Um, our next question: How do I know what apps and stuff on the internet are okay for my 14-year-old?
Close your eyes and throw a dart. Um, just kidding. That's a really good question.
I think more important is to learn about the app yourself. If you've got questions, you know—what does the app do? Have your child show you how they use the app, right? If you've got a 14-year-old, say, "Tell me about this app. How does it work? What does it do? Where do you get information from? Who are these people?"
So, being educated—your child probably knows more about the app than you do. Let them teach you how the app works and how people are communicating.
And then if it's something that you're anxious or nervous about because it feels like it's pushing some boundaries or some of the information they're getting might be questionable, then have an open conversation. You know, "Let's talk about the benefits of this app. How it helps, what its purpose is." And let's just be open about whether it fits into your life and a healthy life—an emotionally healthy life.
The distractions—sometimes apps are entertaining. But some apps are not only entertaining; they push boundaries. "Why don’t you do this?" or "Join this." They're kind of designed to suck us in and take our energy. That’s just the reality.
In fact, in the book Digital Minimalism, Cal Newport talks about how a designer of one of the more common apps would not let his children use their app because he knew it was designed to keep children coming back to it.
Okay—if it’s not good for the goose...
