Ebony Bagley - Internet Wellness Advocate - Blog

Lately, I’ve been floored by how desensitized we’ve become to things that used to shock us. Serious topics get treated like punchlines, and instead of focusing on the real issues—like the fact that we have an election coming up in less than 45 days!!! News outlets are busy discussing "freak-offs" like it’s normal conversation. It’s absolutely ridiculous. Where did the professionalism go? As someone who used to work in news, it’s wild to see how much things have changed. TV and social media feel like one big reality show now, and throw AI into the mix, and its hard to tell what’s real anymore. What really gets me is seeing parents and adults on the TikTok dancing alongside their young kids to songs full of cuss words and suggestive lyrics for likes, especially that Bossman DLow one..."SMH!" Or, watching skits and shows that used to be for "adults only" now being reproduced for content and likes by kids.  But then, we turn around and act surprised when these...

Hey friends! It's been a minute since I've had the chance to sit down and blog. Why? Because LIFE this summer has been a whirlwind. Camps, parties, work trips and trying to keep up a social life of my own...it was a lot. And let's be honest, there's still so much I didn't get around to. To top it off, my best friend is getting married in Cartagena, Colombia, and mentally, I'm already there!!! Trying to balance travel plans, family activities, and work...whew! And then came August—what August? I blinked, and we were already back to school. On the bright side, both of my kids are at the same school this year! Kristopher started kindergarten, and Khloe is in 5th grade. New school year, new level of parenting unlocked! With back to school comes a tech reset in the Bagley household. Let me be honest: our summer was all about flex time when it came to screen time. During the day, the kids are mostly offline, working on review activities or playing indoors or outside. ...

It's a new day and in addition to young people using social media platforms at a high rate, senior citizens and older adults are also increasingly finding joy and connection online. My mom, who is in her early seventies, is a perfect example of this exciting shift. She's discovering the many ways the internet can help her stay social, informed and in the know about things to do in our community and beyond. I feel like in many ways access to the internet for her and her peers has benefited their lives tremendously for the better.  Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram enable older adults to stay connected with family and friends, share life updates, and see the lives of those they care about. Whether it's video calls with grandchildren, sharing photos, or even joining group chats, these digital interactions can significantly reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness and prolong life. The internet is filled with information and entertainment, perfect for older ...

Free the News!! In an era where information is power, access to news should be a basic right, not a privilege. As an internet wellness advocate, a mom, and someone who works in communications and PR, I find it absolutely ridiculous that many news sites are hidden behind paywalls. Sites that used to be free now charge for specific articles or access to the whole site. A healthy democracy and an informed society thrives when citizens are informed about current events and issues. However, paywalls create a form of financial gatekeeping, making news a privilege for those who can afford it. Should only those who can afford it be the most informed? This archaic system mirrors historical injustices when based on your race, gender or status in society you were denied the right to read, education and access to information. This legacy of exclusion exacerbates inequality and limits participation in our democracy and important conversations. Now, I'm not talking about cultural and lifestyle p...

Summer vacation is well underway as we make it to June. How are your kids or teens doing with their screen-time? As a mom and an internet wellness advocate, I know firsthand how with more free time, our children inevitably may spend more hours on their devices, exploring the vast digital world. So, how do we ensure they're safe while they're having fun? Here are some tips from my experience and what I've learned along the way. Open Communication First and foremost, keep the lines of communication open. Talk to your kids about what they're doing online. Make it a casual part of your daily conversations, not an interrogation. Ask about the games they play, the friends they chat with, and the videos they watch. This not only keeps you informed but also lets them know you're interested and available to help. Set Boundaries Setting clear boundaries is crucial. Just like you have rules for bedtime and chores, establish rules for screen time. Define how much time they can ...

The recent news on a possible ban on cellphones in New York City public schools has sparked quite the debate among school leaders, parents, and students. As an advocate for internet wellness, I believe it's essential to find a balance that embraces technology's potential while addressing concerns. Instead of imposing a blanket ban, why not explore ways to integrate smartphones and tablets constructively and safely into the classroom environment? These devices, when used appropriately, can be powerful educational tools, enhancing learning experiences and preparing students for a tech-driven world.  As a former teacher, I do believe that cellphones in schools should be reserved for middle-school aged students and up. I feel at this age students may start having more independence and smart devices can keep them safe and the lines of communication open.  But, within schools, I believe we are not utilizing smartphones and devices enough in the classroom or in the right ways. With p...