The Share to Build Programme

Episode 17 bites into smart phones, social media and our families digital diets! Dr Kathy Weston. 

In this episode, we sit down with parenting and digital resilience expert Dr. Kathy Weston to explore the challenges and opportunities of raising children in a tech-driven world. From screen time and gaming to smartphones and social media, Dr. Weston shares research-backed advice on how parents can create a healthy digital environment while supporting their child’s well-being.

What We Cover in This Episode:

📱 How to navigate screen time without battles 

🎮 Why gaming isn’t the enemy & how to approach it positively 

📚 The power of reading & offline play in child development up to 10 

📵 Smartphones—when (and if) kids should have them 

😨 Managing parental anxiety about tech use 

⚠️ Social media risks & practical online safety strategies 

💡 How to build digital resilience in kids aged 11-13

Key Takeaways:

✔ Tech isn’t bad—it’s all about balance & boundaries 

✔ Reading is a game-changer for child development 

✔ Smartphones aren’t a must-have for young kids 

✔ Parents should stay informed & involved in digital habits 

✔ Online safety comes from awareness & open conversations