In this week’s Plugged In by Wired Parents, we dive deep into the digital world our kids are growing up in; hidden connections, emerging risks and powerful tools parents can use to stay informed and empowered.

We explore whether VR headsets are truly safe for children’s developing minds and bodies and uncover surprising research on how often teens pick up their phones and what that means for their mood and wellbeing. We also look at alarming new findings linking excessive gaming and social media use with increased risk of suicidal thoughts in young people.

Plus, we shine a light on the shadowy world of the dark web, a topic few parents understand but one we need to and introduce a vital new resource to help you have confident, informed conversations if the subject ever arises.

TL;DR: VR’s not all fun, phone checks hit teen moods and gaming and the web’s dark side.

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Summer holiday season is upon us and many of you will be trying to find ways to occupy your children. VR headsets are high on the list for many children these days but how much do we really know about how safe they are and how often they should or shouldn’t be in use.

As virtual reality headsets grow in popularity among kids, a growing body of research is raising key questions about safety. A major 2024 review of 26 studies found limited evidence of harm from short-term VR use, but “limited evidence” doesn’t mean “safe.” It often just means we don’t yet know enough.

Here's what parents need to understand before handing over the headset.

A Stanford study found VR could be used safely in medical settings with strict protocols highlighting that success lies in the setup, not just the tech.

Manufacturer guidelines often suggest age 10+, but experts are more cautious:

Individual factors like eye development, motion sensitivity, and emotional maturity matter just as much as age. For example, most VR headsets are built for adult eye spacing, meaning poor fit can lead to eye strain in children.

The takeaway? VR isn’t inherently unsafe, but it’s not “plug and play” either. Kids need structure, supervision, and regular check-ins—especially as long-term data remains unclear. If you choose to allow VR, treat it like a power tool: potentially useful, but only with training and caution.

➡️ VR is best used as one part of a broader digital literacy strategy, not a substitute for outdoor play, face-to-face interaction, or imaginative real-world experiences.

🔗 Read the full guide

A new study led by psychologist Dr. Jacqueline Nesi offers fresh insight into the relationship between how often teens check their phones and how they feel. Researchers followed 135 teens over two weeks, tracking both their moods and the number of times they picked up their phones each day, an average of 113 pickups, mostly for Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok.

🔑 Key Findings:

🧠 The takeaway? Smartphones can play a role in how teens manage (or avoid) their emotions, but there’s no single story. It depends on the child, their habits, and how they’re using the tech.

➡️ For parents, the message is clear: build emotional regulation skills, foster mindful tech habits, and focus on what kids are doing on their phones—not just how often.
🔗 Source: Techno Sapiens

Nearly 4,300 kids aged 9–10 were followed for six years; 49% showed addictive patterns with phones, 40% with games and 10% with social media. Those in high-risk groups were 2–3x more likely to report suicidal thoughts or behaviour. The key issue wasn’t amount of usage, but emotional reliance impacting sleep, academics, or relationships. Experts suggest parents monitor how kids use devices not just how long.
🔗 Source: Washington Post

For more articles from the week, head over to Wired-Parents.com

The National Crime Agency, in collaboration with The Children's Society and the Marie Collins Foundation, has launched The Dark Web Explained—a new resource designed specifically for parents, carers, and professionals who want to understand what the Dark Web is and how to respond if a young person is accessing it.

The internet has three layers:

Curiosity, peer influence, and exposure to content creators talking about the Dark Web can all drive children and teens to explore it. Some may believe it’s “cool” or edgy, or they might seek anonymity when discussing personal or difficult topics. Others may simply stumble across references online.

Research shows that many adults feel unprepared to discuss the Dark Web—and that uncertainty can prevent essential conversations from happening. This resource arms parents and carers with facts, context, and clear strategies to help them feel confident and equipped to respond without panic.

📥 After watching the film, you can download the fact sheet for further support and practical advice.
🔗 Source: CEOP

✅ Word Your Kid Probably Knows: “Ghosting”
When someone suddenly stops all communication without explanation. It can be hurtful and confusing for kids navigating friendships online.

🔧 Tech Tip for Tired Parents: Turn off notifications
Disable non-essential alerts on phones and apps to reduce distractions and compulsive checking.

📴 Offline Challenge of the Week: Walk & Talk
Go for a walk with your child and ask three open-ended questions. It’s a simple way to deepen connection away from screens.

Nine-year-old Giselle Bazos has invented a clever solution for kids constantly misplacing their retainers: the Retainer Container. Worn like a wristband, it gives kids a safe, portable place to store their retainer during meals, cutting down on costly replacements (which can run up to $600).

Inspired by losing her own retainer, Giselle presented her design at the National Invention Convention. For now, she’s back to being a regular fourth grader but her invention is already making waves in the world of kid-led innovation.

🔗 Read more about Giselle

Know of an amazing child or young adult? We would love to showcase achievements, resilience and integrity, now matter how large or small.

Get in touch and let us know and we’ll mention them in a future edition.

🎢 Legoland opens resort in Shanghai, China

🌞 Suffering a bit of sunburn in the holidays? Five foods that help you heal

🏖️ Dad creates incredible sand sculptures

🧳 Avoid lost luggage with these 7 travel tips

📚 Man finds his wife’s childhood notes in a book in a second hand book store

❓What has cities, but no houses; forests, but no trees; and water, but no fish?

A map.

🦁 You're escaping a labyrinth, and there are three exits. Exit A leads to an inferno. Exit B leads to an assassin. Exit C leads to a lion that hasn't eaten in 3 years. Which exit do you pick? 

Exit C. If a lion hasn't eaten in 3 years, it has definitely starved to death.

What can be driven although it doesn't have wheels, sliced but stays whole?

What letter comes next in the following sequence? D R M F S L T_

Answers next week!

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Our mission at Wired Parents is to help you critically evaluate your children’s digital access with insight, inquiry and options from news and opinions along with tools, tips and strategies. Because they’ll either thank you later, or wish you’d fought harder.