Ep. 212: Is Online ‘Self-Expression’ a Necessary Part of Childhood?

Ep. 212: Is Online ‘Self-Expression’ a Necessary Part of Childhood?

From Brave Parenting by Brave Parenting

February 25, 2026 · 49 min

About this episode

In this episode, Kelly discusses how the concept of self-expression online is being exploited to the detriment of children's childhood.

The freedom of self-expression has become a catch-all justification for everything done online. Why should children be allowed to have social media at a young age? Because they need to express themselves! Mark Zuckerberg even used this justification of ‘self-expression’ under oath in the landmark social media addiction trial. In this episode, Kelly exposes how ‘self-expression’ has been hijacked to exploit children and steal childhood. What was once “play” is now “performance,” and what used to be “creativity” is now “content.” This is a foundational episode that helps parents understand the larger cultural narrative at play. Also, upcoming episodes build on this idea that ‘self-expression’ is a necessary part of childhood. Articles referenced: Different Creative Playgrounds: Use Social Media for Creative Development Kids Mental Health Foundation: Kids and Social Media What kids are actually doing on social media and why that matters How Online Communities Can Help Children The New Era of Self-Expression: How the next generation are tackling social media, creativity, and authenticity Social Media…

People in this episode

Host: Kelly

Topics covered

  • self-expression
  • social media
  • childhood
  • parenting
  • mental health

Keywords

  • social media addiction
  • creativity
  • content creation
  • cultural narrative

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Different Creative Playgrounds: Use Social Media for Creative Development, Managing Media Creating Character, Brave Parenting Merch

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