As this school year was winding down, thanks to the Tigger Stavola Foundation,  I had the privilege of speaking to the middle school students at Markham Place School in New Jersey about one of the most pressing topics facing today’s youth—growing up in a digital world. We covered a wide range of issues: how screen time affects mental health and sleep, the impact on communication and conflict resolution skills, cyberbullying, online predators, the power of digital advertising and influencers promotion substance use, managing online reputations, and so much more.

But while educating students is essential, lasting change happens when parents are involved too.

If you’re a Markham Place parent, I encourage you to watch the recorded parent version of the presentation if you weren’t able to attend in person to get important digital parenting tips. It offers practical tips and deeper insights into the risks and realities your child is navigating online—often without you even knowing. The recording is available through September 15, 2025 using the passcode provided by the school.

Why is this important? Because consistency matters. When the conversations we start at school are supported at home, kids are more likely to internalize healthy digital habits and feel supported in navigating tough online situations.

Here are just a few topics you’ll learn more about in the parent presentation:

• Signs your child may be struggling with screen-related stress
• What to do if your child is being cyberbullied (or doing the bullying)
• How to start real conversations about digital behavior and privacy
• Tools to set healthy boundaries without constant battles
• Why your child’s “digital footprint” matters more than they realize

In addition to the video, we’ve included some helpful resources and Digital Parenting Tips to give you even more tools to support your child’s digital well-being. These cover parental controls, conversation starters, recommended screen time guidelines, and more.

Let’s work together to build a healthier, more thoughtful digital future for our kids—starting at home.

Watch the presentation below with the code provided by Markham Place School.