LIFE

Morris experts discuss raising kids in digital age

ANGELA SPARANDERA

Correspondent

MORRISTOWN – Child psychologist, media expert, and author, Dr. Yalda Uhls, visited Morristown High School on Oct. 13 as a moderator and panelist on raising kids in the digital age followed by a book signing for her forthcoming book, “Media Moms & Digital Dads.”

Child psychologist Yalda Uhls is moderator during a discussion on raising kids in the digital age on Oct. 13 at Morristown High School.

Sponsored by the Morris Educational Foundation, the discussion also featured Erica Hartman, Supervisor of Technology for the Morris School District, and Dr. Michael Giuliano, child and adolescent psychiatrist at Morristown Medical Center.

More than 180 people attended the event to hear the panel speak.

Uhls began the event with an interactive presentation on her research about digital media and how it impacts the well-being of children today, at home and in school.

Child psychologist Yalda Uhls talks about children and the digital age on Oct. 13 at Morristown High School.

“Let’s teach our children how to use media as a tool, not a treat,” said Uhls. “When we turn their phones or computers into treats, they come to crave it like sugar.”

Uhls expertise with media spans from psychological research to the entertainment industry in Hollywood. As a senior entertainment executive and producer for Sony and MGM Studios for over 15 years, she brings a unique perspective on research and delivering the information to the non-academic population.

In her book, “Media Moms & Digital Dads”, Uhls addresses the significant issue of navigating the digital world as a parent with facts and research, and also from the perspective of a mom of two children right in the middle of the digital age, 16 (daughter) and 13 (son).

“Make an effort to learn how and what they are doing. Tell them your job is not to keep them away from technology but instead keep them safe,” she said.

Uhls stresses to begin the process of media awareness the moment a child is put in front of a screen or handed a device.

“My children sometimes give me a good eye roll when I tell them my rules about social media,” she said, “but they respect them, and it’s never too early to teach them the language of the digital world.”

Parent questions were asked at the event, and written in advance. Concerns such as group chatting, sexting, and privacy were addressed.

“I’m concerned about the safety of the Internet and trying to strike a balance between my kids being prepared technologically and staying safe,” said Nicole Mussner, Morristown resident and mother of 3 boys.

Erica Hartman, left, and Michael Giuliano field questions from the audience during presentation on Oct. 13 at Morristown High School.

All panelists agreed to be transparent when it comes to tracking children on social media. Have access to their passwords and accounts, but don’t undermine their trust by going behind their backs.

“[Group chat] can be one activity for our children," said Giuliano. "They’re expressing who they are and connecting to their friends. The risk is that they only come to experience the virtual world. As a parent, you can encourage them to have other face-to-face activities in addition to their digital ones. Encourage them to join a sport, or band, or be in a play. Don’t forbid them from talking online to their friends.”

Hartman said it’s not a matter of a digital footprint anymore. "It’s a digital tattoo at this point and we all have one. It’s learning how to make you and your children’s tattoo positive. Keep a constant conversation going,” said Hartman.

Uhls stressed certain points from her presentation that parents can put into motion, including:

Role modeling good cell phone use (no cell phones while driving, during dinner, etc.)
Build face-to-face time each day with your children
Help them to think long-term when they are posting
Friend your children on social media, but don’t comment
Try to have all electronic devices outside the bedroom when going to sleep

The night ended with a book signing from Uhls and more questions from parents.

Dr. Yalda Uhls talk to an attendee after a presentation about children and the digital age on Oct. 13 at Morristown High School.

“The compliment of expertise on the panel was extremely helpful. They took a very broad topic and made it accessible to parents,” said Debbie Sontupe, executive director of the Morris Educational Foundation.

The Morris Educational Foundation aims to help the Morris School District through financial support as well as enhance the quality of education through enrichment programs and other projects. To find out about their next event, or for more information, visit www.morrisedfoundation.org.

Uhls is the Director of Creative Community Partnerships for Common Sense Media and works with schools, non-profits, and companies as a speaker and consultant. For more information, visit www.yaldauhls.com.

Share your concerns about Internet safety and children; email EAbreu@GannettNJ.com.

Erica Hartman, left, Michael Giuliano, and child psychologist Yalda Uhls, standing, field questions from the audience during presentation on Oct. 13 at Morristown High School.