Coming of Age in a Digital World with Devorah Heitner
Sep 15, 2023
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Dr. Devorah Heitner, author of Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World, discusses navigating the challenges of growing up in the digital age. Topics include guiding children's online behavior, preparing them for online dangers, and the detrimental effects of excessive surveillance. She emphasizes the importance of open communication, character development, and supporting kids who are growing up in a digital world.
Open conversations about kids in the digital age are crucial and should involve parents, mentors, and teenagers.
Guiding children in developing character and being good friends online is more important than focusing on external consequences.
Younger generations need guidance in balancing online and offline interactions, and have the potential to shape and improve social media platforms in the future.
Deep dives
The importance of open conversation about kids in the digital age
The podcast episode discusses the importance of having open conversations about kids in the digital age. It emphasizes that this conversation is not only for parents, as children's online activities impact everyone. The speaker, Deborah Heitner, shares her background as a former media studies professor and her experiences teaching young people about social media. She highlights the need to address concerns such as sharing children's photos on social media, privacy, and the long-term consequences of digital footprints.
The challenges of navigating online identities and character
The podcast explores the challenges faced by children in navigating their online identities and maintaining their character. It discusses the delicate balance between sharing personal information online and considering future consequences. The importance of discussing character, alignment with one's values, and the potential for causing harm is emphasized. The speaker suggests moving away from focusing on external consequences and instead having conversations about character and being a good friend.
The impact and role of social media in kids' lives
The podcast discusses the impact and role of social media in the lives of children, comparing Gen Z and Gen Alpha's use of social media with previous generations. It acknowledges that kids today have grown up with social media and may not distinguish between online and offline interactions as much. The speaker emphasizes the need to guide young children in developing in-person social skills and finding a balance between online and offline activities. It also mentions the potential for younger generations to shape and improve social media platforms in the future.
Finding a middle ground in monitoring children's online activities
The podcast advocates for finding a middle ground when it comes to monitoring children's online activities. It cautions against excessive surveillance and invasion of privacy, as it may harm the parent-child relationship and trust. Instead, the speaker suggests having open conversations, offering guidance, and setting boundaries. It encourages watching TV shows or movies together as a way to initiate discussions about online behavior, mental health, substance use, or other relevant topics.
Promoting radical empathy and support for children in the digital age
The podcast episode concludes with a call for radical empathy and support for children in the digital age. It highlights the challenges they face and the scrutiny they experience online. The speaker encourages adults to wrap kids with empathy, offer support, and embrace conversations that help young people stay true to themselves amidst the pressures of sharing and comparison. It emphasizes the long-term impact these conversations will have on shaping the culture and supports the need to have them sooner rather than later.
On today’s episode of Here’s Where It Gets Interesting, Sharon sits down with Dr. Devorah Heitner, author of Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World and Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World. At a time where every minor detail, fleeting thought, and potential misstep can be publicly documented and scrutinized online, how are parents, teenagers, and mentors expected to navigate growing up in the digital age? We all want the “right” answers, and have valid questions such as, when is it ok for a kid to have their own phone? How does one safely help their child navigate texting and social media? And where is the line between allowing someone to make mistakes, learn from them, and move forward, versus having controversial posts haunt them the rest of their lives? Let’s dive in together, with radical empathy, for kids who are growing up in a digital world.
Special thanks to our guest, Devorah Heitner, for joining us today.
