Did you know that children and teens are constantly being targeted by algorithm-driven advertising online?
From diet culture and beauty products to in-app game incentives and viral trends, these ads are designed to influence behaviour, shape self-image, and create pressure to buy products—often before children develop the critical thinking skills to understand the manipulation.
Social media platforms, video apps, and games collect data about what kids watch, like, and search for. As a result, the content they see becomes highly personalised. This can create unrealistic expectations, anxiety about appearance or popularity, and pressure to spend money, while children believe it is simply entertainment.
What Parents Can Do
- Adjust privacy and ad settings: Most platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube allow you to limit personalised ads or restrict ad tracking. Enable these settings wherever possible.
- Use parental controls: Devices and operating systems such as iOS and Android offer parental controls that help filter content and reduce exposure to targeted advertising.
- Educate children about ads vs content: Teach kids to recognise sponsored posts, influencer promotions, and paid content. Encourage them to question why certain content appears.
- Install ad-blockers: Family-friendly browsers and ad-blocking tools can help reduce tracking and unwanted advertising exposure.
- Limit unnecessary apps: Fewer apps mean less data collection and reduced exposure to targeted advertising.
By combining education with technology tools, parents can empower children to navigate digital spaces safely and critically, without allowing algorithms to influence their self-esteem, behaviour, or spending habits.
AI Awareness for Children
Many children and teens are using AI tools such as chatbots and image generators without fully understanding the risks. Without proper guidance, they may encounter misinformation, unsafe content, or manipulative interactions.
Teaching children how AI works and how to use it responsibly is essential. Parents and caregivers play a key role in helping kids develop critical thinking and safe digital habits.
The Importance of Screen Balance
Technology offers learning and connection, but excessive screen time can affect sleep, mood, focus, and family relationships.
Small daily boundaries create lifelong protection.
One simple step—introducing one hour of screen-free time each day—can help children reconnect with creativity, conversations, calmness, and healthy routines.
Let’s guide our children not just to use technology, but to live beyond it.