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Insights from Across the Web
Helping kids thrive and survive in a digital world means looking at the bigger picture. We’ve put together a collection of articles from trusted experts that explore the importance of both face-to-face connection and healthy technology use. These resources dive into why many young people find communication challenging, the value of everyday conversations, and the important discussions families should have before giving children their own devices.
Why Writing by Hand Beats Typing (in 6 Charts)
Edutopia, May, 2026
Typing may be faster, but the research shows that handwriting engages our brains in richer, more meaningful ways.
The Slightly Uncomfortable Conversations That'll Help Your Kids Become Well-Adjusted
HuffPost, April, 2026
"Social skills are built in discomfort. It’s not fun, but that’s how we learn.”
Small talk is good for us. Many underestimate how much we'll enjoy it, study finds.
NBC News, April, 2026
If you’re avoiding small talk or casual chats because you think they’ll be boring, you may be missing out on meaningful connections, new research finds.
The 7 Conversations to Have with Your Kid Before They Get a Device w/ Dr. Jean Twenge
Raising Good Humans Podcast, January, 2026
In this episode, I’m joined by psychologist and author Dr. Jean Twenge to talk about the seven essential conversations to have with kids before they get a device. We break down what kids need to understand about privacy, posting, and why nothing online is ever truly private. We also discuss the tech rules that matter most—like no devices in bedrooms at night—and how to set limits without panic, guilt, or power struggles.
Why Young People Are Struggling to Communicate
TIME, December 2025
We teach communication skills at Stanford University. We’re also parents, coaches, and consultants in Silicon Valley. We’ve been worried about adolescents’ diminishing writing and speaking skills for years. Lately, we have noticed that these skills are eroding at an accelerating rate, month-over-month. Communication skills are essential for creating healthy relationships, maintaining mental health, fostering civic engagement, and building a successful career. And, while teenagers today are the most connected generation in history, they are also the least prepared to communicate with depth, confidence, and empathy.
How Schools Can Teach Students to Manage Their Behavior and Emotions
EducationWeek, January, 2025
Elementary school teachers have noticed that their students do not have the coping strategies to self-regulate, or manage their emotions and behaviors, that previous generations had. More than 8 in 10 public schools say they are seeing stunted behavioral and socioemotional development in their students, which is negatively impacting learning as well as teacher and staff morale. Other contributing factors could include the increase in young people's mental health challenges, as well as the increase in their screen time. To assist, a downloadable tip sheet spells out practical strategies from elementary teachers, principals, counselors, and researchers that schools can put in place to teach students how to better manage their emotions and behaviors.
