Connected & Courageous: The Art and Science of Showing Up For Kids in the Digital Age

Season 1 Wrap-Up

What if the key to navigating teens and technology isn’t in having all the answers but in asking the right questions? In this season finale of Connected & Courageous: Tech & Teens, host Erin unpacks the biggest takeaways from this mini-series. From cyberbullying to online creativity, what are the consistent threads that experts keep pointing to? Tune in for a reflection on the guideposts that matter most when the digital landscape feels overwhelming. Plus, Erin shares a powerful invitation: one simple step you can take today to connect with the young people in your life. Don’t miss this wrap-up!

Erin Reads: To Gift Tech or Not to Gift Tech?

Parents often ask whether or not gifting technology is the “right thing to do.” But instead of asking questions about “right or wrong” or “good or bad,” research indicates that the when, why, what, and with whom of technology is just as important as the mere presence or absence of a new device or game. In this episode, Erin reads an article that explores: * Pausing to reflect on the purpose of tech gifts. * Essential questions to ask about tech gifts before buying them. * How to wrap up your tech gifts with intention and care. Follow us on Instagram @SparkandStitch [https://www.instagram.com/sparkandstitch/], on Facebook @SparkandStitchInstitute [https://www.facebook.com/SparkandStitchInstitute/], and LinkedIn @erin-walsh-spark-and-stitch [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-walsh-spark-and-stitch/]. Resources discussed in this episode can be found here: sparkandstitchinstitute.com/podcast [http://sparkandstitchinstitute.com/podcast] Connected & Courageous is a podcast of Spark & Stitch Institute with production support from Beth K. Gibbs at Lift Podcasting [https://www.liftpodcasting.com].

On Showing Up For Kids Across the Spectrums with Dr. Meryl Alper

Research on the “average teen” doesn’t always capture the complex realities of our own kids. This is certainly true when it comes to the often-misunderstood tech practices of teens with autism. As you will hear in this episode, Dr. Meryl Alper of Northeastern University imagines a future that centers the worldviews, needs, and desires of neurodivergent and disabled youth. Erin talks to Dr. Meryl Alper about: * Why constant coverage of risks ignores the unique benefits that tech can offer autistic youth * Are all youth with autism really “good” at tech? And other harmful tropes to watch out for. * How neurodivergent teens are navigating their identities on TikTok * Specific considerations for parents and educators to keep in mind related to online safety and thriving for neurodivergent kids. Featured Expert: Dr. Meryl Alper - https://merylalper.com/ [https://merylalper.com/]

Erin Reads: Technology Transitions

Few of us experience technology transitions with ease and joy one hundred percent of the time. Handing over a device or wrapping up a gaming session can ignite a range of feelings for young people. This, in turn, can ignite a range of feelings in the adults around them. It doesn’t always go well. In this episode, Erin reads an article that explores: * What is going on inside kids during screen time transitions. * Practical strategies for avoiding power struggles and building skills. Follow us on Instagram @SparkandStitch [https://www.instagram.com/sparkandstitch/], on Facebook @SparkandStitchInstitute [https://www.facebook.com/SparkandStitchInstitute/], and LinkedIn @erin-walsh-spark-and-stitch [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-walsh-spark-and-stitch/]. Resources discussed in this episode can be found here: sparkandstitchinstitute.com/podcast [http://sparkandstitchinstitute.com/podcast] Connected & Courageous is a podcast of Spark & Stitch Institute with production support from Beth K. Gibbs at Lift Podcasting [https://www.liftpodcasting.com].

On Online Racial Discrimination and Mental Health with Dr. Henry Willis

While there are certainly “online only” threats, tech also tends to mirror and magnify offline dynamics we shouldn’t ignore - including racial discrimination. In this episode, researcher and professor Dr. Henry Willis of the University of Maryland shares insights on how online and offline experiences of racism are connected and highlights both the resilience of Black youth and the unique challenges they face in the digital age. Erin talks to Dr. Henry Willis about: * The relationship between online and offline racial discrimination and mental health outcomes for youth * Why resilience is as important to talk about as risk - especially when it comes to Black youth * Why he isn’t interested in doing research that “sits on the shelf” * The importance of positive racial identity for mental health and resilience. Featured Expert: Dr. Henry Willis - https://psyc.umd.edu/facultyprofile/willis/henry [https://psyc.umd.edu/facultyprofile/willis/henry] Follow us on Instagram @SparkandStitch [https://www.instagram.com/sparkandstitch/], on Facebook @SparkandStitchInstitute [https://www.facebook.com/SparkandStitchInstitute/], and LinkedIn @erin-walsh-spark-and-stitch [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-walsh-spark-and-stitch/]. Resources discussed in this episode can be found here: sparkandstitchinstitute.com/podcast [http://sparkandstitchinstitute.com/podcast] Connected & Courageous is a podcast of Spark & Stitch Institute with production support from Beth K. Gibbs at Lift Podcasting [https://www.liftpodcasting.com].