Before the break, nearly fifty parents gathered for an eye-opening deep dive into the digital world of our children.
Sarah Gallagher Trombley, founder of Digital Mom Media and a former Snapchat executive, offered a rare “insider’s look” at navigating the complexities of social media and parental controls. As both a tech expert and a fellow mom, Trombley shared practical strategies for managing screen time and keeping the home environment tech-savvy but safe.
One of the most valuable portions of the evening focused on the “digital loopholes” that children may use to circumvent parental controls:
Hidden Portals: Accessing the internet through Siri or links sent via text
Stealth Access: Using web browsers to access apps, or deleting and redownloading apps to hide activity
Texting: Using uncommon communication apps (Google Docs, Spotify, Notes, Calculator Pro+, or Calculator Vault)
Beyond the technical strategies, Trombley left parents with two essential pieces of advice:
Find Your Squad: Connect with other parents to share insights, set consistent boundaries across friend groups, and stay informed.
24-Hour Rule: When a child requests a new game or app, implement a 24-hour research period before making a decision.
By the end of the night, parents walked away with more than just updated settings; they left with the confidence to lead their families through an ever-changing digital landscape.