The Tech Shock podcast – Digital parenting and monitoring technology

“Some of the young people didn’t even know these technologies were put in place [...] that creates feelings of confusion, insecurity, the feeling of being watched – and I think that is an issue, of rights and what that does to a relationship.” 

The use of technology to assist with parenting is increasingly becoming a norm. The explanation for this is easy to understand: parents want to know where their children are offline, what they’re doing (or seeing) when online, and ultimately, that they’re safe. 

However digital parenting (particularly when it involves monitoring technology) can have a negative impact on wellbeing and family dynamics. It can also raise questions around a child’s right to privacy. 

The University of Oxford’s Ekaterina Hertog and Jun Zhao, and Netta Weinstein from the University of Reading are co-authors on a recent paper exploring the phenomena of ‘data-driven parenting’. In this episode, they join Vicki to discuss the topic as well as some related issues and concerns. 

You can listen to the episode in full, here.