Guiding my teen during the digital age of influence

Millenial moms beweare: this new generation is facing more challenges in the digital age than we could have ever imagined. With social media platforms, online interactions, and rapidly evolving technology shaping their daily lives, teenage girls are navigating a complex landscape that previous generations never had to face. It's essential to empower and guide them through this digital age to help them develop into strong, confident individuals.

Recently, I was invited to @instagram Screen Smart Series event where I got to learn from an expert panel about setting the right boundaries for my family in an increasingly digital world.

Instagram is rolling out NEW features for Instagram Teen accounts and rolling out Teen accounts to Facebook and Messenger to provide parents more peace of mind when it comes to their teens’ social media use.

Some of these protections include:

⭐️Defaulting teen accounts to PRIVATE

⭐️Restricting DMs to people they follow or have some connection to

⭐️Enacting “Sleep Mode” from 10 PM -7 AM to encourage teens to prioritize rest

⭐️Screen limit reminder to help inhibit mindless scrolling

⭐️Anti bullying detection by activating HIDDEN words

One of the things I'm realzing now that the previous generation may have overlooked is the importance of peer validation. The desire for peer validation doesn't mean you are self conscious, lacking self esteem, or without the influence of adults that prioritize self love. It means you are NORMAL. These girls are constantly inundated with marketing (aimed at millenials with money) that also falls on our generation alpha children. The "peer" influence isn't coming from the girl sitting next to them in homeroom, but its the images they see scrolling on their

IG feed or "fyp". Understanding that times have changed and validating the normal desire for some level of peer validation is going to be essential to navigating the years ahead.

The Digital Playground

Teenage girls today are growing up in a digital playground where social media, influencers, and viral trends dominate the virtual landscape. While these platforms offer avenues for self-expression and connection, they also come with significant risks and pressures. From cyberbullying to unrealistic beauty standards, young girls are often bombarded with messages that can negatively impact their self-esteem and mental well-being.

Empowering Authenticity

Empowering teenage girls in the digital age means encouraging authenticity and self-confidence. It's crucial for them to understand that their worth is not defined by likes or comments on social media. Teaching girls to prioritize real-life connections, practice self-care, and embrace their unique qualities can help them navigate the online world with resilience and grace.

Building Digital Literacy

One of the most valuable skills we can impart to teenage girls today is digital literacy. By teaching them about online safety, privacy settings, and critical thinking when consuming digital content, we equip them to make informed decisions in the vast digital landscape. Encouraging girls to explore coding, technology, and STEM fields can also open up new opportunities and empower them to shape the future.

Guiding Generation Alpha through girlhood in the digital age is a multifaceted journey that requires a combination of support, education, and empowerment. By fostering authenticity, promoting digital literacy, and emphasizing real-world connections, we can help teenage girls navigate the complexities of the online world while staying true to themselves. Let's empower the next generation of young women to thrive in the digital age and beyond.

Remember, being a teenager in today's digital age is a unique experience that requires guidance and understanding. Let's support and empower teenage girls to embrace their individuality and shine brightly in the ever-evolving world of technology and social media.