful
Readers, as new information has emerged in the UK's recent teen suicide case, I felt it might be useful to you if I gather together some insights, wisdom and context on "digital self-harm" from the past several years into one place. So here's Part 2 (Part 1 is here)…. If what Ask.fm executives reportedly said about the hate messages on Hannah Smith's page is true – and it's very likely to be – … [Read more...] about Reflexive responses to digital bullying & self-harm not helpful