Amit Singh Kalley is a coach, speaker and trainer at For Working Parents, the business he founded that is dedicated to supporting parents and organisations in navigating the complexities of digital parenting. A former deputy headteacher with a decade of experience in secondary education, Amit now works as a coach, offering training and webinars on digital literacy, online safety, and effective communication for parents. His work aims to empower parents and educators with the tools to support children in an increasingly digital world.
“If we shut down boys’ views without discussion, we risk pushing them further into toxic spaces.”
My journey from education to digital parenting support
I spent ten years in education, working as a deputy headteacher in secondary schools. In April 2022, I left teaching to set up my own business, For Working Parents. My focus is on coaching parents, as well as working with schools and organisations to make them more inclusive for parents. I help them understand all things online and digital, enabling them to keep their children safe.
I run training and webinars on various parental topics, primarily around digital safety and literacy. I guide parents on how to have effective conversations with their children, ensuring they ask the right questions and normalise open dialogue about the online world. Ultimately, if organisations support parents effectively, those parents can show up as their best selves at work.
The biggest challenges children face online
One of the biggest challenges children face today is navigating the online world safely, often without adult support. Adults are more equipped to self-regulate and spot dangers, but children may not have these skills. Key concerns include addiction to games or social media and the rise of cyberbullying. When we were younger, bullying happened at school but stopped when we got home. Now, it continues online, often in a child’s own home.
The real difficulty for parents and educators is upskilling themselves. Understanding the risks of the digital world and staying informed allows parents to have the right conversations with their children and keep them safe. It’s all about awareness and communication.
Addressing online misogyny and the ‘manosphere’
A major online issue right now is the rise of misogyny and toxic masculinity, particularly among young boys. When boys feel isolated — whether due to struggles in relationships, bullying, or other challenges — they often turn to online influencers who appear to speak directly to them. These figures validate their frustrations and, in some cases, fuel resentment towards women.
To combat this, we must include boys and young men in the conversation rather than making it solely about them. If we shut down their views without discussion, we risk pushing them further into those spaces. Instead, we should listen to them, engage in thoughtful critique, and encourage them to question these narratives rather than accepting them at face value.
Spotting signs of digital well-being struggles in children
There are several signs that a child may be struggling with their digital well-being. Some key indicators include:
- Sudden secrecy around device use
- Spending significantly more or less time online
- Avoiding school (potentially due to cyberbullying or online pressures)
- Low self-esteem or increased anxiety
- Fear of missing out (FOMO), feeling they must be online at all times
- Unexplained physical symptoms like eye strain, headaches, fatigue, or lack of sleep
- Use of emojis, acronyms, or hashtags that parents don’t understand
These signs suggest that a conversation needs to happen. It’s essential to approach these discussions with curiosity rather than accusation, ensuring children feel safe to open up.
The periodic table of emojis: A viral resource
The periodic table of sinister emojis was something I created after seeing how certain emojis were used in Adolescence, the Netflix series highlighting issues around online radicalisation. I had already researched these emojis and put together an 11-page document, but I realised people needed a simple, visual way to understand them.
The table categorises emojis linked to different online risks, including grooming, violence, drugs and sexualised behaviours. Importantly, it’s not designed to scare parents — context is crucial. Many of these emojis are used harmlessly, but the resource raises awareness and encourages conversations.
Since I posted it, the response has been overwhelming. It’s been shared globally, with requests from Canada, Singapore, Australia, Thailand, and the UAE. Major UK media outlets, including Mail Online, Yahoo, Cosmopolitan, The Telegraph, and even Merseyside Police, have picked it up. It’s incredible to see how much impact a simple resource can have.
What’s next?
On a personal level, I’m looking forward to spending the summer in Tanzania with my family — my wife’s home country.
Professionally, I’m receiving a growing number of requests from schools, colleges and organisations for training on online safety and digital literacy. I’m excited to continue supporting parents and educators in understanding and decoding the online world.
