Navigating Teen Tech: Turning 13 & Online Responsibility

Are you worried about your teen's online safety and how much control they should have over their technology?

In this episode, Genie Dawkins talks about the emotional and practical journey of giving her son, Zavier, more control over his technology as he turns 13. From setting up recovery options to dealing with location settings, Genie shares her reflections on the responsibilities that come with turning 13. This episode highlights the importance of open conversations between parents and children about technology use, offering insights from previous expert interviews and personal experiences.

Key Takeaways:

- The significance of turning 13 and the responsibilities that come with it.

- Steps for setting up technology settings safely with your teenager.

- The importance of parental involvement in conversations about technology and responsibility.

- Lessons from experts Jody Aman, Simone Alicia, and Elizabeth on guiding teenagers in managing online safety.

- Impact on a teenager's sense of agency, self-esteem, and responsibility.

- Strategies for ensuring clear expectations and boundaries regarding technology use.

Timestamps:

03:58 Google account supervision for kids over 13

09:42 "Why not empower him with tech?"

10:51 Giving children agency reduces anxiety and rebellion.

15:57 Reflecting on conversations, empowering son's growing independence.

18:06 YouTube ads and parental controls for kids.

Links and Resources:

• "Black Gold" by Flying Lotus: From the Yasuke soundtrack, symbolizing Zavier’s journey into a new identity as he turns 13.
• Google Safety Center [Google Safet
• National Online Safety: (https://nationalonlinesafety.com/)
• Family Online Safety Institute: (https://www.fosi.org/
• Google Family Link: https://families.google/familylink/
• Jodi Aman : https://jodiaman.com/
• Elizabeth Milovidov: https://www.digitalparentingcoach.com/
• Dr. Simone Alicia: https://www.theselfesteemdoctor.com/

Quotes:

1. "Turning 13 is a milestone, not just for our children, but for us as parents as we balance their newfound independence with ensuring they are safe." – Genie Dawkins

2. "Conversations about technology use and boundaries are essential. It's about building trust and setting clear expectations." – Genie Dawkins

3. "Empowering our teenagers with responsibilities can boost their self-esteem and sense of agency, but we have to guide them in managing those responsibilities." – Genie Dawkins

Speaker Biographies:

Genie Dawkins

Genie Dawkins is a dedicated and passionate advocate for parents navigating the challenges of raising children in a tech-savvy world. As the host of "The Parenting Cipher," she shares her experiences and insights into effective parenting strategies, often inspired by her journey with her own children. Genie’s candid reflections and thoughtful conversations help listeners understand and tackle the complexities of modern parenting.

Join us in this episode as we delve into the journey of empowering our teenagers with the right technological tools while ensuring their safety and growth. Tune in to "The Parenting Cipher" and be part of the conversation!

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