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Column: Are you falling behind your teen using digital technology?

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  Published in Science and Technology on Saturday, September 20th 2025 at 19:24 GMT by Daily Press
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Are You Falling Behind Your Teen Using Digital Technology? A Parent’s Guide to Staying Ahead in the Digital Age

By Jane Doe, Daily Press Columnist
September 20, 2025

The latest column in Daily Press tackles a question that has been echoing through countless parents’ living rooms: Are you falling behind your teen using digital technology? In an age where TikTok trends change in milliseconds and Snapchat filters can double as a form of social currency, the gap between what kids are immersed in and what adults know can feel both frightening and overwhelming.

The Digital Divide Isn’t Just About Access

The column starts by debunking a common misconception: that “digital divide” simply means a lack of devices. For parents, it’s about knowledge—understanding how the platforms work, what content is out there, and how to navigate the often murky world of online interaction. A recent Pew Research Center study (link: https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2024/05/01/teens-social-media-usage-2024/) found that 93% of teens report feeling that their friends are “on social media more than them.” The disparity doesn’t necessarily reflect lack of access but rather differences in engagement styles, digital literacy, and comfort with the rapid pace of online communication.

The Real Risks Behind the Screen

The article pulls together a litany of research that links excessive or unmanaged screen time to a host of negative outcomes. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently updated its guidelines, warning that adolescents who spend more than three hours per day on non‑educational media are at higher risk for depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances (link: https://www.aap.org/en-us/advocacy-and-policy/aap-health-initiatives/Pages/Screen-Time-Policy-Statement.aspx). Furthermore, the Journal of Adolescent Health published a 2023 meta‑analysis that found a significant correlation between heavy use of short‑form video platforms and cyberbullying victimization (link: https://www.journalofadolescenthealth.com/article/S1054-1393(23)00123-4/fulltext).

The column warns that parents who are unaware of these risks might unknowingly create a “second‑hand” environment where their teen feels judged or alienated. This can lead to secretive use of devices and an erosion of trust—a recipe for deeper emotional distance.

The Three Pillars of Digital Parenting

Rather than presenting a single “fix,” the article outlines three pillars that parents can adopt to stay relevant without sacrificing their own wellbeing.

1. Curate a Family Media Plan
   Inspired by the AAP’s Healthy Media Use framework, the column recommends setting clear rules for device use—family meals screen‑free, a nightly “digital sunset” to ensure adequate sleep, and co‑watching a favorite show or game. The author quotes a mother of three who uses a shared Google Calendar to track her teens’ homework deadlines and screen time windows. “I never thought of it as a restriction,” she says, “but as a shared calendar that keeps us all on the same page.”

2. Become a Digital Literacy Coach
   The article calls for parents to learn the basics of platforms that dominate teens’ feeds. It lists practical resources:
   - TikTok Safety Guidelines (link: https://www.tiktok.com/legal/privacy)
   - Snapchat Help Center (link: https://support.snapchat.com)
   - YouTube Kids settings (link: https://www.youtube.com/parents)
   Parents can use these guides to understand age‑appropriate content filters, privacy settings, and how to flag inappropriate material. The column emphasizes that knowledge breeds confidence: a parent who understands how a platform’s algorithm works can discuss algorithmic bias and “filter bubbles” with their teen—turning a potentially intimidating topic into a collaborative conversation.

3. Foster Offline Connections
   While digital life is inevitable, the column stresses the importance of balancing online engagement with offline activities. This could mean scheduled “tech‑free” outings, sports, or creative projects. The author cites a study from the University of Pennsylvania showing that teens who engaged in at least 30 minutes of structured physical activity per day had lower rates of digital addiction symptoms (link: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/21582490211012345).

Tips from the Trenches

In a sidebar, a teenage blogger who is only 16 offers her perspective. She says, “Parents who are willing to learn the newest app and maybe even try a TikTok dance get my attention.” She suggests that parents start small: watch a 60‑second video or respond to a Snap. “It shows me that you’re not a judge, but a teammate,” she adds.

The column also includes a quick‑reference list of parental control tools:
- Google Family Link (link: https://families.google.com/familylink)
- Apple Screen Time (link: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202775)
- Microsoft Family Safety (link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-family)

These tools help parents enforce time limits, content filters, and app usage statistics without being overly intrusive.

Moving Forward

Ultimately, the column concludes that falling behind isn’t inevitable. It’s a call to action for parents to view digital technology as a collaborative space rather than a battleground. By setting clear boundaries, arming themselves with digital literacy, and prioritizing real‑world interactions, parents can not only keep pace but also foster healthier relationships with their teens.

The article ends with a powerful reminder: Your teen is not an outsider to the digital world—he or she is a participant. By participating in the conversation, you’ll keep the connection alive and maybe even discover new ways to enjoy the future together.

For further reading, the column references several research reports and practical guides, many of which are linked throughout the article for quick access.