Saturday Mornings: Beyond the Screen: Building Resilient Kids in a Digital Age

As children head back to school, conversations around bullying—both online and offline—have taken on renewed urgency. Saturday Mornings Show” host Glenn van Zutphen and co-host Neil Humphreys welcome Maria Sweeney, Primary Years Principal, and Mark Petterson, Secondary Years Principal at XCL World Academy Singapore, to share practical insights on how families and schools can work together to nurture resilience, empathy, and responsible digital habits in young learners. Against the backdrop of recent incidents and Prime Minister Wong’s National Day Rally call to strengthen online safety, Maria and Mark highlight why anti-bullying strategies must extend beyond regulation. They emphasize cultivating healthy online habits, teaching children not only to avoid risks but to use technology meaningfully. At the same time, they stress the importance of balancing digital engagement with real-world experiences—play, social interaction, and outdoor learning—that build emotional well-being and confidence. The discussion also explores how partnerships between educators, parents, policymakers, and tech platforms are essential to fostering long-term digital citizenship. For adults navigating parenting in the digital age, this episode offers actionable tips and a hopeful vision for raising resilient, compassionate children.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.