IN THE NEWS
Today’s Top Tech

📱 Holiday Screen Time | A recent Australian study found a 39% increase in screen time over school holidays among 9-10 year olds (ScienceDaily). As families, we know this to be true. Whether you’re setting up a new device or trying to protect your child on an old one, our resources covering time restrictions and more are available 24/7.

⌚️ Apple Watch Blocked | Following a patent dispute over the heart rate detection technology in the newest Apple watches, the company is forced to stop selling their two newest devices after Christmas (Time). If you’re on the market for a new Apple smartwatch, don’t walk, run to the store.

👀 Teens + Tech Addiction | Pew’s 2023 tech numbers are out, and YouTube remains the most popular platform among teens (93% use), followed by TikTok (63%), Snapchat (60%), and Instagram (59%) [Pew]. If you’re trying to understand these platforms, we offer walkthroughs, trend highlights, and parental control tips on each one.

‘TIS THE SEASON
Holiday Break: Ditch the Device?

The holidays are here, and so is the annual battle against the tech trance. And we’re not just talking about our kids... 📺📱🎮

This year, our team is committed: let's break free from (some of) the screen time and enjoy low-tech and high quality family activities.

Here are a few low-cost alternatives to add some flavor to your holiday break:

• Don’t swipe, slide - Before you trash all that cardboard from gifts, put it to good use to go slide down your nearest hill. Snow or not, this one is sure to be memorable.

• Forget Fortnite, have a Nerf war - Do yourself a favor. Go buy one (or more) of these, and treat your family to an unforgettable Nerf war. Pillows, couches, and blankets serve as excellent shields. That’s $5.99 well spent.

• Joystick to Jenga - Gather around a stable table and see who has the steady hand. Jenga never disappoints.

• Trade the Minecraft blocks for gingerbread - Who can build the best gingerbread house? Divide your family into teams and build away.

Now, go spread the holiday cheer, unplugged. You’ve been challenged.

If you snag a picture or video of the family fun, tag us in your unplugged moments on Instagram. We can’t wait to see the memories you’ll make.

GAMING
Breaking Down the Blocky Builders 🕹️

We’re talking about the best-selling video game of all time that’s sold over 238M copies. It’s about time you understand Minecraft a little better.

Our new video series is breaking down this building phenomenon. We’re diving into insider tips on setting up parental restrictions, navigating gameplay, and fostering positive online interactions for your kids.

Whether you're a newbie parent or a teacher seeking an innovative learning tool, this series is your ultimate guide to the Minecraft universe.

Speaking of Minecraft, if your child likes watching gaming creators online, you probably should be aware of this popular category on Twitch.

‘TIS THE SEASON
Last minute gifts? We have you covered.

It’s not too late! 🎁

Our experts have reviewed a wide array of tech products and curated our Holiday Gift Guide for your family. From a phone charging device that encourages your family to unplug to a gaming console built for group play, these devices were designed with families in mind.

TRENDING
2023: A Look Back in Trends (Part 2) 📈

As we flip the calendar to 2024, we’re taking a look back at some of the most-searched trends on Google from 2023.

Instagram Notes Number Trend
“What does o22 mean?”
What is it? In this trend, users add a number code to their Instagram Notes. The code is linked to letters, and users are encouraged to use the not-so-secret code to share their crush’s first initial.

Red Boots Trend
Not the big red dog, the big red boot.
What is it? MSCHF, a brand known for being controversial (and downright strange), somehow managed to make these massive boots cool.

Grimace Shake Trend
McDonald’s does it again.
What is it? Creators taste the shake from McDonald’s Grimace and then find themselves lying on the floor in the next moment. It’s all parody, but poor Grimace - the purple guy did nothing wrong.

Dupe Trend
It’s not a knockoff, it’s a dupe.
What is it? It was first used in reference to more affordably priced, knock off designer items, but now it can describe anything. It’s commonly used as a joke, with people exaggerating (occasionally yelling) the word.

NPC Trend
Think video games but IRL.
What is it? In this trend, creators, most commonly on TikTok live streams, act like video game non-playable characters (NPCs). They’ll repeat the same action and cycle through a few of the same phrases.

Follow Parent ProTech on social media to stay up-to-date on how you can be best positioned to help your family navigate online trends.