Best of the Web: the viral ad helping parents talk to their kids about pornography, and more…

(Barbara Ellen, The Guardian UK)

It’s the ad that’s gone viral, and prompted parents around the world to at least start considering the difficult issue of their children and access to pornography. The ad, from New Zealand’s Keep It Real Online government series, portrays two naked porn actors arriving at the front door. ‘Hiya,’ they greet the shocked mum, ‘your son is watching us online… We usually perform for adults but your son’s just a kid. He might not know how relationships actually work.’ The author urges parents to talk to their children about pornography.

(Cameron Williams, ABC Life)

You’re watching a Toy Story movie with the kids and suddenly, you realise your eyes are leaking. Should you let your child see your emotional side? ‘Generally speaking, we feel happy to have our emotions on show for our kids,’ writes the author.’ But when it comes to crying, like many other parents, there’s a sudden impulse to be stoic.’ The article explores what’s going on, and why it’s okay to let your kids see you shed a tear.

(Fatherly, Patrick A. Coleman)

There’s been plenty of discussion about  toxic masculinity and how we can help boys confidently grow into caring and compassionate men. This article looks at the different ways boys learn to communicate. While girls are encouraged to talk about the emotions, boys are often encouraged to shut them down. This is an informative Q&A with an expert in the field, who suggests that car rides are a great place for big conversations with boys.

(Amy Joyce, The Washington Post)

Before COVID-19, screen time was a hot button issue for families, as parents wrestled with the impact on their children of too much time on devices. The pandemic suddenly changed that, with screens becoming the main connection to learning, and to family and friends. So should you be guilt-wracked as the pre-pandemic rules disappear? This is a sensible look at why these different times call for different approaches, including the opportunity to make screen time more meaningful for families.