Dads in the Digital Age: Raising Kids in a World of Wi-Fi, Roblox, and Doomscrolling

Forget rewinding VHS tapes. Today’s dad has to figure out if Roblox counts as “educational,” whether TikTok dances are harmless fun or a black hole, and how to teach his 7-year-old why “liking” doesn’t equal real friendship. Welcome to parenting in the digital jungle — equal parts brilliant and bonkers.

The Double-Edged Screen

Technology isn’t the villain. In fact, it can be a lifesaver.

• Connection: FaceTime lets a dad working offshore in Sabah say goodnight stories from 1,000 km away.

• Learning: Studies show interactive learning apps can boost preschool numeracy and literacy by 20%.

• Play: Let’s be real — sometimes Bluey on Disney+ is the only way dinner gets cooked.

But here’s the flip side:

• Screen Addiction: The WHO warns that kids under 5 should have no more than 1 hour of screen time a day… yet Malaysian data shows many spend up to 4 hours daily.

• Cyberbullying: 1 in 5 Malaysian teens reports being bullied online — and unlike playground bruises, the scars here are invisible.

• Family Drift: Ever tried talking to a child mid-Minecraft? You might as well be whispering to a wall.

Dad Moves That Actually Work

Forget “do as I say.” In the digital age, kids follow your swipes. Here’s how dads can lead without turning into the Wi-Fi police:

1. Model It. If you’re doomscrolling at the dinner table, your kids will too. Want them to unplug? Start by putting your own phone down.

2. Co-Play, Don’t Just Control. Sit with them during a YouTube rabbit hole and ask questions. “What do you like about this channel?” builds critical thinking better than any parental control app.

3. Set Digital Curfews. Tech-free zones (like bedrooms and dinner time) help kids sleep better, eat better, and — surprise — actually talk to you.

4. Stay Curious. Don’t dismiss Roblox, Discord, or TikTok as nonsense. Learn the lingo. If your child knows you “get it,” they’ll trust you more when issues like online predators or bullying come up.

Beyond Firewalls and Filters

Here’s the hard truth: You can’t shield your kids from everything online. The goal isn’t to build walls; it’s to build resilience. Teach them to spot fake news, respect privacy, and recognise when an online space feels toxic. Think less “helicopter dad” and more “Wi-Fi router dad” — guiding the signal, not blocking it.

Tech Is Here to Stay — So Be the Upgrade

Being a dad in the digital era isn’t about saying “no screens.” It’s about raising kids who can handle screens without losing themselves in them. Blend patience with a little old-school dad wisdom (yes, board games still rock), and you’re not just managing screen time — you’re raising kids who thrive both online and offline.

Because at the end of the day, your child doesn’t just need a password manager. They need a dad who shows up, Wi-Fi or not.