Perspectives: Digital Balance

In our latest podcast, we explore one of the defining challenges of modern life: balancing our time online and offline. At the same time, we ask a pressing question for families today, how do we raise children in a digital world that is designed to capture and compete for their attention?Yes, this is a topic that’s being talked about a lot, but it’s clear we still need to speak—and more importantly, listen—more. The struggle is real, and each of us can benefit from being more mindful and curious about how we interact online, and how much of our time it consumes.Joined by digital wellbeing educator Amit Kalley and psychology researcher Alex Sharpe, we examine the forces shaping our relationship with technology, from the rise of doomscrolling to the growing pressures parents face when navigating screens, smartphones, and social media.Alex explains how behaviours like doomscrolling are often driven by uncertainty, anxiety, and our natural negativity bias, while Amit highlights the realities families face when children are handed access to vast digital ecosystems without adequate safeguards or guidance.Together, we discuss the urgent need for greater digital literacy, stronger safeguarding, and open conversations between parents and children about the online world they are growing up in.These conversations are precisely what inspired us to create The Informed Perspective and Tween Talk. Our goal is not to dictate what families should do, but to gather diverse perspectives, explore the evidence, and empower parents to make informed choices that are right for their own families.We also reflect on the importance of creating more “third spaces,” community environments beyond home and school where young people and adults alike can connect, socialise, and spend meaningful time together away from screens.Ultimately achieving digital balance is not simple but it matters for all of us. There are no quick fixes, but mindful choices and family support can make a real difference. Listen In! Get full access to The Informed Perspective at theinformedperspective.substack.com/subscribe