Ebony Bagley - Internet Wellness Advocate - Blog

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 ...

Today, let's chat about a topic that's recently made its way into my inbox: How can we make sure teens and tweens are navigate the online world safely without invading their privacy? As an advocate for internet wellness and a parent myself, I understand the importance of striking that delicate balance between protection and privacy. So, grab a cup of tea, and let's dive into some practical tips and tools to help you support your child online and off.  First things first, let's keep those lines of communication wide open. Create a safe space where your teens/tweens feel comfortable discussing their online experiences, questions, and concerns. Regular check-ins over dinner or during a cozy movie night can go a long way in building trust and understanding. Keep your relationship with your child in mind and try to remember when you were a child and how you liked or would have liked to be treated and always keep your child's mental health at the top of mind.  Instead of ...

June is Pride Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, their achievements, and their ongoing fight for equality. As we honor this important month, it is crucial to recognize the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth, especially in the digital age. With the internet serving as both a haven and a potential source of harm, supporting LGBTQ+ youth online is more important than ever. Here are some essential online safety resources and tips for families, educators and caregivers to ensure a safe and supportive digital environment for LGBTQ+ youth. Understanding the Digital Landscape The internet can be a double-edged sword for LGBTQ+ youth. On one hand, it provides access to supportive communities, educational resources, and a sense of belonging. On the other hand, it can expose them to cyberbullying, harassment, predators and harmful content. As parents, educators, chosen family and caregivers, it’s essential to navigate this landscape thoughtfully and proactively. Cre...

If you’ve been following my blog you may know that I live in Michigan with two amazing kids—a 10-year-old girl and a 4-year-old boy. Like many parents, I'm constantly juggling the demands of family life while trying to keep up with the fast-paced world of technology. With our kids spending so much time online, it's more important than ever to understand the challenges they face, especially when it comes to cyberbullying. It’s heartbreaking to think about any child feeling isolated or scared because of cyberbullying. I remember when my daughter came home upset because of a mean comment someone made about her online. It was a wake-up call for our family about the reality of cyberbullying. We had a long talk, and I made sure she knew we were in this together. Since 2016, I have offered presentations, webinars and workshops on internet wellness, safety and security for schools, organizations, workplaces, and families. As someone who was a teacher from 2007 - 2015, I witnessed firs...