Bring back AOL dial-up
A new study from the National Bureau of Economic Research links the rapid spread of broadband in the 2010s to declines in teen mental health. As high-speed internet expanded from roughly 70% to 90% of U.S. counties, teens spent more and more time online.

Those logging five or more hours daily were 68% more likely to consider suicide and 64% more likely to attempt it. Girls reported more cyberbullying and body image concerns, while boys reported less sleep.

Social media networks are beginning to take notice, albeit a little late. Instagram just announced that they're expanding parental supervision tools, alerting parents if teens repeatedly search for suicide or self-harm content.

The update will be immediately accessible to parents in the U.S., U.K., Australia, and Canada, and will eventually roll out worldwide.

Instead of linking to tips on how to limit screen time, which we've done in the past, we're going to suggest reading The Anxious Generation. It'll likely change how you parent.

⚠️ Um, is my toddler supposed to be upside down?
Think your child’s car seat is installed correctly? It might not be. According to 2025 data from the National Digital Car Seat Check Form, 74% of nearly 60,000 inspected seats weren’t used as intended. That's not a good number. The three most common mistakes? Loose or improperly locked seat belts, misadjusted harness straps, and skipped tethers for forward-facing seats. Read all about it here, with instructional GIFs included!

📊 Pinterest releases first-ever Parenting Trend Report
Pinterest collected all your data and made a whole report about it. According to the site, they've seen a shift toward “screen-smart” childhoods. More than half of parents on the platform say they’d support screen time limits, and searches reflect that: “screen free activities” and “family traditions ideas” are up 200% year over year, while “no phone summer” has jumped 340%. Interest in “educational activities for kids” is up 280%, with parents seeking hands-on, outdoor, and routine-based learning ideas that extend beyond the classroom. See more of the trending searches here.

👼 Is your baby Gerber material?
Gerber's 2026 Photo Search is officially open, celebrating not just babies but the parents behind the messy, magical everyday moments. Families have the chance to be named the 2026 Gerber Baby, winning $50,000 for babies up to age 3, and a new $10,000 prize category has been added for kids ages 3 to 5-years old.

⛸️ Gold medalist Alysa Liu has some strong parenting advice
Don't trust us? Maybe you'll listen to a gold medalist. Liu explains why forcing your kids to play sports is a very bad idea. 

🐍 Babies love snakes
Ever heard of the "baby + snake experiment"? Apparently, some people tossed a bunch of snakes in a room full of babies, and the results were, uh, surprising. Watch the video here.

Last week, we asked you if you had ever taken your kid out of school for a family trip, and nearly 60% of you said, "Not yet, but not against it," while around 30% said, "Yes!"