Singer Wahu and businessman Tedd Josiah recently shed light on the constructive influence of social media in shaping parenting experiences and enriching the lives of their children.

The duo spoke at the launch of the Meta Youth Wellbeing campaign in Kenya, addressing crucial aspects such as youth well-being, online safety, navigating parenthood in the digital age, and fostering positive family experiences on Instagram.

During the candid discussion, Wahu, a mother of three, shared insights into how her children leverage online platforms to enhance their lives. Managing the diverse needs of her teenage daughter, a 10-year-old, and a toddler, Wahu emphasized that being digital citizens is a shared aspect that unites her family.

“Even my youngest knows how to say hello on the phone. My older daughters are unfamiliar with the concept of watching programmed content on TV. I regulate their screen time, and we, as parents, are their first teachers,” Wahu highlighted.

Wahu shared a personal anecdote about her daughter's interest in crocheting, which was nurtured through social media, especially on TikTok. She stressed the importance of guiding children on content consumption and promoting a truthful and polite online presence.

“What I say online, I can also say offline. They will watch and learn through what they see,” Wahu added, underscoring the significant influence parents have on their children’s digital behavior.

On the other hand, Tedd Josiah opened up about his social media journey as a single dad, revealing that the tragic loss of his wife inspired him to share his parenting experiences online.

“I began my social media journey after the death of my wife. It was a journey of healing and was very personal—a man trying to think like a woman and become a mum,” Josiah shared.

He highlighted the positive response from other men who appreciated his openness about parenting and challenging societal norms. Josiah stressed the need to shield his daughter from negativity and emphasized the importance of sharing positive stories that inspire dreams and turn them into reality.

The Meta Youth Wellbeing campaign launch provided a platform for these influential figures to advocate for responsible online parenting and underscore the role of social media in shaping positive narratives for the next generation.