What Is Your Digital Parenting Style?

Let’s face it—tech is here to stay, and parenting in the digital age is like navigating uncharted waters. One minute, you're rocking your newborn to sleep; before you know it, the iPad has become their new best friend. How did we get here? After years of talking to parents like you, I’ve learned that no one is fully prepared for the digital adventure.

No Fear; the PTAC is here—to help you navigate all screen stages through a no-judgement community support system, weekly newsletters, and workshops led by experts.

(PS- We fuel movements, not ads! Learn more about our VIP Ambassador program HERE. Refer to earn swag and Majo Ideas screen free kits!)

New World, New Rules

Let’s start with the basics: Digital Parenting Styles. Traditionally, psychologists have identified four main parenting styles—authoritarian, permissive, authoritative, and uninvolved. Each has its own strengths and challenges, but in today’s tech-driven world, these styles need to evolve. After 10 years of research, we’ve adapted these approaches to meet the demands of the digital age, helping parents raise kids in a world dominated by screens and social media.

What Defines a Parenting Style?

Your parenting style might look different online versus offline. Let’s unpack this.

Scroll down to learn more about your style, but here are a few steps you can take right now:

1. Take the parenting style quiz with your partner to ensure you're on the same page.

2. Discover how your online versus offline parenting styles compare.

3. Sign Up for Our Upcoming Events to Connect with Likeminded Parents

✨The Future is BRIGHT and Less Bluelight,✨

Larz and the Founding PTAC

Are You RSVP’d For Our Upcoming Workshops?

If you missed our first PTAC meet-up, don’t worry—we’ve got the highlights for you (you can rewatch it here)

10/16: Join us for "AMA Teen Edition & Research Overview," featuring a teen Q&A and expert insights from Dr. Rachel Hannebutt on digital wellness and how today’s youth navigate the online world.

10/30: Join experts Dr. Raghu Appasani and Larissa May for "No More Screen Scares," an interactive webinar offering insights and strategies to help parents and educators guide youth through managing inappropriate content and online interactions.

🏅📚 Coach

POV: You know the digital world is vast, and you’re committed to guiding your kids through it with balance and care. You believe in setting clear rules while encouraging exploration. Tech is a tool, and just like with anything else, you’re teaching them how to use it responsibly.

What the Science Says: Experts like Jane Nelsen encourage teaching kids self-discipline and problem-solving, which is just as important in the digital world. Coach-style parenting helps guide kids to understand the impact of their online actions and develop smart strategies for handling challenges like cyberbullying or inappropriate content. Based on Albert Bandura’s theory that kids learn by observing, coach-style parents model healthy digital habits, showing kids how to navigate online spaces responsibly and manage their emotions when using technology. This approach helps kids build strong digital skills and emotional awareness online.

You Model: You’re right there with them, showing how to use tech to benefit them. It’s about showing them the ropes, not just telling. AKA: Show Don’t Tell. 

Where You Draw the Line: Safety first, always. You have strict rules about what’s okay and what’s not, especially on school nights. Screen time has its limits.

TLDR: You walk the walk. You don’t just set rules—you show your kids how it’s done.

🌟🛋️ Supporter

POV: You see tech as a natural part of growing up and trust your kids to navigate their digital adventure with independence. You’re all about giving them the freedom to explore and learn while staying nearby to offer support when needed.

What the Science Says: According to the American Psychological Association, children who grow up with permissive guardians tend to be impulsive, rebellious, aggressive, and have challenges with self-reliance and self-control. The supportive parent can be traditionally seen as the ‘permissive parent,’ one of four parenting styles. Permissive parents are generally very responsive and supportive, showing high warmth and affection. Research by Diana Baumrind and others has shown that children of permissive parents often face challenges with self-regulation and authority. Studies have found that these children might have higher levels of impulsivity and poorer academic outcomes than children of authoritative parents.

You Model: You’re laid back about tech. You might not dive in with them, but you can help if they ask.

Where You Draw the Line: You’re chill until there’s a real problem. Then, you step in to make sure they’re safe and sound.

TLDR: You give them space to grow. You’re more about guiding from the sidelines unless you need to jump in.

👮‍♂️⚔️ Protector

POV: You prioritize safety in the digital world, enforcing structure and boundaries to keep your kids secure. You focus on worst-case scenarios to ensure they're protected.

The Risk: Overly strict rules can lead to sneaky behavior if kids feel they can’t be honest.

What the Science Says: Authoritative parenting is known for being effective. It's supportive yet firm, with clear rules and boundaries. Studies show this style fosters emotional well-being and academic success (Steinberg et al., 1992). Authoritative parents enforce guidelines while allowing independence, leading to better psychological adjustment and later social relationships (Darling & Steinberg, 1993).

You Model: You follow the rules strictly, showing them how to set controls and lock things down.

Where You Draw the Line: No exceptions—you monitor everything to ensure they're staying safe.

TLDR: You run a tight ship with safety first, and rules are always enforced.

 📱🦋 Free Spirit

POV: You’re busy, and let’s face it—tech is a handy helper. You believe in giving your kids the space to navigate the digital world on their own terms. You trust that they’ll figure things out with minimal interference, and while you let them explore freely, you’re there to step in when it’s truly needed.

Risk:  Tech is a window into your child’s world. You might miss out on important feelings that they're numbing behind a screen. 

What the Science Says: Children of flexible parents often face difficulties in social relationships and emotional regulation, reflecting the challenges that arise from a lack of parental engagement and guidance.

You Model: You’re not really in the mix. They use their gadgets, and you do your thing.

Where You Draw the Line: You generally don’t unless something big comes up that you can’t ignore.

TLDR: You let tech do the babysitting, but you’re not aware of what’s going on in the online world.