Nicola MacDonald

I was reminded this week how important community really is. I’ve just returned from a monthly women’s circle, and it was exactly what I needed. There was tea. There was warmth. There were stories shared gently, without interruption or distraction. Phones were on silent, tucked away. No one scrolling. No one half-listening. Just presence. And it struck me how rare that feels. I’m going through a particularly tough time right now. I recently received the devastating news that someone I love is...

The debate around banning social media for under 16s is often framed as censorship versus freedom, control versus choice. But for many of us working closely with families, young people, and digital wellbeing — and for those of us raising children ourselves — the issue feels far simpler, and far more human. This isn’t about punishment. It’s about protection . It’s about recognising that powerful tech companies are competing for children’s time and attention at a scale we’ve never seen before —...

How was your summer break? Hope it was wonderful with many opportunities for offline joy. My husband couldn’t take time off work so I had...