Nov 9, 2026 · 5 min listen · Last updated November 9, 2026
From storyflo. This is your daily audio brief. Hi, it's Chloe. November 9th. Ten in parenting — the one that made me re-read the abstract is at the top. Let's get into it. First, from Techno Sapiens. New data: Tech use in tweens and teens.
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Daily Parenting Brief · November 9th
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New data: Tech use in tweens and teens
The latest Common Sense Media Census reveals significant insights into tech use among tweens and teens in the U.S. A survey of over 1,200 young people shows that by age 9, nearly 25% have their own smartphones, and this jumps to 81% by age 14. Despite discussions about delaying smartphone access, the numbers remain steady. Social media use is high, with 50% of tweens and 79% of teens using platforms like TikTok and Instagram daily, although age restrictions seem ineffective.
Interestingly, while kids are spending a lot of time on screens—averaging 5 hours a day for tweens and over 8 hours for teens—many report low enjoyment levels. For instance, 86% of teens use social media, but only 47% enjoy it a lot. This gap raises concerns about whether screen time is replacing valuable activities like in-person socializing or physical exercise.
The data also highlights the growing use of AI, with 84% of teens and 69% of tweens having tried ChatGPT. However, the overall sentiment suggests that many kids feel overwhelmed by their tech use, with nearly half of teens believing they spend too much time on screens. The findings underscore the importance of addressing age restrictions on platforms, as many kids are accessing them despite policies meant to keep them off.
As parents, it can feel daunting to navigate this landscape, but small changes—what some call "micro-interventions"—can help improve your family's relationship with technology.
In 2011, the author visited London for a friend's wedding and spent some time exploring the city. This time around, they skipped the usual tourist attractions like Buckingham Palace and Big Ben, opting instead for a more laid-back experience. Their friend Natalie organized the trip, allowing for plenty of time to wander, which the author enjoys. They stayed in an Airbnb in Mayfair, a quieter area that's still close to the lively West End. Most of their travel was on foot, with just one late-night Uber ride. The post includes photos and videos, a daily itinerary, and a printable PDF for planning a similar trip.
November updates: Here’s what I’ve read, watched, listened to, eaten and spotted...
Tomorrow morning at 7am AEDT, there’s a live conversation about managing screen time at home. If you can’t join, you can send in questions for later. November is feeling hectic in Australia, with the holiday rush and school year wrapping up. There’s a sense of fatigue in the air, and the writer shares feelings of tiredness and melancholy, even shedding tears over small things like a trampled flower.
In brighter news, there’s excitement for upcoming concerts and a recent podcast chat about home and identity. The writer has mixed feelings about recent reads, enjoying some but finding others lacking depth. They’re currently loving “All My Mothers,” which is beautifully poignant.
On the screen front, the final season of “Outlander” brought mixed emotions, while the latest season of “Ted Lasso” didn’t quite hit the mark. However, they found joy in a quirky family film and are enjoying light-hearted podcasts. In the kitchen, they’ve been cooking up delicious recipes like Spanakopita Potatoes and Mujadara, with wraps being a lunchbox favorite for the kids.
The article invites readers to reflect on what kind of permission they might need in their lives at this moment. It encourages a sense of community by suggesting that sharing these thoughts in the comments can foster connection among women. The piece emphasizes the importance of female friendship and support, hinting that sometimes we just need a little nudge to pursue our desires or release ourselves from self-imposed limitations. It’s a gentle reminder that we’re not alone in our struggles and that opening up about our needs can lead to deeper connections. The tone is warm and inviting, making it easy to relate to.
The Buzzy Learning Startup Seeking to Serve Billions
Nir Zicherman, co-founder and CEO of Oboe, recently shared his vision for an AI-driven learning platform aimed at self-directed learners. Oboe has secured $16 million in Series A funding, led by a16z, and aims to fill a gap in the current educational landscape. Despite billions of people using the internet to learn, Zicherman notes that no platform has been designed specifically for teaching. He draws from his own journey as a self-taught programmer, having transitioned from law school to tech, which inspires Oboe’s mission to create personalized learning paths that cater to individual motivations.
Zicherman previously founded Anchor, a podcasting platform that simplified content creation and was later sold to Spotify. His experience highlights the potential for innovation in education, especially as AI continues to evolve. Oboe's goal is to make learning more accessible and tailored to the needs of everyday users, moving away from traditional educational models.
On watching a little girl push her hair out of her face the whole time
The article reflects on a simple yet poignant moment of watching a little girl, around three years old, absorbed in her drawing. Every half minute, she pushes her hair away from her face, a small action that seems to sap her focus and energy. This repetitive gesture highlights how children often struggle with tasks like managing their hair, which can distract them from their interests.
The author suggests that while the girl might protest, it's essential for her mother to help her with her hair to prevent frustration and allow her to fully engage in her activities. The piece encourages readers to consider how small, everyday actions can impact a child's ability to concentrate and enjoy their creative pursuits.
In a broader sense, the author invites readers to apply her insights from decades of experience in family life, emphasizing the importance of practical support in nurturing a child’s interests.