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Forbes
2 days ago
- Forbes
Finding Balance: How First Tee Is Using Technology To Build Character On And Off The Course
One of the best things about playing golf is the chance to unplug – to step away from screens and into nature, where players can breathe in fresh air, socialize with peers and get some exercise. But as the sport's popularity grows, many golf courses are operating at or near capacity. Add in factors like weather and transportation, and it becomes clear: green grass golf isn't always within reach, especially for kids. That's why meeting kids on their turf – in schools, online, and at community centers – has long been central to First Tee's approach. It inspired the launch of the First Tee School Program and more recently, the First Tee app. While we believe time spent outdoors is time well spent, we also recognize that kids today need to build strong technology skills and learn how to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. First Tee leaders Ben Jarvis, vice president of strategy and business enablement, and Ryan Graff, vice president of programs, regularly discuss both the opportunities and the challenges technology presents for young people, and for the adults supporting them. What parents should know about kids and apps 'When evaluating apps for your child, start with privacy and data protection,' Ben said. Look for apps with clear, transparent policies that limit data collection. All of this information is available in the app store. To see if an app is age appropriate, Ben recommends reading reviews from trusted sources like Common Sense Media and checking whether it offers parental control options – many kids' apps do. Parents can also research app developers to see if they have a strong track record and good reputation. Furthermore, there's the matter of in-app purchase: 'Check whether the app includes premium features that might lead to unexpected charges,' Ben said. Ultimately, determine whether new apps fit into your family's screen time philosophy. 'Consider whether an app educates, inspires creativity, meaningful connection or develops skills rather than just capturing time and attention,' he said. 'The First Tee app, for example, reinforces life skills and golf concepts through interactive activities.' Building digital skills – and character Technology skills are nonnegotiable, and today's kids need more than just familiarity with devices. 'Digital literacy is the ability to find, evaluate and analyze digital information critically, distinguishing between credible sources and misinformation,' Ben said. Exposing kids to technology in a healthy way can help ensure they understand how to protect personal information and navigate digital spaces safely. Equally important is helping kids develop healthy relationships with tech. 'Families are searching for how to find a balance when it comes to technology,' Ryan said. 'First Tee is impactful because it's more than golf. Kids and teens learn valuable life skills to navigate the course but also other contexts such as school and extracurricular activities. We explore the values that are inherent to the sport, like honesty, good judgment and overcoming challenges – all of which are important in life and online.' In addition, First Tee provides opportunities to help kids build social skills with coaches and their peers within class, so attending First Tee classes can be a support in developing this balance. In a world filled with technology, there are lots of lessons we can learn from golf: According to data from First Tee and The Harris Poll, 85% of parents believe character is a 'lost value' in society, and 93% agree that kids can learn life skills through sports. 'Our coaches are trained not just in golf, but in youth development,' Ryan said. 'That's what makes the experience so impactful.' At First Tee, technology isn't a replacement for these experiences; it's an enhancement. As Ben puts it, 'We're preparing kids for a world full of digital tools. But more importantly, we're helping them develop the character and confidence to use those tools with awareness, purpose and integrity.' Find a First Tee chapter near you.
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Yahoo
Your Kids Are Already Using AI. Here's How to Make It Safe (and Useful)
AI can be used as a creative jumpstart for other activities. Parent's should guide kids through using any AI. Even AI for kids can hallucinate, so it's essential to be is here and parents are facing a challenge—how to keep kids busy. And not just busy, but also mentally stimulated to ward off choruses of "I'm so bored." That's where an app like PinwheelGPT can be really handy to understand. PinwheelGPT is a chat-based AI app that's designed specifically for kids between the ages of 7 and 12. It's tailored to provide safe, age-appropriate conversations and has built-in filters that block mature content. Even better, it has parental controls that all you to see everything your child types in as well as the responses that come back. Yes, even deleted chats. You may not know it, but your child is probably already using AI. According to Analytics Insight, about 10 percent of 5- to 8-year-old children are using it, and that number rises to more than half of all teenagers. A 2024 survey by Pew Research found that the number of kids using ChatGPT for homework assistance doubled from 2023, rising to approximately 26 percent, and Common Sense Media found that about 70 percent of teenagers have used generative AI tools to create music, images, and text. So, if your kids already use AI in some form, tapping into a service like PinwheelGPT could be a good way to help them learn to use it better. The best way to introduce AI during the summer months is through guided, creative exploration. Instead of handing over a phone or tablet and hoping for the best, treat AI like a collaborative learning tool. One thing you can do is ask your child what they're curious about, and let them use PinwheelGPT to explore it. Then talk through what they find. Were the answers helpful? Confusing? Surprising? Also, take some time before the fun begins to agree on a few basic guardrails, like not sharing personal information and double-checking facts with trusted sources. Once the preliminaries are out of the way, that's when you can use PinwheelGPT to kick off screen-free fun: Ask the AI for a silly story idea, then have your child write or illustrate it. Dig into a science subject that interests your child and then try a safe experiment together. Ask Pinwheel to tell you about local bugs or birds, and head outside for a scavenger hunt. You can also use this suggestion if you're traveling to learn more about the area you'll be spending time in. Let your child choose a topic and then ask the chatbot to suggest rainy-day games or quiet-time prompts. With the right limits and a little creativity, AI can become a tool for connection, not distraction. It's a great way to keep kids curious, creative, and thinking critically all summer long. Related: The Surprising Ways AI Is Being Used in Schools Right Now Read the original article on Lifewire
Metro
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
'Outstanding thriller' with Hollywood legend launches on free UK streamer
Is there anything better than a gripping thriller that takes your breath away at every suspenseful turn? In the world of television, I'm not sure there is. And that's probably what executives at ITV are thinking as well after their decision to add Apple TV Plus series Suspicion to their roster. Starring Pulp Fiction icon Uma Thurman, the eight-part series depicts five ordinary Brits who are accused of kidnapping the son of a prominent US media mogul. As twists and turns are revealed throughout, the five embark on a desperate race against time in order to prove their innocence. First released back in 2022, Suspicion has stayed fairly under the radar. But now, as ITV get set to air the first episode tonight at 10pm, fans can expect to stay guessing right until the very end with this show's dramatic plot twists. Writing on Rotten Tomatoes, Joly Herman from Common Sense Media said the series is: 'Dark, driving, and addictive, this thriller casts a keen eye on modern-day surveillance and social media.' Brad Newsome, from the Sydney Morning Herald, wrote: 'The pace remains quick but the action remains coherent… Quickly engrossing.' In a Google review, viewer David Samuel said: 'Brilliant series. Yes it's complicated at times, but that's the point, it's meant to be. It's a nice change not to be spoon-fed the plot but actually have to use your brain.' Ric Souza, also writing on Google, added: 'This was an outstanding suspense thriller with a superb cast. If you like your stories simple, with a tidy ending, Suspicion may not be for you. 'It is a master mystery thriller that leaves you with several final Suspicions as to who the true mastermind(s) are.' However, it appears not all fans were as pleased with the direction the show took. In fact, many have expressed their disappointment in how it tailed off towards the end of the season. Writing on Google reviews, Gillian Salmon said: 'Pros are this is well paced, suspenseful and initially seemed to build up to a solid thriller. 'The cast play their roles well, even the blissfully naïve and annoying ones. But the moments of promise fail to launch to a believable and satisfying conclusion.' More Trending Seth, also writing on Google, said: 'The setup in the first couple of episodes was intriguing and got me hooked. Unfortunately, it takes a steep decline and by the time we get to the last episode, it's turned into complete garbage.' Meanwhile, another critic on Rotten Tomatoes, Dustin Rowles, said: 'There's not enough substance or character development here to hold our attention beyond the time it takes to click 'NEXT'.' This article was originally published on May 22. View More » The first episode of Suspicion will be available to watch tonight at 10pm on ITV. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Crime drama with 'one of the best twists of all time' finally available on Netflix MORE: Steven Spielberg thought he had 'a heart attack' on harrowing 70s blockbuster set MORE: Escape this weekend's heatwave to binge all 8 episodes of 'tear-jerking' Amazon Prime thriller
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Gen Alpha Is Different in So Many Ways, Including Their ‘Awkward Phase'—Here's Why
Fact checked by Sarah Scott If you've scrolled through recent end-of-school-year photos or passed a group of sephora tweens at the mall, you might notice something different about today's kids. Generation Alpha seems to be more polished, stylish, and mature than many of us were at their age. This is leading many parents to wonder if Generation Alpha is bypassing the "awkward phase.' TikTokers have been sharing their thoughts on this observation, with one saying Gen Alpha immediately gets to their 'glow-up stage' and another saying they are growing up way too fast. Is Generation Alpha really skipping the 'awkward phase?' The answer is more complicated than yes or no. While many tweens may look different on the outside, experts say the 'awkward phase' has not disappeared. It is simply taking new forms. The 'awkward phase' usually refers to the tween years, roughly ages 9 to 12, when kids physically, socially, and emotionally begin shifting into adolescence. It's a time of experimentation, often shown in bold fashion choices, offbeat interests, and social discomfort. In past decades, this stage was easy to spot: clashing colors, poor makeup attempts, and wardrobes inspired by favorite TV stars. But those outward signs only told part of the story. The 'awkward phase' has never been just about appearance. It's about identity-building, boundary-testing, and emotional growth. That hasn't changed for Generation Alpha. 'I don't think the 'awkward phase' has disappeared—it's just evolved,' explains Jessica Hill, founder of The Parent Collective, a platform supporting expectant and new parents."The awkwardness hasn't gone away; it's just being masked or reframed to fit into a highly-curated digital culture."Today's tweens are growing up in a world shaped less by cable TV and more by short-form videos, Instagram aesthetics, and influencer culture. Instead of idolizing sitcom trendsetters, many emulate lifestyle creators who promote capsule wardrobes, skincare routines, and age-appropriate yet refined looks. It may seem like today's children dress like young adults, but they are simply responding to their environment, just like every generation before them. Unsurprisingly, social media is playing a massive role. Most platforms require users to be at least 13, but research shows that 38% of kids 8 to 12 years old use social media, according to Common Sense Media. 'What kids see online—the styles, the humor, the ways of presenting yourself—bleeds into real life,' says Hill. 'The awkwardness hasn't gone away; it's just being masked or reframed to fit into a highly-curated digital culture.' That's true even for tweens who aren't actively posting or scrolling on social media; they are still absorbing norms through peers. But while signs of awkwardness may look different, the core experiences of middle childhood remain. Kids today are still figuring out who they are, navigating hormones, trying to fit in with peers, and managing friendships and emotions. Their inner worlds are just as complex as before. The difference is in how they express it. Rather than layering rainbow socks over leggings, a tween might pour creativity into editing videos or organizing Pinterest boards. As Hill puts it, 'Social media has dramatically shifted how kids form and express identity—and it's complicated.' It's natural for parents to feel uneasy as childhood seems to shift rapidly. The 'mini adult' look can create the impression that kids are maturing too fast or like innocence is fading. There's also concern that kids are becoming self-conscious earlier, pressured to present a polished image both on and offline. Social media doesn't just amplify comparison—it can rewire how kids relate to themselves and others. 'Modern-day tweens appear to be 'growing up faster,' as they are privy to more information than ever before and spend more time immersed in goal-oriented activities to hone singular areas of expertise at increasingly early ages,' says Debbie Raphael, MD, a double board-certified parent and child psychiatrist. This type of development and over-reliance on digital activities may come at a cost. 'Fast tracking the journey of middle childhood may lead tweens to forgo opportunities for mastering developmental tasks that, although difficult, are crucial to social functioning and future healthy relationships,' says Dr. Raphael. Instead of mourning the changes, focus on what tweens need most: space to grow, freedom to be imperfect, and reassurance that it's OK to not have all the answers. Celebrate a changing awkwardness. Tweens today still face complex emotions and uncertain friendships. Be present, laugh, and let them embrace their awkward moments. Make sure to check in with your tween and get to know their world by asking open-ended questions. Encourage creative outlets. Offer kids safe spaces for expression, such as art classes, digital storytelling, journaling, or DIY projects. Let them decorate their rooms or explore hobbies to support identity development. Use screens to bond. Try watching their favorite shows, following them on Instagram, or talking openly about what they're seeing online. 'Prioritizing relational health is paramount,' says Dr. Raphael. 'This means tending to our relationship with our tweens even as they retreat with their devices.' Understand new ways of connecting. Just because tweens spend more time online doesn't mean their friendships lack depth. 'My boys, for example, have vibrant social lives that often play out online,' Hill shares. 'They'll gather on Discord or game together for hours, laughing and talking as they would in person. That felt foreign to me at first but that doesn't make their experiences any less meaningful.' Model realness. Hill emphasizes the value of showing kids it's OK to be imperfect. 'The more we normalize realness at home, the less power the curated world of social media holds over them,' says Hill. Avoid adult assumptions. Dressing maturely doesn't mean a tween wants to grow up faster. Often, they mimic trends without understanding adult meanings. Approach with curiosity, not alarm. Remember, many kids of Generation Alpha may appear more composed, but they are still learning, fumbling, and forming who they are. Read the original article on Parents
Time Magazine
17-06-2025
- Business
- Time Magazine
At TIME100 Talk, Executives Discuss the Power of Digital Inclusivity and Positivity
For most people across the globe, social media is a daily part of life. Billions of people interact with brands, stories, influencers, and other content across various platforms everyday. With the impact that this content carries for consumers, discussing positivity, inclusivity, and the role that brands play is essential. At the Cannes Lions International Festival, TIME CEO Jessica Sibley hosted a roundtable talk with industry leaders to discuss what they are up to in a rapidly changing online environment. The discussions began when CEO Bill Ready of Pinterest—which presented the event—brought up the challenges young people face today, and the importance of cultivating a healthy online platform. He recalls one decision he made to limit access to harmful content for those under 16. 'As a parent, I truly believed I didn't want young people engaging with strangers online,' he said. Ready said that younger users have taken notice of Pinterest's overall approach as a platform where you can 'get away from the toxicity elsewhere.' Others business leaders echoed similar concerns. Jim Steyer, founder and CEO of Common Sense Media, which reviews the safety of social media platforms, said that his biggest worry is that 'we have waited a long time to deal with' the issue and that it's important to young people everywhere. 'The same concerns we have in the U.S. are global,' he adds. Brieane Olson, CEO of retail company PacSun, says that businesses need to learn about the needs and wants of Gen Z users. 'What has surprised me the most is how misunderstood Gen Z has become through the digital lens,' she said. 'As adults in the room,' added Sadé Mohammed, the Chief Impact and Marketing Officer at TIME, 'there's a feeling of not being included in real life. I think about what we can do to facilitate that community in person instead.' Some executives also highlighted the needs of specific younger audiences. Laurie Lam, Chief Brand Officer at e.l.f. Beauty, a cosmetics firm in California, said more companies need to focus on making young women feel seen and heard. 'As a mom to two girls, our ethos is so rooted in lifting [up] others,' she said. For her part, Ndidi Oteh, incoming CEO of Accenture Song, a creative agency, raised the question of brand accountability. 'It's a reoccurring theme, how do you hold your influencers accountable, how do you make sure that you act with responsibility … to make sure that we're actually moving towards a more positive world.' Industry leaders at the roundtable in Cannes also shed light on their own personal challenges. Erin Andrews, a sports broadcaster and co-founder of women's apparel company WEAR, revealed her experiences in the spotlight. Over time, she said, she found herself more open about her private life, including her treatment for cervical cancer. "It was really difficult," she said. Andrews continues to stay motivated about getting female fans to attend games. 'It brings tears to my eyes when dad's come up to me and say 'I want my daughter to do what you do',' she said. Other attendees of the rountable included Aki Mandhar, CEO of Chelsea Women FC; Lisa McKnight, Chief Brand Officer and Executive Vice President at Mattel; Jimmy Smith, CEO & Chief Creative Officer at Amusement Park Entertainment; Casper Lee, Chief Vision Officer at Creator Ventures; Alexis Ohanian, Founder of Seven Seven Six and Athlos; Rachel Delphin, Chief Marketing Officer of Twitch; Carla Hassan, Chief Marketing Officer at JP Morgan Chase; Andréa Mallard, Global Chief Marketing Officer at Pinterest; and Renata Ferraiolo, CEO of SC Johnson Lifestyle Brands and Blakely Thornton, Culture Critic and Podcast Host.
