Parenting in the Digital Age

Oakland Family Services’ President and CEO, Jaimie Clayton, recently joined Paul W. Smith on the radio to talk about one of the biggest concerns parents of preteens and teenagers face today: cyberbullying. Online harassment can take a serious toll on a child’s mental health, and while schools can step in, the most important role belongs to parents. As Clayton shared, “Be intrusive. That’s your job as a parent.”

“Be intrusive. That’s your job as a parent.”

Being intrusive doesn’t mean being harsh; it means being aware, engaged, and willing to set limits. Talk openly with your child about what’s happening online, listen without judgment, and encourage them to share. Know their devices, set time boundaries, and don’t be afraid to use parental controls. Remind them to only connect with real-life friends, and help them build digital resilience by showing them how to report or block harmful content and when to involve the school, or even the police.

Equally important, encourage time offline. Friendships, hobbies, and in-person connections keep kids grounded and help balance the pressures of digital life. And as technology evolves, take time to learn alongside your child, showing them you’re in this together.

If you’re struggling to navigate these challenges, Oakland Family Services is here to help. Cyberbullying can affect both your child’s mental well-being and family relationships, but you don’t have to face it alone.

Contact Oakland Family Services today: https://www.oaklandfamilyservices.org/dayone