A teenage girl in a plaid shirt lies on a brown couch, focused on reading from a smartphone.

When AI Feels Like a Friend

How kids become emotionally attached to chatbots, why it happens, and what parents can do about it.

Several light bulbs that are unlit, only one light bulb is one, indicating ideas.

4/30/2026 • 4 min

If Social Media Bans Don't Work, What Does?

If bans aren't the solution, where should we focus instead? This article shows what actually helps protect kids in everyday digital life and what's often missing from the current debate.

Floating 3D blue thumbs-down icons on a light blue background, indicating disapproval or dislike.

Stefanie Parth •

4/23/2026 • 4 min

Why Social Media Bans Fail

Social media bans are meant to protect kids, but a look at Australia shows how easily they can be bypassed in practice. Technical solutions fall short, and many kids continue to use social networks. We take a closer look at why this approach doesn't work.

Stefanie Parth •

Draft • 3 min

Ohana Now Supports Windows

Phones aren't the only screens kids use. With Ohana's new Windows support, you can now manage screen time and protect your kid's online experience across even more devices.

Stefanie Parth •

2/10/2026 • 2 min

Safer Internet Day 2026

February 10 is Safer Internet Day. Once a year, everyone talks about online safety for kids. And then? We've put together resources that help on the other 364 days too.

Young girl focused on a smartphone screen, surrounded by a purple glow, wearing a white jacket.

Stefanie Parth •

12/30/2025 • 6 min

Your Kid's Digital Life in 2026

Kids' digital worlds are changing in lasting ways. We take a closer look at the developments shaping their everyday lives in 2026 - and how parents can stay oriented as things continue to shift.

Woman and girl smiling inside a cozy blanket fort lit by fairy lights, looking at a glowing tablet.

Stefanie Parth •

12/12/2025 • 5 min

Smarter Screen Time Starts This Holiday Break

Holidays bring slower mornings, unplanned afternoons, and plenty of moments where devices fill the silence. Here's how to reset routines, bring back calm, and start the new year with healthier digital habits.

A woman kneels, adjusting a young boy's red backpack in a bright hallway. The boy is wearing a school uniform and smiling.

Stefanie Parth •

9/3/2025 • 5 min

9 Tips to Reset Screen Time for Back to School

Back to school isn't just about new supplies and fresh schedules. It's also the moment to look at digital habits again. Over summer, most kids enjoy more freedom with screens. But as school routines return, it helps to set clear expectations so homework, sleep, and balance don't get lost behind a screen.

Stefanie Parth •

8/6/2025 • 4 min

Feature Spotlight: Advanced Blocking

With Advanced Blocking, Ohana brings even more flexibility to Web Protection. In the new categories Social Media, Video Platforms, and AI Chatbots you can now decide exactly which platforms are allowed, and which aren't.

Father gives son his phone after he had cleaned his room

Stefanie Parth •

4/24/2025 • 7 min

Why Using Screen Time as a Reward Can Backfire

Using screen time as leverage might seem harmless at first. But over time, it can shape how kids view motivation, boundaries, and the role screens play in everyday life. Here's why it matters, and what you can do instead.

Stefanie Parth •

3/7/2025 • 2 min

Invite Friends to Ohana and Get Rewarded!

Discover our "Invite Friends" option – your ticket to enjoying Ohana PLUS benefits for free. Share Ohana with other families while unlocking extra PLUS months for yourself!

Stefanie Parth •

2/7/2025 • 2 min

Safer Internet Day 2025: Together for a Better Internet

The internet has become an essential part of our kids' lives - a space where they learn, play, and connect with others. Safer Internet Day 2025 brings together millions of people worldwide to help create a better digital world for our kids. At Ohana, we're proud to support this important initiative.

Mother and son are sitting on the couch, smiling and snuggling while they look at the smartphone the mother is holding

Stefanie Parth •

1/8/2025 • 4 min

7 Family Tech Tips for the New Year

The new year is the perfect time to press the reset button on your family's digital habits. Creating a healthy relationship with technology doesn't have to be complicated or stressful - sometimes small changes can make the biggest difference. Here are 7 practical tips to help you and your family start the year right!

Smartphone wrapped with a red ribbon, yellow lights in the background

Stefanie Parth •

11/19/2024 • 8 min

A Complete Guide to Giving Your Kid Their First Phone

Getting your kid their first smartphone is a big deal. If you are considering it, you're probably wondering about the pros and cons of your kid having their own phone, whether they are ready for it and how you should go about it. No worries, we've got you covered. Here's our complete guide to walk you through the process so you're well prepared.

Two video console controllers, phone in the background showing start screen of Roblox

Stefanie Parth •

10/18/2024 • 5 min

What Is Roblox and Is It Safe for My Kid?

Roblox is one of the most popular apps among kids and teens. But a recent report reveals: There's cause for concern. Here you'll learn about the dangers lurking behind this platform and how you can protect your kid from them.

Young mother sits on the table with her young son and looks at her smartphone

Stefanie Parth •

8/29/2024 • 5 min

How Your Phone Use Shapes Your Kid

For many parents, smartphones are constant companions - but how does this affect our kids? Discover the surprising impacts your phone use can have on your kid's development and behavior. Learn practical tips for finding a healthy balance between the digital world and family life.

Stefanie Parth •

7/25/2024 • 3 min

Feature Spotlight: Smart App Check

Discover Smart App Check – your go-to feature for creating a safer digital world for your kid. With comprehensive app ratings and a nifty auto-block function, you'll effortlessly keep tabs on the apps on your kid's device.

Four teenagers, two girls and two boys, lean against a wall and all of them are looking at their phones

Stefanie Parth •

6/25/2024 • 4 min

Part 3: A Safe Start on Social Media

Welcome to the grand finale of our "Getting Started with Social Media" series! Are you ready to help your kid take the plunge into the digital adventure? Don't worry, we'll tackle this together!

Teenager with pink glasses takes selfie in front of graffiti sprayed wall

Stefanie Parth •

5/15/2024 • 5 min

Part 2: Is Your Kid Ready for Social Media?

Is my kid ready for social media? This is a question on many parents' minds. In the second part of our "Getting Started with Social Media" series, we look at why the age of 13 is not necessarily relevant, and how you can better assess whether your kid is mature enough for the challenges and opportunities of the digital world.

Teenager sits on her bed and is filming a video for social media on her phone

Stefanie Parth •

4/19/2024 • 4 min

Part 1: What Does Your Kid Know About Social Media?

Is your kid eager to get on social media, but you're not sure if they're ready? Our Getting Started with Social Media series will give you the knowledge you need to prepare your kid for an informed debut in the social media world. In this first part, you'll discover what your kid knows and wants to do on popular platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and others.

Stefanie Parth •

2/22/2024 • 8 min

Snapchat Safety: A Guide for Parents

Snapchat opens up a world of fun and colorful filters for your kid - but is it safe? Join us to discover what else is hidden within this social network, get to know its features, and learn how you can support your kid's digital journey.

Mother and daughter are sitting on the couch, mom is trying to see what her daughter is doing on her smartphone

Stefanie Parth •

1/19/2024 • 5 min

Should Parents Read Their Kids' Messages?

In the maze of parenting, many controversial topics pop up. One of them is whether parents should read their kids' text messages. Is it an intrusion into their privacy or a necessary step for safety?

Older sister shows her little brother something funny on her smartphone

Stefanie Parth •

11/24/2023 • 8 min

10 Best Mobile Games for Kids: Ohana's Top Picks of 2023

Discover this year's highlights in mobile games for kids! Once again, we've searched for apps that are fun, safe, and educational. Our handpicked top 10 guarantee fun and safety for elementary school-aged kids - and peace of mind for parents.

Little girl with glasses scratches her head

Stefanie Parth •

11/9/2023 • 4 min

Understanding the Importance of Boredom

Boredom – for many parents, a sign of emptiness that needs to be quickly filled. But what if these breaks in your kid's everyday life are the key to creativity and self-development? Discover how seemingly empty moments can actually pave the way for growth.

Boy in casual wear standing holding smartphone near digital interface with padlock and binary code with cityscape in background

Stefanie Parth •

10/30/2023 • 1 min

How to Block Websites with Ohana

The digital world is full of opportunities, but not everything is suitable for young eyes. Ohana helps you keep your kid safe on the internet. Discover how you can let your kid enjoy their online journey with peace of mind.