Sophia Michaels
Ben and Erin Napier have received criticism from several HGTV fans recently after Erin announced on Instagram that she planned to keep her children off social media until high school, sparking backlash.
Erin first disclosed this decision in May 2023, stating that her children wouldn’t have social media accounts until a later age. Subsequently, she shared about Osprey, a project with her husband Ben, aimed at fostering a community of parents who prefer to raise kids without a strong online presence.
However, this move received backlash with some doubting its practicality and others questioning its implications. Critics argued that restricting social media could hinder the children’s future opportunities, such as earning from online platforms.
Parenting Expert Supports the Napier’s Decision
Dr. Kim Van Dusen, a parenting expert, expressed support for the Napier’s choice to limit their children’s social media use. She cited concerns about internet dangers like cyberbullying and stalking as reasons for backing their decision.
Van Dusen also acknowledged the unfortunate reality of stalking incidents faced by the Napiers previously, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding children online.
Comprehensive Ban on Social Media Could Have Consequences
While supporting the Napier’s stance on social media, Dr. Kim Van Dusen also acknowledged concerns about the relative isolation such a decision might bring to their children compared to their peers, potentially leading to rebellious behavior.
She suggested a more balanced approach involving online access with restrictions and maintaining open communication between teens and parents to navigate potential risks.
