In this thought-provoking episode of Trainable, we delve into the multifaceted world of parenting in the digital age. We bring together a blend of expert knowledge and authentic, real-life perspectives to unpack the unique challenges faced by non-digital native parents in guiding digital natives.
We're privileged to have Jane Burns, PhD, join us. A vanguard in digital transformation, suicide prevention, and mental health. Jane's career is marked by her ground-breaking work with Beyond Blue, the expansion of ReachOut.com to the U.S., and spearheading the $100 million Young and Well Cooperative Research Centre. Holding a PhD from the University of Adelaide, Jane's extensive experience includes her vital role at Safer Care Victoria, her prolific academic contributions, and over 100 publications. As a Commonwealth Fund Harkness Fellow and a celebrated international speaker, she's been recognized as one of the Australian Financial Review's 100 Women of Influence, a testament to her significant impact in mental health and policy development.
Adding a fresh dimension to our discussion are Ruby Robertson and my amazing daughter, Isobel Trainor, both 15 years old. These insightful young voices offer a window into the digital world that is deeply ingrained in their daily lives. Their reflections and understanding of navigating the digital landscape are not only enlightening but also provide a sense of confidence and hope in how the younger generation is handling this new terrain.
In this episode, we explore:
Social Media Usage: The role of popular apps in teenagers' lives and the etiquette around their use.
Health Impacts: The mental health implications of social media, counterbalanced with its benefits for social connectivity and well-being.
Approaches to Usage: Healthy digital consumption patterns and balancing screen time with other life aspects.
Benefits and Dangers: The positives of social media and the risks of addiction and negative online behaviors.
Sleep Impact: How excessive screen time affects teenagers' sleep patterns.
Healthy Online Habits: Strategies for mindfulness, setting personal boundaries online, and effective screen time management.
Information Management: Managing information overload and filtering negative influences.
Recognizing Problematic Use: Identifying signs of unhealthy technology use and its wider impact. This episode is a must-listen for those seeking to understand the complexities of the digital era. It provides a balanced view of how parents, teens, and society at large can navigate this evolving digital landscape together.
Jane Burns and Links from the podcast:
Podcast:
https://www.gettorcht.com/work/life-untangled-podcast-with-jane-burns
Blog
https://lovingangus.wordpress.com/2013/01/14/perserverance/ LinkedIn
linkedin.com/in/janemburns
E-safety website
https://www.esafety.gov.au/report/what-you-can-report-to-esafety?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4e74o4WEgwMVQaVmAh2x6AmOEAAYASAAEgIwF_D_BwE
Reachout
https://au.reachout.com/