Johannesburg – As screens become ever-present in everyday life, South African parents are facing a new kind of challenge: raising children in a world where the digital and real collide.
For award-winning broadcaster and mom, Carol Ofori, navigating this space is a constant balancing act, one that requires intention, awareness, and ongoing conversation.
From managing screen time to deciding when children should access social media, Ofori shares her honest perspective on what it really takes to raise kids in a digital-first world.
As a mom and a media personality, how would you describe the reality of raising children in today’s digital-first world?
Raising kids today is exceptionally challenging.
As a millennial, I grew up in a time with no internet, then dial-up, and now fibre, all within my lifetime.
My kids, on the other hand, have been born into a world of instant, high-speed connectivity.
We’re a unique generation because we learned how to play outside and regulate our emotions without screens.
Now, everything is immediate, and devices are constantly in children’s hands, which can easily lead to overexposure and dependency.
It means I have to be very intentional about screen time, about encouraging outdoor play, and about how we parent.
It’s not always safe for kids to play outside the way we used to, so we’re constantly navigating a new way of raising children that fits the times we live in.
What practical rules or boundaries have you put in place at home when it comes to tech and social media?
My kids are not on social media; they’re still too young. We do, however, have strict screen time rules.
There are no screens from Monday to Friday, and access only starts on Friday afternoons.
Each child gets a maximum of two hours per day across all devices, which totals about six hours over the weekend.
We’re quite firm about this, and we encourage reading, interactive play and spending time outdoors instead.
At what age do you think it’s appropriate for children to start engaging with social media or digital platforms and how do you navigate that as a parent?
This is a tough one. I’m only now realising that platforms like WhatsApp are also forms of social media.
My son turns 11 soon, and while his cousins are on WhatsApp, he’s not on platforms like Facebook, Instagram or TikTok.
I think it really depends on the child and their level of maturity, but personally, I would say 15 and older is more appropriate for full access to platforms like Instagram or TikTok, and even then, with strict boundaries.
That includes private accounts, content filtering and monitoring who they engage with.
It’s scary, because that space can be toxic. At some point, though, you have to gradually let go, but with guidance and safeguards in place.
How do you balance protecting your child from the pressures of social media while still allowing them to be part of their generation’s reality?
The balance is the hardest part. It comes down to open and honest conversations.
When issues come up, for example, safety concerns around platforms like Roblox, it’s important to talk to your children about the risks and explain why certain rules are in place.
The more informed they are, the better decisions they can make, especially when you’re not around.
Social media is evolving so quickly, and we’re all still learning. But consistent communication and empowering children to think critically is key.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve personally faced when it comes to screen time and digital exposure, and how do you manage your own habits?
It’s tough because my work is digital.
My kids often laugh at me for always being on my phone, but it’s how I stay relevant and informed in my industry. For me, it comes down to intention.
When we’re on holiday, I try to disconnect and be fully present.
Even during local breaks, like over Easter, I make a conscious effort to put my phone down and spend quality time with my family.
It’s about being aware of the moment you’re in and choosing to be present in it.
What advice would you give to other parents who feel overwhelmed navigating this digital landscape?
Start with yourself. Look at your own screen habits and where you can improve.
It’s very difficult to tell your children to cut down on screen time if you’re constantly on your phone.
Lead by example, that’s the most powerful tool you have.
When you model healthy behaviour, it becomes much easier for your children to follow.
As technology continues to evolve, so too does the role of parents.
For Ofori, the key lies in staying informed, setting clear boundaries, and, above all, remaining intentional.
In a world where screens are unavoidable, raising balanced, aware, and resilient children may be one of the most important challenges modern parents face and one that requires learning, adapting, and growing every step of the way.
