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The Adolescent Brain, Neuroplasticity, and Online Interactions

At TDSU we focus on tweens because their highly plastic brains make them uniquely primed to learn the skills they need to be safe, responsible, and eventually independent online. What is neuroplasticity? Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to adapt and change in response to experiences. The adolescent brain is highly plastic, meaning that during …

September 15, 2022

Using Scaffolded Instruction To Help Your Tween Be Safe, Responsible, and Eventually Independent Online

At TDSU we think the best way to support your child’s acquisition of new skills is to scaffold them as they learn. Scaffolded instruction, at its core, is about meeting your child where they are developmentally. What does it mean to scaffold your tween’s learning? Scaffolded instruction is a way of teaching a new …

July 13, 2022

How To Model Safe and Responsible Online Behaviors For Your Tween

Children are influenced by what you do. What is modeling? When we model behaviors for our children we are setting examples for them to follow. We are showing rather than telling. Does your child wear a seatbelt when they get in the car? Research shows that if you are consistent in wearing your seatbelt, your …

May 12, 2022

Helping Your Tween Be Part of a Supportive Online Community

Whether your tween just started texting with friends or they’ve been interacting online for years, you can show them what being part of a supportive online community feels like. While there are many hallmarks of a supportive online community, in this blog we’d like to focus on shared expectations about how to interact. When expectations …

March 14, 2022

Five Ways to Teach Your Tween How to Avoid Being Misunderstood Online

Texts or posts that require tone, context, and knowledge of intention to make sense are what TDSU calls problematic. Online written communication can become problematic in the absence of tone, context, and knowledge of intention because people have to make a host of assumptions about what they are reading or seeing. Words aren’t always enough. …

February 14, 2022

Preparing Your Child to Handle Disturbing, Disparaging, or Dangerous Posts (The 3Ds)

It isn’t enough to just teach your child what the 3Ds are – they also have to know what to do when they encounter one! That’s why we suggest that you create a 3D Reach Out Plan with your child. Why have a Reach Out Plan? Having a plan can reduce stress and make it …

December 14, 2021

Three Steps To Teach Your Tween How To Get Permission Before Posting Photos

Posting Photos without permission can be problematic. Help your tween become safe, responsible, and eventually independent online. Teach them how to get Permission Before Posting with our three easy steps! How do you teach your child to Get Permission Before Posting? Teaching your child to get permission before posting photos is as easy as: Communicate …

November 15, 2021

Why Emotional Regulation Matters When Interacting Online

When your child feels in control of how they respond to strong emotions, they are better able to be thoughtful, intentional, and responsible online. We’ve talked about the six developmental tasks and changes during adolescence which are particularly relevant to the ability to engage responsibly with social media: An increased ability to see things from …

September 14, 2021

Ways to Have a Smarter Conversation With Your Child About Interacting Online

Preparing kids to be responsible and eventually independent online starts with a conversation, but sometimes conversations with tweens can be challenging. Developmentally, tweens are starting to separate and individuate from their parents, so they may be reluctant to share their thoughts and feelings with you. Sometimes shifting the focus away from them will encourage conversation. …

August 16, 2021

Is Your Child Ready To Start Interacting Online?

At TDSU we believe that there are a set of Thumbs Down skills kids can be taught to help them be responsible and eventually independent online. But how do you know when your child is developmentally ready to start practicing these skills? What signposts should you look for to know if your child is ready …

June 15, 2021