Dog trainer Deirdre Ryan has launched Kids and Clicks, an education campaign so children better understand the dark side of technology.
The mum-of-two had the idea for the initiative after realising the connection between how reward based clicker training works with dogs and the way social media and tech platforms work.
She put together a workshop, called Kids and Clicks, and is now touring schools in Ireland sharing her vital message, which is around being aware of how we can be manipulated by online platforms.
While the last thing young people and teens want is a lecture about screens, Deirdre carefully delivers her message through the eyes of a dog.
And her mission is to ensure that while young people stay connected, they also have an awareness of the darker side of screen use.
In this interview, Deirdre shares the lightbulb moment that started it all, the challenges of parenting in the digital age, and how she’s using her passion for dogs to do something that really matters.
Where did the idea for Kids and Clicks come from?
“It started off being a workshop for dog training, teaching empathy for dogs and for animals, because I’m very keen for children to understand how to behave appropriately around dogs.
“But I’m very passionate about keeping our kids safe online, and I thought, ‘maybe there’s a way to get them interested, teach them a little bit about the science.’
“I didn’t want it to be scary or too complicated, but enough so they can recognise what’s happening to them online.
“I firmly believe there needs to be a bit of a ban on social media and violent games for kids under 16,I don’t think they have the capability to deal with it.
“But until that happens, I hope my workshop can help educate around the dangers, and I’m hoping to reach as many young people as I can at this vulnerable age.”
How do you explain something so big to children?
“We talk about the dopamine hit, how there’s external rewards and internal rewards, and how our bodies are driven to keep seeking those.
“I introduce the concept of jackpots – this unpredictable reward that keeps them coming back.
“We do this through the eyes of the dog by looking at how, if they respond to a cue, they are given a reward. It might be a high value tasty treat, a tickle under the chin, a verbal reward, it varies.
“The key thing is they know that a reward will come from the behaviour. It helps young people see how it works with phones and technology.
“That’s what the tech giants are using. And it’s the same thing slot machines in Las Vegas are based on. It’s powerful. It’s addictive. And our kids don’t stand a chance.”
As a mum, how does this feel for you personally?
“I worry about the next two years. Right now, they’re in fifth class, so they’re not too far down the route of WhatsApp and Snapchat – but I know that pressure’s coming.
“I just bought them their second dumb phone – it’s an old Nokia like we had in the 90s, the opposite of a smart phone.
“They were like, ‘Mum, you hate us!’ But they know, deep down, that I’m doing it because I love them. I think that makes them feel safe, even when they roll their eyes.”
“I’ve had to tell them about times I was catfished or almost blackmailed online. You can’t bury your head in the sand.
“Their brains just aren’t strong enough yet to handle the underhand, crazy stuff that goes on.”
That sounds really tough. What keeps you going with it?
“A lot of that long-lasting satisfaction comes from a little bit of a sense of service. Doing things for other people gives people deep happines. That’s why I’m involved in rescue.
“We’ve had three different foster dogs in the last month and two litters of puppies. We all gel together so much better when there’s a foster dog here. It gives us all a purpose.”
Have you seen kids start to connect the dots during the workshop?
“One of the comments I got was, ‘I didn’t realise I was being used for advertising.’ That really stuck with me.”
“I don’t think it’ll be a lightbulb moment in the classroom. It doesn’t happen that quickly and remember these are things they love or are really excited about.
“It’s like telling a dog who loves chasing their ball that the ball is bad for them – can you imagine trying to do that?
“But maybe in two or three years, when they’re feeling angry and they don’t know why they can’t put their phone down – they’ll remember something I said.”
What kind of reaction have you had from the kids and teachers?
“They really loved the marshmallow exercise! One is the trainer, one is the trainee… and the trainee has to work out what they’re being asked to do using clicker timing and treats.”
“I say, ‘This is your jackpot moment!’ when the trainee finally gets it. That’s how I help them feel that little thrill – and then I explain how tech uses that same system.”
Why do you think dogs have such an important role in this message?
“They teach us to live in the moment. This is the first year I’ve noticed all the different leaves coming in on the trees. I think it’s because I’m finally slowing down.
“Dogs didn’t ask for this explosion of tech and they’re confused, wondering why we’re staring at screens and not giving them attention.
“The poor dogs are sitting in the corner getting fatter and fatter, and we’re on Netflix, or scrolling, and not taking them out.
“We just need to put the phone down and take the dog out. We have that choice.”
Do you think this approach softens the message for kids?
“Exactly. I’m not going in to lecture them about putting their phone down. I’m getting them interested in dogs, and then I twist the message slightly to help them see the link.
“It’s about empowering them – not telling them what to do. They need to learn to recognise what’s happening so they can make better choices themselves.”
And finally, what would success with Kids and Clicks look like for you?
“If I could do a few talks a month, even one a week – that would be brilliant. It would give me a sense of purpose, of making a difference.”
“I might never see the impact… but I know I’ve done a little bit to hopefully get kids on the path to a more fulfilling life.”
Where can we learn more about Kids and Clicks?
“You can check out my Instagram page, which is Kids and Clicks Ireland.
My book Trained Puppies Don’t Bite Children is on Amazon, and I also run an online course called Zen Your Dog, with the first module free.”
Visit Deirdre’s website here: https://drdogcare.ie/
Follow Kids and Clicks on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kids_and_clicks_workshop
Follow her dog training page here: https://www.instagram.com/drdogcare_ireland/
Buy her book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Trained-Puppies-Dont-Bite-Children/dp/191448889X/
Further reading if you enjoyed this post:
Niki French on why it’s ok to ditch the daily dog walk
Zoe Willingham on the importance of putting your dog on a lead
How to find out your dog’s functional character with Heather Stevens
One Response
Deirdre you are a genius – unlocking screen obsessed teenagers is no easy feat! Love the article & your business ethos. I wish more schools would allow dogs in .. my son’s school refused which meant he also refused to attend school. Clicker training for head teachers please 🙏