Award-winning broadcaster Carol Ofori opens up about the challenges of parenting in a digital-first world, where screen time, social media, and real-world experiences are constantly at odds. As a millennial, Ofori grew up in a time with no internet, then dial-up, and now fibre, all within her lifetime. Her kids, on the other hand, have been born into a world of instant, high-speed connectivity.
According to Ofori, parenting in this environment requires intention and awareness. “It means I have to be very intentional about screen time, about encouraging outdoor play, and about how we parent. It’s not always safe for kids to play outside the way we used to, so we’re constantly navigating a new way of raising children that fits the times we live in,” she says. For more information on the effects of screen time on children, visit the World Health Organization website.
Practical Rules at Home
Ofori is firm on practical rules at home. “My kids are not on social media; they’re still too young. We do, however, have strict screen time rules. There are no screens from Monday to Friday, and access only starts on Friday afternoons. Each child gets a maximum of two hours per day across all devices, which totals about six hours over the weekend. We’re quite firm about this, and we encourage reading, interactive play and spending time outdoors instead.”
Social Media Access
When it comes to social media access, Ofori believes age and maturity are key factors. “Platforms like WhatsApp are also forms of social media. My son turns 11 soon, and while his cousins are on WhatsApp, he’s not on platforms like Facebook, Instagram or TikTok. It really depends on the child and their level of maturity, but personally, I would say 15 and older is more appropriate for full access to platforms like Instagram or TikTok, and even then, with strict boundaries. That includes private accounts, content filtering and monitoring who they engage with.” For guidance on social media safety, see the Wikipedia article on the topic.
Here are some tips for parents to consider when setting screen time rules:
- Set a good example by limiting your own screen time
- Encourage outdoor play and interactive activities
- Monitor your child’s social media activity and set boundaries
- Prioritize ongoing conversations with your child about technology and its effects
Despite the challenges, Ofori’s parenting approach emphasizes intentionality and real-world connection. She encourages reading, outdoor play, and interactive activities, and prioritizes ongoing conversations with her children about technology.
