Digital Media Wellness for Kids & Teens: An interview with Julia Storm

How many times have you found yourself in a tech hole where you’ve been scrolling for what feels like an eternity yet you still can’t switch off the device? After you feel groggy and unmotivated to do anything. If it happens to us… then surely that same feeling happens to our kids and some of them don’t have the skill to recognize what’s going on. This episode is all about keeping children safe online, teaching them to look after their mind and body to use tech in a useful way without damaging their health. My guest Julia Storm is a Los Angeles-based Digital Media Wellness Specialist, the perfect person to talk to on this subject! Let’s dive in…The topics we cover in this episode are:Do kids really want to talk about their life online?How should parents deal with screen time?How the way we interact with technology changes throughout our livesHow to talk to your child to ensure their online safetyHaving a curious attitude about your child’s online habitsMind / body awareness around screen useHow can we support our kids with learning on tech in schools?Phones in schools - a good or bad idea?And remember, do not forget about yourself, take a few minutes for you and have a little fun!—About The Guest - Julia StormJulia Storm is a Los Angeles-based Digital Media Wellness Specialist. She is an educator, writer, public speaker and the founder of ReConnect, a whole child and whole family approach to preparing kids for life in the Digital Age. Prior to launching ReConnect, Julia served as Director of Production for the award winning children’s media production company, The Mother Company. During her tenure at The Mother Company Julia produced children's media content for Netflix, Amazon, iTunes and PBS in partnership with the top child development specialists in the country. Since the founding of ReConnect, Julia has become a highly sought after go-to source for parents, schools, community organizations, corporate and non-profit companies who want to help their children understand, navigate, and thrive in the digital world. Julia is also a consultant on tech and parenting for the KTLA Morning News and has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, Parent Magazine, LA Parent, Wired, OnAir among others. Julia received her BA from Princeton University and earned a Masters from UCLA's School of Film, Television, and Digital Media. When she's not working, Julia spends most of her time keeping up with her two very active and beautiful sons. Website - www.reconnect-families.comInstagram - @reconnect4uTaming Tech: Online Class For Parents - This Foundational class teaches parents of kids age 5-12 everything they need to know to tame screen time drama and start kids on the road to a balanced relationship with technology.https://www.reconnect-academy.net/taming-tech-courseResources mentioned in the podcast:The Power of Play: learning what comes naturally by David Elkind, Ph.D.Chapter 3 - Screen Play & Iconic LiteracyAbout The Host - Janine HalloranJanine Halloran is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur and a mom. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Janine has been working primarily with children, adolescents, and their families for over 20 years. She is the Founder of 'Coping Skills for Kids', where she creates products and resources to help kids learn to cope with their feelings in safe and healthy ways. Janine also founded 'Encourage Play’ which dedicated to helping kids learn and practice social skills in the most natural way - through play! If you're interested in learning more about how to teach kids coping skills, download your free Coping Skills Toolkit:https://copingskillsforkids.com/newsletterThe Coping Skills Hub has everything you need to teach kids coping skills, learn more at https://copingskillsforkids.com/hubIf you'd like to purchase Janine's products, including the Coping Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Skills for Teens Workbook, Social Skills for Kids Workbook, Coping Cue Cards, and more, visit https://store.copingskillsforkids.com or https://amazon.com/copingskillsforkidsConnect with Janine on Social Media Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janinehalloranlmhcInstagram @janine_halloran and @copingskillsforkidsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JanineHalloranLMHCPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/encourageplay/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janine-halloran-43787b7b/