How do we navigate parenting in a digital world? - with Dr Jo Orlando, researcher into kids and tech
5/4/20261 hr 7 min
Has ‘screen time’ become a dirty word when it comes to our kids? Can we safely support them to use technology that is constantly evolving? There is a lot of fear around screens but it feels overwhelming when they’re such a big part of our lives. We want to remove the shame so we chat to researcher Dr Jo Orlando about how we navigate parenting in a digital world. We discuss…
- Is screen time black and white for all children?
- Screens as a tool for connection and communication when you’re a tween/teen
- Rest or stimulation? Can screens be used for relaxation?
- Reflecting on how screens are being used rather than time limits
- Fostering hobbies and activities off screens
- How our brains are trained to want the constant change of ideas screens offer
- Is there a point when kids are missing out if they have no or strict screen time?
- Snapchat and its problematic friendship dynamics
- Settings, apps and open conversations with your tweens and teens
- Phone usage for your children and the ‘shopping centre’ analogy
- The pros and cons of the social media ban
- What do parents need to know about AI?
- Building critical thinking skills in our children
- Online gaming - yes or no?
Resources mentioned in this episode:
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Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsJade Couldwell· Host0:00
This episode is proudly sponsored by Michael Hill. Shop their Mother's Day collection in-store or online at michaelhill.com.au.
Sophie Pearce· Host0:10
We would like to acknowledge the Bundjalung people, traditional custodians of this land where we record this podcast, and we pay our respects to elders past, present, and emerging.
Jade Couldwell· Host0:19
[upbeat music] Hello, yummy mummies.
Sophie Pearce· Host0:27
Hello, yummy mummies.
Jade Couldwell· Host0:27
Welcome to Beyond the Bump, a podcast brought to you by Jade Caldwell and Sophie Pearce.
Sophie Pearce· Host0:32
This podcast is targeted at mums, mums-to-be, and women in general.
Jade Couldwell· Host0:37
And gents, feel free to have a listen, too.
Sophie Pearce· Host0:39
It's a place to have real discussions and ask real questions, no matter how hard, with honest and authentic people. The aim is to have you feeling lighter, more supported, and more understood after every listen.
Jade Couldwell· Host0:52
Now, we can't promise that it will always be kept PG, so please be mindful around little ears. Here we go.
Sophie Pearce· Host0:59
Here we go. Hello, Dr. Jo Orlando, and welcome to Beyond the Bump podcast. Before we get started, can you please tell our beautiful bumpies a little bit about yourself and what you do?
Jo Orlando· Guest1:08
I study children technology. So I'm a researcher. I'm in homes all around Australia, real homes, you know, just like yours. You know, not home labs. And I study situations that come up around children and screens. So there's everyday situations, you know, like you've got five minutes to get in the car and your toddler is on the iPad and you can't get them off, or a 15-year-old, you know- Hmm ... even your sends a