Podcasts about bark technologies

A common anxiety I often uncover with my moms is: Now that I know what I know about the dangers of tech… it just feels too late to change things with my kids. Maybe you read the NYT best seller, Anxious Generation, and… let's just say, you're feeling VERY. FLIPPIN'. ANXIOUS. You're beginning to understand why your kids act like raccoons on meth when it comes to screens - (ipad, phone, tv, video games). You might feel like it's a lost cause and ask: Is it even possible to undo this obsession with all things screens? It can really feel like a no-win situation when the kids have been hooked on the iPad since preschool. “But the games were supposed to be educational!” Sigh. We didn't know what we didn't know…yet. None of us did. Or at least most of us didn't. Plus, let's be honest - we were tired and stressed and those digital babysitters came in handy. Personally, I often relied on them for my sanity. So what's the solution? This is my main criticism of books like The Anxious Generation. Doctors, scientists and books are good at diagnosing the problem - but it leaves us parents with the problem of: Now what?!The great news is you don't have to do it all by yourself. This week I'm talking to Titania Jordan, CMO of Bark Technologies and author of Parental Control: A Guide to Raising Balanced Kids in the Digital Age. We break down the “now what” strategies and resources to roll this toxic pattern back. Time's up Silicon Valley: We, the parents, are taking back the power of our kids' developing brains. As always, thanks for listening. Head over to Facebook, where you can join my free group Mastermind Parenting Community. We post tips and tools and do pop-up Live conversations where I do extra teaching and coaching to support you in helping your strong-willed children so that they can FEEL better and DO better. If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it!Get all the links, resources, and transcripts here: https://mastermindparenting.com/podcast-322About Randi RubensteinRandi Rubenstein coaches parents raising strong-willed kids. Randi searched endlessly to find the magical resource that would help her own highly sensitive, strong-willed child. (He's now 27, healthy and happy-ish:). She's been passionate about helping other “cycle-breaker” parents like herself for almost two decades.Randi's Web and Social LinksWebsite: https://mastermindparenting.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermindparentingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mastermind_parenting/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mastermindparenting About Titania Jordan:Titania Jordan is the CMO and Chief Parent Officer of Bark Technologies, an internet safety solution that helps parents and schools keep 7.4 million children safer across social media, smartphones, text messaging, and email. She's also the author of Parental Control: A Guide to Raising Balanced Kids in the Digital Age.Titania's Social LinksFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/titaniajordan/ Instagram:

 The Big Tech Gut Check is a super quick, weekly update on all things social media and Big Tech.Social Media & Big Tech highlights for this week:Parents Who Lost Children to Online Harms Protest Outside Meta NYCMeta Tries to Help Parents Enroll More Teens into Teen AccountsMeta's Digital Companions Will Talk Sex with Users -- Even ChildrenSnapchat Announces Family Safety HubSnapchat Distracts with Support of National Fentanyl Awareness Day[RESEARCH] New Study Shows Teens Admit Social Media is Bad for ThemTrump Signs Executive Order Advancing AI in EducationTake it Down Act Passes House - On President's Desk for SignatureThis episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies.Learn about the Bark PhoneLearn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids  *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFFLearn about the Bark Watch 

What's really going on with Meta and what does it mean for kids? In this episode, Nicki Reisberg sits down with Titania Jordan—chief marketing officer at Bark Technologies—to unpack what the latest headlines actually mean for parents and kids. They dive into the ongoing struggle to keep children safe online, the loopholes predators still exploit, and why Meta's so-called “safety measures” might not be enough. Plus, they break down the growing legal heat Meta's facing and what it could mean for the future of digital child protection. It's a raw, real, and eye-opening conversation you don't want to miss.Interviews mentioned during this episode:Sarah Gardner with Heat InitiativeDavid Erb, Facebook WhistleblowerSarah with Mom UnchartedSam Chapman, dad of Sammy re. Sammy's LawThis episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies:Learn about the Bark PhoneLearn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids  *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFFLearn about the Bark Watch 

We talk with Titania Jordan, CMO of Bark Technologies, IRL Atlanta mom of a teenager, and author of a newly released book, Parental Control: A Guide to Raising Balanced Kids in the Digital Era.  Titania's appeared on many of your fav nat'l media outlets and is at the forefront of kids & internet safety.  Do you know what the #1 app your child shouldn't have is?  Which video games and apps have decent parental controls and which are a joke--and would you know how to know?  If you have a middle schooler, would it surprise you to know sexting is the new first base?  Be intentional and be informed, and don't miss this important conversation! titaniajordan.comChildhood 2.0

In this episode, Titania Jordan dives into her book Parental Control, sharing real-world advice for parents trying to navigate the wild world of raising kids in the digital age. We cover everything from the impact of technology on mental health to building resilience and setting up solid parental controls. Titania breaks down why protecting kids' sleep is a game-changer, how to create safe environments, and the very real dangers lurking online and even in schools. Plus, she shares must-have resources to help parents take charge of their kids' tech use.[Get the Book] Parental ControlThis episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies.Learn about the Bark PhoneLearn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids  *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFFLearn about the Bark Watch  

The Big Tech Gut Check is a super quick, weekly update on all things social media and Big Tech.Social Media & Big Tech highlights for this week:Facebook Whistleblower Releases Tell-All Memoir (and Meta silences her)Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams (a recap)Community Notes on Meta - What to expect[STUDY] Virtal TikTok Videos on ADHD Spread MisinformationState of Massachusetts Sues TikTokFormer NYC Teacher Solicits Sexual Images from Children on SnapchatNYC Man Sexually Assaults 13-year-old He Met on Snapchat[STUDY] Your Brain on AIThis episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies.Learn about the Bark Phone. Learn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids. *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFFLearn about the Bark Watch.

 Kate Doerksen, co-founder of Sage Haven, appears on Scrolling 2 Death to share insights from her research on tech challenges families are facing. After witnessing her family member suffer from a mental health crisis caused by bullying and harmful social media interactions, Kate interviewed hundreds of parents, youth, and child psychologists to try to find a solution to the harms of the current digital landscape.Key themes indicate families struggle with screen addiction and screen-time disputes.  A surprising discovery shows that kids are messaging online as early as second grade. Despite not having a phone, they access YouTube and messages from family tablets and smartwatches. These activities may seem harmless, but parental supervision and guidance is key - especially at a young age.  Kate believes parents need help creating a slow, safe onramp to technology for their children. That's why Kate created Sage Chat, a new app that will give kids a safer way to message and empower parents to take a phased approach to supervising online activity. Tune in to hear more about Kate's research and resources to help parents.This episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies.Learn about the Bark Phone.Learn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids.*Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFFLearn about the Bark Watch.

Nicki Reisberg and Titania Jordan dive into the real impact of technology on parenting and kids' mental health, sharing insight from a recent lecture by Jonathan Haidt they attended in Santa Barbara, CA. They also break down the biggest digital dangers kids face today though Bark's new Annual Report—like exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, and online predators. With so many challenges, parents are left trying to figure out how to make the best tech choices for their kids. This conversation sheds light on safer solutions, including those from Bark Technologies, and encourages parents to take action in protecting their children while promoting healthier digital habits.Bark Annual Report: https://www.bark.us/annual-report-2024/[Book] The Anxious Generation: https://www.theanxiousgeneration.com[Book] Parental Control: https://www.titaniajordan.com/resources/parental-controlThis episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies.  Learn about the Bark Phone Learn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids  *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFF Learn about the Bark Watch 

We asked digital safety advocate Adam Dodge which social media app is safest for kids. Sadly, his answer was none. He goes further to say, “While I can't recommend one, I can recommend the one to stay away from: Snapchat.” Not surprised.  However, an alarming new social trend worries him even more - chatbots.Research shows kids spend more time on Character AI than TikTok. Why? Companion bots, like Character AI, are more addictive than social media because they simulate real human relationships without the potential for conflict. They offer 24/7 validation - a “friend” who is always there to support, entertain and agree with you. It's nice in theory but harmful in practice.Companion bots are poised to have the most disruptive technological impact on healthy relationships and violence prevention. And the Large Language Models (AI) powering them can be unpredictable and misunderstood – even by the data scientists who built them. Tune in as Adam Dodge, Founder of EndTAB, and Nicki of Scrolling 2 Death discuss their research on chatbots and why parents should take an intentional approach to educating themselves and preparing their children for a healthier relationship with social media.Adam is a digital safety advocate, attorney and speaker who believes you do not have to be a tech expert to protect yourself or others in the digital age.  As the founder of EndTAB, he has trained hundreds of organizations to address tech-facilitated abuse and improve the safety and wellbeing of people online. Adam advises the White House Task Force to Address Online Harassment and Abuse, sits on the World Economic Forum's Digital Justice Advisory Committee and is a special advisor to the Coalition Against Stalkerware. His work and expertise has been featured on NBC, CBS and NPR and in Time Magazine, Rolling Stone, the New York Times, Vogue, Wired, GQ and others. This episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies.Learn about the Bark Phone: https://info.bark.us/scrolling2deathbp  Learn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids. https://info.bark.us/scrolling2death_bark *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFFLearn about the Bark Watch: https://barkparentalcontrols.pxf.io/c/5214646/2204011/17000 

In this episode, Scrolling 2 Death host Nicki Reisberg sits down with Titania Jordan to tackle the questions they get most when speaking to youth at schools. Some of the questions may shock you! This casual catch-up covers several topics that parents are worried about including devices at school, Minecraft's educational platform and social media addiction. This episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies. Learn about the Bark Phone Learn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids  *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFF Learn about the Bark Watch 

Are school-issued devices fueling children's screen addiction? The American Academy of Pediatrics sets screen-time standards, and we do our best to limit kids' time on devices, but what is happening in classrooms? Matt Todd, host of The Ranch Podcast, first realized the extent of the problem while volunteering in his son's first-grade classroom. After his son finished an assignment early, he was “rewarded” with free time on his school-issued Chromebook. With internet browsers and YouTube enabled for educational purposes, the options for entertainment are endless – along with the dangers that come with unsupervised browsing. Kids use their school Chromebooks and iPads during passing periods, at lunch, and even at home (after homework is done). Gamified education, once lauded as a solution to make learning more exciting, is actually fueling an addiction to devices and the behavioral problems that accompany it.    Matt has been working with school board officials in Idaho, and he believes they are actively seeking solutions to this growing problem. In this episode, he shares his insights with Nicki of Scrolling 2 Death and explains how raising awareness and educating parents is the best way to make a difference for kids now. This episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies. Learn about the Bark Phone: https://info.bark.us/scrolling2deathbp Learn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids: https://info.bark.us/scrolling2death_bark *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFF Learn about the Bark Watch: https://barkparentalcontrols.pxf.io/c/5214646/2204011/17000 *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFF

The Big Tech Gut Check is a super quick, weekly update on all things social media and Big Tech. Social Media & Big Tech highlights for this week: Research: Youth Anger Linked to Age of Smartphone Access Apple's Parental Controls Fail in New Test Investors Make Offers for TikTok Nigerian Man Extradited in Sextortion Case After Teen Suicide Check back on Fridays for everything that parents need to know about the platforms our children are spending hours on every day. This episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies.  Learn about the Bark Phone. Learn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids. *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFF Learn about the Bark Watch.

Titania Jordan, CMO & Chief Parent Officer Bark.us, joins Megan Lynch regarding security measures for social media, including Tik Tok and the Meta platforms. She also wrote a book, 'Control: A Guide to Raising Balanced Kids in the Digital Era' coming out this spring.

Do you always need to be productive, even when you're not at work? As our families and careers grow, responsibilities pile on while time slips away. It's no wonder that we try to maximize efficiency throughout the day. The smartphone seemed like a great solution, offering convenient ways to tackle our mental to-do lists. Amazon order? Done. Email reply? Sent. We've taken multi-tasking to a new level—but at what cost? Your claimed efficiency is diminishing your presence – especially with the people who matter most. Smartphone devices have trained our brains to always be “on.” A constant barrage of notifications, emails, and texts, along with the urge to check off tasks during our “downtime,” have replaced moments of rest, creativity, and reflection. But how do you define “downtime” now? While your kids are playing on the playground? Shouldn't we prioritize our presence with them—watching our kids play or even joining them—rather than trying to be productive every minute of the day? Listen to a compelling conversation about the pros & cons of ditching the smartphone for a “healthier phone” to create a better balance in life. Clare Morell joins Nicki from Scrolling 2 Death to share her experience trying two popular, alternative phone brands. For a discount on the ⁠Wisephone⁠, use code: CLARE This episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies.  Learn about the Bark Phone: https://info.bark.us/scrolling2deathbp  Learn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids. https://info.bark.us/scrolling2death_bark *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFFLearn about the Bark Watch: https://barkparentalcontrols.pxf.io/c/5214646/2204011/17000 

Today, January 17, 2025, marks a monumental day as the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously upheld the controversial "TikTok divest-or-ban" law. This decision is being hailed as a major victory by advocates for online safety and national security, but it also leaves families, policymakers, and Big Tech wondering—what happens next? In this episode, we dive deep into the implications of this historic ruling. Will President Trump follow through with enforcing the law? What could this mean for your family, your kids, and the broader social media landscape? Plus, we explore why TikTok's user base is migrating en masse to another Chinese-owned app, RedNote, and whether it poses similar concerns. To help us untangle the legal, political, and social ramifications, I'm joined by legislative expert Rick Lane, who has spent years on the frontlines of tech policy. Together, we tackle your burning questions, examine the potential ripple effects for Big Tech, and discuss how families can navigate this rapidly changing digital world. If you're a parent, policymaker, or simply concerned about the future of social media, you won't want to miss this episode. Rick Lane is a tech policy expert, child safety advocate, and the founder and CEO of IGGY Ventures LLC. IGGY advises and invests in companies, projects, and public policy initiatives that can positively impact society. ⁠Connect with Rick on LinkedIn⁠ [RESEARCH] The CCP's Digital Charm Offensive: How TikTok's Search Algorithm and Pro-China Influence Networks Indoctrinate GenZ Users in the United States This episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies. Learn about the Bark Phone Learn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFF Learn about the Bark Watch

In this conversation, Detective Patrick Craven discusses the alarming rise of fentanyl-related deaths among youth. We highlight the role of social media in facilitating drug transactions, the risks associated with experimentation, and the deceptive nature of counterfeit pills.  Patrick emphasizes the importance of parental awareness and education regarding the dangers of drug use in today's digital age. We provide essential guidance for parents on how to communicate the dangers of these substances to their children, the importance of being informed and proactive, and the life-saving potential of Naloxone. About Detective Patrick Craven Detective Patrick Craven is employed by the Placer County Sheriff's Office. Currently, he serves as the lead detective for the Placer Opioid Response Team (PORT), a specialized unit dedicated to addressing opioid-related issues. Before his role in PORT, Detective Craven spent four years as an undercover narcotics officer for the Placer County Special Investigation Unit (PSIU). In 2020, he began investigating fentanyl poisonings and has since been the lead detective on twenty-five cases involving fentanyl deaths. Detective Craven was the lead detective on California's first fentanyl poisoning homicide conviction as well as the state's second fentanyl poisoning homicide conviction by trial. In total, Detective Craven has successfully obtained three fentanyl poisoning homicide convictions and one manslaughter conviction. Detective Craven possesses unparalleled expertise in investigating fentanyl poisoning homicides and is leading the way in this specialized field. This episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies. Learn about the Bark Phone Learn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids  *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFF Learn about the Bark Watch 

The Big Tech Gut Check is a super quick, weekly update on all things social media and Big Tech. Support Victims of the California Fires Support Resources for Victims Social Media & Big Tech highlights for this week: TikTok Harms Children at an Industrial Scale Supreme Court Will Hear TikTok Ban: What to Expect Peer-Reviewed Study: TikTok Brainwashes American Youth Meta's Update on "Fact Checking" AP News; Meta Eliminates Fact-Checking in Latest Bow to Trump Check back on Fridays for everything that parents need to know about the platforms our children are spending hours on every day. This episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies.  Learn about the Bark Phone. Learn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids. *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFF Learn about the Bark Watch.

The Big Tech Gut Check is a super quick, weekly update on all things social media and Big Tech. Social Media & Big Tech highlights for this week: U.S. Judge Upholds California Ban on Addictive Feeds for Minors Florida Social Media Ban on Hold Due To Lawsuit TikTok Internal Reports Show Massive Amount of Harm TikTok 'Divest or Ban' case to be decided Morton woman faces charges after CSAM linked to her Snapchat account Snapchat Predator Facing Charges Involving 15-year-old Girl Meta Adds Thousands of AI Users to Facebook and Instagram Recommended Interviews: Australia's Under-16 Social Media Ban (with Dany Elachi) "An A.I. chatbot killed my son." (with Megan Garcia) "Chatbots told my son to kill me." Are A.I. chatbots out of control (with Tim Estes) A.I.'s Impact on Children (with Dr. Mathilde Cerioli) This episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies.  Learn about the Bark Phone. Learn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids. *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFF Learn about the Bark Watch.

The Big Tech Gut Check is a super quick, weekly update on all things social media and Big Tech. Social Media & Big Tech highlights for this week: Speaker Mike Johnson Appears on Fox to Discuss KOSA Opinion: Donal Trump Must Not Block TikTok Ban TikTok Ban Goes to Supreme Court Pew Research: Teens and Social Media Use CCDH Report: YouTube's Anorexia Algorithm [INTERVIEW] Apple Fails to Protect Children; Facing $1.2B Lawsuit Check back on Fridays for everything that parents need to know about the platforms our children are spending hours on every day. This episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies.  Learn about the Bark Phone. Learn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids. *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFF Learn about the Bark Watch. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scrolling2death/support

In this conversation, I brought in Sarah Gardner of Heat Initiative to discuss a landmark lawsuit against Apple regarding its negligence in protecting children from child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Together we break down the lawsuit and what these failures mean for families. Are Apple devices even safe for kids, in their current form? Many questions are asked and answered in this episode. The lawsuit against Apple was filed on behalf of thousands of survivors of child sexual abuse for knowingly allowing the storage of images and videos documenting their abuse on iCloud and the company's defectively designed products. The lawsuit alleges that Apple has known about this content for years, but has refused to act to detect or remove it, despite developing advanced technology to do so. The images and videos of the plaintiffs' childhood sexual abuse, which have been stored thousands of times, would have been identified and removed had Apple implemented its 2021 “CSAM Detection” technology. However, Apple terminated the program after its announcement. Other leading technology providers have been proactively detecting and reporting illegal child sex abuse images and videos for more than a decade. Apple's belated efforts, and subsequent cancellation, leave it among the very few major platforms that do not engage in proactive detection and removal. Resources: heatinitiative.org Send an email to Apple execs to ask them to protect kids (click Take Action) About Sarah Gardner Sarah Gardner is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Heat Initiative. Prior to launching Heat's campaign to hold Apple accountable, Sarah spent 10 years at Thorn, an organization that builds technology to combat online child sexual abuse, where she was integral to its growth from a small, start-up effort to a multi-million dollar nonprofit. As Vice President of External Affairs, she helped develop a plan to eliminate child sexual abuse material from the internet which spurred a $63M investment in the organization through the TED Audacious Prize. Sarah also worked at Free the Slaves, an organization empowering local organizations to end modern forms of slavery. This episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies.  Learn about the Bark Phone Learn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids  *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFF Learn about the Bark Watch  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scrolling2death/support

The Big Tech Gut Check is a super quick, weekly update on all things social media and Big Tech. Social Media & Big Tech highlights for this week: Lawsuit filed against Google & Character.AI over abusive bots [The Interview] "Chatbots told my son to kill me." [Report] YouTube's Anorexia Algorithm [The Interview] An inside look into the new YouTube Report TikTok asks court to put divest-or-ban law on hold amid Supreme Court appeal TikTok Pays Users to Shop if They Boost App Downloads [The Interview] Project Liberty and Frank McCourts Bid to Buy TikTok Apple Sued for Failing to Remove CSAM Meta Building $10B Data Center in Louisiana Call Speaker Mike Johnson and ask him to pass the Kids Online Safety Act! (202) 225-2777 ⁠Sign this petition to get Character.AI shut down.⁠ Check back on Fridays for everything that parents need to know about the platforms our children are spending hours on every day. This episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies.  Learn about the Bark Phone. Learn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids.  *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFF Learn about the Bark Watch. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scrolling2death/support

In this conversation, Dr. Mathilde Cerioli discusses the implications of AI technology on children's development, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of how AI interacts with young minds. The discussion covers the addictive nature of AI, the importance of face-to-face interactions, and the necessity for collaboration between AI developers and child development experts.  As always, we focus on tangible takeaways for parents which children of all ages; how you can talk to your child about A.I. today and how to protect them from the threats. Resources Mentioned in the Episode Open Letter on A.I. (please sign!) [Research] The Future of Child Development in the A.I. Era A.I. App Reviews by Common Sense Media "An A.I. chatbot killed my son." (with Megan Garcia) About Mathilde Cerioli, Ph.D. Dr. Mathilde Cerioli holds a Master Degree in Master's Degree in Psychology and a Ph.D. in Cognitive Neuroscience. Her work focuses on the intersection of child development and AI technologies, advocating for the development of responsible AI for children. She has lead the research report The Future of Child Development in the AI Era, where she brings a nuanced understanding of how AI impacts young people aged 0 to 25 years. Through her role as Chief Scientist at everyone.AI, a nonprofit dedicated to the ethical development of AI for children, she collaborates with stakeholders from regulators and tech companies to educators and parents, building a consensus on safeguarding children's well-being in digital environments. Her approach is rooted in defining responsible AI practices that align with developmental science while enabling innovation that serves the needs of the next generation. This episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies. Learn about the Bark Phone Learn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids  *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFF Learn about the Bark Watch  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scrolling2death/support

Erin Loechner is a former social media influencer who walked away from a million fans to live a low-tech lifestyle—and is now teaching others how to do the same. I brought in Erin to share her experience and give advice to parents on their choices around tech.  We cover a ton of topics, including; youth mental health, "sharenting," how algorithms work, privacy and data collection, AI tools, video games, the importance of independent play and much more.  Additional Resources: The Opt Out Family Website The Opt Out Family Book Interview: Kids and Screens (with Andrea Brambila) Interview: "An A.I. chatbot killed my son." (with Megan Garcia) This episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies.  Learn about the Bark Phone  Learn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids  *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFF Learn about the Bark Watch --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scrolling2death/support

In this thought-provoking episode of the Fresh Start Family Show, Wendy Snyder sits down with Titania Jordan, a trailblazer in the field of child online safety and the Chief Parent Officer of Bark Technologies. Together, they tackle the tough yet vital topic of how “Disappointing Your Kid Can Save Their Life.” With honesty, warmth, and a shared commitment to empowering parents, Wendy and Titania explore the complexities of raising kids in an increasingly tech-saturated world. This conversation pulls no punches as it dives into the challenges of safeguarding children in the digital age. Titania shares her personal experiences and offers insights into the life-changing tools and solutions developed by Bark Technologies to help parents protect their children online. Wendy and Titania unpack the real-world consequences of unmonitored screen time, including its impact on mental and physical health, while offering practical, compassionate strategies for navigating these modern challenges. Above all, this episode is a call to action for parents to lead with courage, connection, and clarity, creating a safer digital future for their kids. For links & more info about everything discussed in this episode, head to www.freshstartfamilyonline.com/252. And be sure to check us out on YouTube! Grab our signature Firm & Kind Parenting Blueprint just in time for the holidays. Check out all of the kid safe devices we love and current discounts - including Bark! - at https://freshstartfamilyonline.com/kidsafephones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Representative Brandon Guffey shares the tragic story of his son Gavin, who took his life after becoming a victim of sextortion on Instagram. The discussion explores Gavin's life, the impact of online harm, and the urgent need for legislative action to protect children from similar experiences. Rep. Guffey emphasizes the responsibility of big tech companies in safeguarding youth and advocates for more effective measures to combat online exploitation. As always, this episode is jam-packed with advice for parents on how to keep our kids safe online. This episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies. Learn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids: *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFF Check out the Bark Phone Check out the Bark Watch About Rep. Brandon Guffey Brandon Guffey is a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives representing District 48. He began his political career as the York County Councilman and has a strong entrepreneurial background as the former owner of multiple service and retail businesses. His career started in advertising in the early 2000's and has been vocal about the issues we currently face. Currently Mr. Guffey serves as Senior Executive Advisor for Cyber Dive in addition to serving as Director of Less Than 3 (501c3). Representative Guffey became a spokesperson for mental health and online crimes following the loss of his oldest son, Gavin, who took his own life after becoming a victim of sextortion in July 2022. Representative Guffey was elected to the S.C. House of Representatives in November of 2022, in honor of his son and to combat the growing online threat he sponsored and passed “Gavin's Law" (H3583). Gavin's Law stiffens the penalties for sextortion and mandates awareness through school notification, which passed in the S.C Senate the following May and was signed into law in August of 2023. Gavin is the inspiration of the Less Than 3 (

In today's conversation, Sheri Lopez bravely tells her story being trafficked as a young girl. As Sheri says, "We have to talk about this." Sheri was groomed at the age of fifteen by her high school boyfriend's father, trafficked for seven years, and rescued by a woman named Pearl at an apartment mailbox. She is the founder of the nonprofit – ‘Pearl at the Mailbox' and is on a mission to educate about child grooming, how it happens, and how to spot and stop it before trafficking happens. Sheri boldly shares her journey to raise awareness, addresses how predators use social media apps to connect with children, and explains how to have a healthy online profile. Sheri is an advocate for children, a grooming prevention educator, a survivor mentor, a speaker, and an author. She also works to change laws to hold predators accountable in Arizona and at the federal level. Resources mentioned in the episode: Sheri's website: pearlatthemailbox.com Interview with Ted Cruz This episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies. Learn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFF Check out the Bark Phone Check out the Bark Watch --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scrolling2death/support

Ben Tracy is running across America to keep kids safe online. 120 marathons in 120 days, engaging at schools, community groups and with lawmakers along the way to raise awareness about issues of online safety for children. Ben and his team stopped in the middle of Kansas to give Scrolling 2 Death an update on their progress and give advice to parents. Follow the Tracy Trek on their website and Instagram. This episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies. Learn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFF Check out the Bark Phone Check out the Bark Watch Ben Tracy is a leading keynote speaker on digital citizenship, online safety, and responsible social media use. Drawing from personal experience, Ben shares his compelling story about the impact of teenage social media usage at schools and organizations nationwide. Ben is currently running across America to advocate for youth online safety. He is running a marathon each day for 120 consecutive days while speaking at schools and organizations along the way. His mission is simple: Keep Kids Safe. As the founder of Safe Social Network, Ben provides essential online safety resources for students, parents, and educators. He speaks to more than 100,000 people each year and volunteers his time to help families report online predators and internet crimes to law enforcement. Additionally, he awards scholarships annually to high school seniors who actively promote positive social media usage, mental health awareness, and anti-bullying. Ben graduated magna cum laude from Saint Xavier University in Chicago, where he double-majored in Business and Political Science. While at SXU, he served as captain of the track team and was a member of the student senate. Ben lives in Nashville, Tennessee. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scrolling2death/support

Featured in Time Magazine as one of the best inventions of 2023. The Bark phone continues to expand and deliver upon the reliability and safety needs for kids as they explore their online life. On this episode, listen to Bark's Chief Parenting Officer, Titania Jordan,  to learn more about the Bark phone, the Bark for Schools app, and so much more.  

In this conversation, Nicki Reisberg and Dawn Wible discuss the critical issues surrounding digital wellness and safety for children. Dawn shares her journey as the founder of Talk More. Tech Less., highlighting the importance of advocacy, education, and legislation in addressing the challenges posed by technology and social media. Dawn takes parents through the risks associated with children's use of digital devices, the necessity of open conversations between parents and children, and the role of schools in ensuring a safe digital environment. The discussion emphasizes the need for parents to be proactive in advocating for their children's safety online and creating healthy tech habits at home. Resources mentioned in the episode: Phone Free Schools Movement Jonathan Haidt's New York Times Best Seller: The Anxious Generation Screen Time Action Network Watch The Social Dilemma The Smartphone Ed This episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies. Learn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids: *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFF Check out the Bark Phone Check out the Bark Watch About Dawn Wible: Dawn Wible is the founder of Talk More. Tech Less., a digital wellness and safety organization. For over a decade, she has trained communities, organizations, schools, and families on safer tech use. Dawn is an online safety advocate and certified digital wellness educator. She is the co-chair of the Online Harms Prevention work group at Fairplay's Screen Time Action Network. Dawn works alongside social media reform organizations on legislation to help protect kids from targeted and inhumane addictive software design and advocates against the exploitation of children and their data privacy. Dawn and her husband Matt, the founder of an outdoor mentorship organization for young men, have been working with youth for 25 years.Together they are walking this road alongside all parents dealing with technology in the home, modeling openness and safer habits as they raise their own three boys. Please reach out to dawn@talkmoretechless.com if you would like to connect her to your schools or communities. And follow her work at Talk More Tech Less on Instagram --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scrolling2death/support

The Big Tech Gut Check is a super quick, weekly update on all things social media and Big Tech. Social Media & Big Tech highlights for this week: Can AI be blamed for 14-year-old Sewell Setzer's suicide? "An AI Chatbot killed my son." (with Megan Garcia) Chatbots of Dead Teens Found on Character AI Google Has Deep Ties to AI Startup Accused of Causing Teen Suicide NYC Teens Reject Cell Phones and Social Media Roblox is a Pedophile Hellscape for Kids (a breakdown of the investigation) Roblox Attempts to Bar Child Predators The Elite College Students Who Can't Read Books Louisiana Driver Causes Crash While Attempting TikTok Drift Challenge Check back on Fridays for everything that parents need to know about the platforms our children are spending hours on every day. This episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies. Learn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFF Check out the Bark Phone The Bark Watch is Coming Soon! Join the waitlist --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scrolling2death/support

This is the grooming conversation that all parents need to listen to. Anna Sonoda, LCSW, corrects misconceptions about grooming and educates parents on how to prepare, prevent and protect our children from predators (both online and offline). Anna Sonoda, LCSW, graduated from Emory University with a double major in anthropology and French Studies before earning her master's degree in social work from the University of Georgia in 2006. She became a licensed clinical social worker in 2009. Anna's clinical background includes residential mental health, outpatient anger management, domestic violence intervention, and dual diagnosis treatment. Her most significant work was as a cognitive behavioral therapist for convicted sexual offenders. Becoming a mother of five deepened her commitment to child protection and the importance of recognizing grooming behaviors in adults. In December 2022, she published Duck Duck Groom: Understanding How a Child Becomes a Target, which unpacks the complexities of this issue. In August 2024, she released an accompanying journal Duck Duck Groom: A Guided Journal for survivors. Anna presents to individuals, groups, and organizations about how adults can better protect children by identifying the signs of grooming. Connect with Anna on her website. Resources mentioned in the episode or provided by Anna: atsa.org Cyber Tipline by NCMEC Internet Watch Foundation Internet Matters Hope for Justice Human Trafficking Front ChildHelp Common Sense Media Gaming Sites where grooming is prevalent: Among Us Call of Duty Grand Theft Auto Minecraft Nintendo Switch Roblox Slithr.io Dating Apps where grooming is prevalent: Bumble Grindr OnlyFans Tinder Messaging Apps where grooming is prevalent: Google Hangout/Meet Kik Marco Polo Facebook Messenger Signal Slack Telegram WhatsApp Wickr Live Stream + Social Media Platforms where grooming is prevalent: Amino Byte Discord Facebook Houseparty Instagram Monkey Pinterest Reddit Snapchat Tagged Tiktok Triller Tumble Twitch Twitter VSCO Whisper Wink Wishbone Younow YouTube Predators run on G.A.S. ( Grooming, Access, and Space) Grooming: Flattery Favoritism Forbidden Fruits Fear Prevention: Permission Public use Private settings This episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies. Learn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids: https://info.bark.us/scrolling2death_bark *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFF Check out the Bark Phone: https://info.bark.us/scrolling2deathbp Check out the Bark Watch: https://info.bark.us/bark-watch-s2d --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scrolling2death/support

Stuck in the never-ending grind but still feel like it's not enough?  Paula Freedman-Diamond, Psy.D., a clinical psychologist and author of Toxic Striving: Why Hustle and Wellness Cultures are Leaving Us Anxious, Stressed, and Burned Out-- and How to Break Free breaks down how hustle culture and wellness fads can mess with our sense of self-worth and add to our stress.  She talks about how perfectionism and the pressure to constantly achieve can leave us feeling anxious, and why it's so important to tune into what you need, not what society tells you is right. Dr. Paula shares ideas like intuitive eating and flexible living, encouraging us to prioritize our own values over external expectations. She also touches on the importance of setting boundaries and using social media mindfully, so it doesn't drain us. Her hope? To help people-pleasers and over-achievers find more balance, self-compassion, and ease in their lives. Listen and Learn:  How the pressures of perfectionism and toxic striving can manifest in every season of life from childhood to adulthood The harmful impact of hustle culture and how society glorifies relentless productivity and ties self-worth to achievement The fine line between healthy ambition and toxic striving and how burnout, perfectionism, and societal pressures intersect How wellness culture ties our worth to shifting health trends and body image, making people feel like they're constantly chasing unrealistic ideals instead of real wellness Blending intuitive eating and ACT helps break free from toxic striving and find balance How rigid rules around food, time, and behavior quietly shape our lives Shifting from rigid rules to self-compassion can transform habits like sleep, exercise, and eating How shame can fuel rigid behaviors, toxic striving, and the liberating power of self-compassion  Embracing pleasure, rejecting guilt, and recognizing that enjoying life enhances our well-being and the value we bring to others  How reclaiming your intuition and setting media boundaries can transform your daily life Resources:  Toxic Striving: Why Hustle and Wellness Cultures are Leaving Us Anxious, Stressed, and Burned Out-- and How to Break Free Paula Freedman-Diamond, Psy.D. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindfuldrpaula/ About Paula Freedman-Diamond:  Paula Freedman-Diamond, Psy.D., is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. She is the owner and clinical director of HumanKind Psychological Services in Chicago, IL and the author of Toxic Striving: Why Hustle and Wellness Cultures are Leaving Us Anxious, Stressed, and Burned Out-- and How to Break Free, and The Addiction Recovery Workbook. Dr. Paula specializes in perfectionism, anxiety, and eating disorders. She enjoys helping high-achievers and people-please rs learn to stop chasing external approval and start living according to the wisdom of their own bodies and minds. Dr. Paula is on a mission to take down the toxic systems that make people feel like they're not good enough, no matter how hard they work. She is especially passionate about making healthcare more welcoming and respectful for all bodies. She provides education and supervision for clinical psychology doctoral students. She is a strong advocate for size inclusivity in health, fitness, and wellness spaces. Dr. Paula has been featured in the New York Times and is a featured expert for Reebok, Bark Technologies, and A Sweat Life. She is on the advisory boards for Medical Students for Size Inclusivity and Fat Torah. You can follow her on Instagram at @mindfuldrpaula.  Related Episodes: 358. How to Keep House While Drowning with KC Davis 378. The Happy High Achiever with Mary Anderson 230. The Laziness Lie with Devon Price 324. Toxic Achievement Culture with Jennifer Wallace 295. Buyer Beware: Pseudoscience and the Wellness Industry, featuring Pooja Lakshmin 326. Weight Stigma and Body Image with Sarah Pegrum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paula Freedman-Diamond, PsyD, author of Toxic Striving, joins us to talk about how hustle and wellness culture have become toxic. She is a licensed clinical psychologist, certified intuitive eating counselor, and owner and clinical director of HumanKind Psychological Services, where she specializes in treating anxiety, perfectionism, and disordered eating.  Freedman-Diamond regularly contributes to Psychology Today in her online series, “Fat is Not a Feeling.” She has been a featured expert for The New York Times, Oxygen, Allure, Reebok, and Bark Technologies. She regularly provides mental health advocacy, education, and engaging content to her audience on Instagram and TikTok.  Visit our website at www.newharbinger.com and use coupon code 'Podcast25' to receive 25% off your entire order.  Buy the Book:  New Harbinger - https://bit.ly/47EXRRU  Amazon - https://a.co/d/fPAOCkg   Barnes & Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/1144681941  Bookshop.org - https://bit.ly/4do4xoL  If you have ideas for future episodes, thoughts, or questions, we'd love to hear from you! Send us an email at podcast@newharbinger.com 

In this conversation, Nicki Reisberg interviews Michael Lawson Neff, a founding partner at Neff Injury Law, about the legal implications of online harms, particularly focusing on the case against Snapchat related to its deadly speed filter. They discuss the challenges of holding tech companies accountable under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, the impact of social media on youth, and the importance of parental guidance in navigating these issues. Neff shares insights from his ongoing litigation and emphasizes the need for legislative changes to protect children from online dangers. This episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies. Learn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids: *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFF Check out the Bark Phone Learn about the Bark Watch Meet Michael Neff: Michael Neff is the founder of Neff Injury Law, a national litigation firm based in Atlanta, Georgia, specializing in serious injury and wrongful death cases. With over 25 years of experience, Mike has established himself as a dedicated advocate for individuals facing off against large corporations and insurance companies. His firm's track record includes securing over $100 million in jury verdicts and settlements, with notable verdicts in 2013 and 2017 that ranked among the top 100 civil verdicts nationally for those years. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scrolling2death/support

Is Roblox safe for kids? The fact that Nickolodeon gave Roblox the 2024 Teen Choice Award for Favorite Video Game would incidate that Roblox is in fact, safe. But the reality is much darker.  A new report by Hindenburg Research labeled Roblox a "pedophile hellscape for kids." In today's episode, Titania Jordan of Bark and Nicki of Scrolling 2 Death break down the report findings and make recommendations for parents. Resources mentioned in the episode: Meta Exposed documentary by Channel 7 News Social Studies documentary on Hulu Interview with Meta whistleblower David Erb Hindenburg Research investigation into Roblox This episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies.  Learn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFF  Check out the Bark Phone The Bark Watch is Coming Soon! Join the watlist --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scrolling2death/support

The Big Tech Gut Check is a super quick, weekly update on all things social media and Big Tech. Social Media & Big Tech highlights for this week: Instagram Announces New Education Campaign to Fight Sextortion Meta Exposed Documentary by Channel 7 News Meta Confirms Layoffs Across Companies Social Media Faces Big Changes in UK Under New Ofcom Rules First UK-US Online Safety Agreement to Keep Kids Safe Online Survey: Colorado Teens use Social media More and at Younger Ages List of end-to-end encrypted apps to block from your child's device:  Signal Whatsapp Telegram Facebook Messenger Wire Element AWS Wickr Briar Pryvate Messenger  SafeChat SafeSwiss Proton Mail SimpleX Chat Confide Delta Chat CoverMe P2P Messenger Olvid xPal TeleGuard Check back on Fridays for everything that parents need to know about the platforms our children are spending hours on every day. This podcast episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies. Learn about the Bark Phone: https://info.bark.us/scrolling2deathbp Learn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids: https://info.bark.us/scrolling2death_bark *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFF The Bark Watch is coming soon! Sign up for the waitlist: https://info.bark.us/bark-watch-s2d --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scrolling2death/support

I was super eager to catch up with long-time educator Matt Brady about screens at school. We dive deep into phone bans and also school-issued tech. Meet Matt Brady: Matt Brady is a Physics and Chemistry teacher in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Came in through lateral entry after spending 10 years writing about comic books and pop culture for various outlets. Prior to that, he was in graduate school for a PhD in Physiology & Pharmacology; prior to that, earned a Master's in Marine Biology, and prior to that, earned a B.S. in Biology. Resources mentioned in the episode: Matt's Substack, Teacher Teacher The one about school shootings School Tech: Know Your Rights (with Julie Liddell) Phone Free Schools Movement (my interview with co-founder Kim Whitman) 7 questions to ask your school destrict about devices This episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies. Learn about the Bark Phone Learn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids. *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFF Learn about the Bark Watch --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scrolling2death/support

For this interview, I brought in Dawn Hawkins, CEO of the National Center on Sexual Exploitation. NCOSE is the leading organization exposing the connections between all forms of sexual exploitation, including sex trafficking, prostitution, pornography, and child sexual abuse. In addition to running NCOSE, Dawn is a mom of 5 and I loved learning about her approach to screens and her decision to homeschool after learning about the reliance on screens at her local public school system. This conversation is all about action and the power of parents' voices. One of the most vital ways parents can use their voices in this moment is to support the Kids Online Safety Act. This bill will give our kids much-needed protection online. This episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies. Learn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids: *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFF Check out the Bark Phone --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scrolling2death/support

I brought in CMO of Bark Technologies, Titania Jordan, to discuss the implications of Apple's iOS 18 update, focusing on its impact on child safety and parental controls. We also discuss implications of privacy and general advice related to kids and devices. This episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies. Learn about the Bark Phone Learn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids. *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFF Learn about the Bark Watch --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scrolling2death/support

The Big Tech Gut Check is a super quick, weekly update on all things social media and Big Tech. Social Media & Big Tech highlights for this week: Snapchat Integrates Google's AI to Enhance Snapchat Chatbot Snapchat Offers Older Teens 16+ Public Sharing Snapchat Testing Simplified Version of the App States Race to Ban Phones at School Administrators Toolkit by Phone Free Schools Movement The Battle to Ban Screens From School Now Includes Chromebooks and Tablets Instagram Announces Teen Accounts Check back on Fridays for everything that parents need to know about the platforms our children are spending hours on every day. This episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies. These days, parents have access to a safer smartphone for kids called the Bark Phone. Check out the Bark Phone Check out the Bark Parental Monitoring App for iPhones and Androids (use code SCROLLING2DEATH for 10% off) Join the waitlist for the Bark Watch --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scrolling2death/support

Laura Lawrence is a wealth of knowledge between her experience as a teacher, speaker, author and most importantly, a mom of 4. We had an honest conversation that covers all areas of screen time and social media. I am especially grateful to Laura for sharing a sensitive story about her son's experience with an online harm. Laura Lawrence is a 4x best-selling author, motivational speaker, mindfulness coach, entrepreneur, philanthropist and mother of four. Connect with Laura On Instagram @lauralawrence.author and @youthmattercanada Via her websites: lauralawrence.ca and youthmattercanada.ca NCMEC's Take it Down Service If there is an explicit image of you or your child on the internet, please request removal at takeitdown.ncmec.org This episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies. Learn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFF Check out the Bark Phone --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scrolling2death/support

Today's episode of Scrolling 2 Death features a vulnerable conversation with a mom in Colorado named Lori Schott. Lori tragically and suddenly lost her 17-year-old daughter to suicide in November of 2020. After Anna's death, Lori turned to her phone for answers. What she found on TikTok is every parent's worst nightmare -- a steady stream of videos targeting Anna with promotion of self-harm, suicide and depression. Lori is fighting back against the companies who harmed her daughter through advocacy work and support of the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA). Social media platforms will never choose child safety over profit, so they must be forced. My heart goes out to the Schott family for the lost of their daughter Anna, forever 17. This episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies. Learn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids: *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFF Check out the Bark Phone --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scrolling2death/support

This is the worst story I've ever heard, but I'm so grateful I got to know Emily. Today we meet an incredibly kind and animal-loving teenager named Emily Popolo. Her mom describes her with a smile on her face, despite Emily's struggles with bipolar disorder and learning disabilities. Emily faced bullying that became relentless after the bullies took to social media to target her. It was too much for Emily and at 17 years old, she died by suicide. This tragic story doesn't end there. The bullies were not finished with Emily. Listen or watch as Emily's mom, Erin, takes us through the series of events following Emily's death. Trigger Warning: This episode goes into detail describing a teenage suicide and the horrific cyberbullying that occured before and after Emily's death. Please listen with caution and join me in offering support to the Popolo family. P.S. It was a sunny day at Erin's lake house during the interview. The sun brightens her face mid-way through and shortly after, she adjusts her position. I like to think that was Emily shining her bright light down on us, in support of her mom. This episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies. Learn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFF Check out the Bark Phone --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scrolling2death/support

The Big Tech Gut Check is a super quick, weekly update on all things social media and Big Tech. Social Media & Big Tech highlights for this week: The link between social media use and suicide My journey opting out of school-issued devices 42 State Attorney Generals Demand Warning Label for Social Media (CNN) Support the Kids Online Safety Act (contact your Rep here) KOSA interviews with Alix Fraser, Patrick Lyden and Senator Ted Cruz TikTok Heads to Appeals Court Interview with Project Liberty Founder Frank McCourt Snapchat Tries to Make Safe AI and Fails (Washington Post) Snapchat is a Scam (with Attorney Laura Marquez-Garrett) Check back on Fridays for everything that parents need to know about the platforms our children are spending hours on every day. This episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies. These days, parents have access to a safer smartphone for kids called the Bark Phone. Check out the Bark Phone Check out the Bark Parental Monitoring App for iPhones and Androids (use code SCROLLING2DEATH for 10% off) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scrolling2death/support

Are our kids digital superlearners, or did we just complete a decades-long hardware dump on an entire generation with no research to support that kids will actually benefit from over-integration of tech at school? This is what I explore in today's episode with special guest, Chris McKenna of Protect Young Eyes. We dive into the research related to the educational benefit of screens and global test scores, in addition to the distractions and privacy issues associated with school-issued tech. Resources mentioned in the episode: 5 Questions to Ask Your Principal (about IT) LA Public Schools ran to AI and it failed Research to support low-tech schooling The Ed Tech Triangle About Chris McKenna Chris McKenna, founder of Protect Young Eyes and Executive Director of the PYE Foundation, is a leading advocate for digital safety. His efforts, including influential testimony before the US Senate and co-authoring the Child Device Protection Bill, have led to significant legislative movement. Chris also advises global tech companies, spoke at the World Economic Forum, and was featured in Childhood 2.0, while his organization educates parents and schools worldwide on digital safety. This episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies. Learn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids: *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFF Check out the Bark Phone --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scrolling2death/support

The Big Tech Gut Check is a super quick, weekly update on all things social media and Big Tech. Social Media & Big Tech highlights for this week: Why Phones Don't Belong in School (podcast episode here) Meta Advertising Nudify Apps on Facebook and Instagram (update here) Social Media's Role in Crimes Against Kids (with John Pizzuro) Harrison Haynes Was Groomed And Is Speaking out (more here) Evan Spiegel's Recent Announcements (here) Snapchat Sued by New Mexico for Facilitating Child Exploitation (more here) Snapchat Will Send Ads in Private Messages (more here) Check back on Fridays for everything that parents need to know about the platforms our children are spending hours on every day. This episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies. Check out the Bark Phone Check out the Bark Parental Monitoring App for iPhones and Androids (use code SCROLLING2DEATH for 10% off) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scrolling2death/support

Tens of thousands of schools are failing to reach the same primary goal...to produce happy and productive citizens. Phones at school is the roadblock, yet schools continue to struggle with implementing and enforcing phone restrictions. So, what's the answer? Kim Whitman (along with co-founders Mileva Repasky and Sabine Polak) created the Phone Free Schools Movement to provide youth the freedom to excel academically and develop socially without the pressures and harms of phones and social media during the school day. The Phone-Free Schools Movement (in partnership with Fairplay) recently released a one-of-a-kind resource - the Phone-Free Schools Administrator Toolkit. It is a roadmap on how to implement a successful phone-free school policy. In today's conversation with Kim, we talk through the reasons behind the need for a bell-to-bell phone policy, the pushback and even touch on school-issued device use. This episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies. Learn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids: *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFF Check out the Bark Phone --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scrolling2death/support

Thank you to John Pizzuro for joining me to discuss crimes against kids. John is the CEO and co-founder of Raven, a 501(c)4 non-profit lobbying firm comprised of subject matter experts and retired law enforcement focused on legislative and policy solutions for child trafficking and child exploitation. He highlights the scale and challenge of online crimes, the issue of ineffective age-gating, and the dangers of children interacting with strangers online. As always, this discussion is parent-focused and includes actionable guidance to protect our children from online harms. One vital need is for the tech companies to take responsibility for child safety online and that is going to require legislation to hold them accountable. Legislative initiatives such as the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) and the Stop CSAM Act are introduced as important steps towards creating a safer online environment for children. To help get KOSA passed, please visit house.gov, enter your ZIP code, find your Rep and contact them. Ask them to co-sponsor KOSA. This episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies. Learn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids: *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFF Check out the Bark Phone --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scrolling2death/support

Parents constantly ask, "Is [INSERT APP] safe for my kids?" I brought in Titania Jordan to give our honest reviews of 10 of the most popular apps for kids. Today we cover: Spotify, Snapchat, Capcut, Candy Crush, Discord, Roblox/Minecraft/Fortnite, Whatsapp, YouTube, Telegram and ChatGPT. Thank you to Titania and Bark Technologies for putting together exhaustive app reviews for parents. If we didn't cover an app that you are wondering about, please visit https://www.bark.us/learn/resources/ and enter the app name in the search bar. This episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies. Learn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFF Check out the Bark Phone --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scrolling2death/support

Revisit our episode on digital safety featuring Titania Jordan, chief marketing officer and chief parent officer of Bark Technologies. Technology can open up doors to more information and content than ever before. That can be good – and bad – for kids. How can we teach kids healthy tech habits? What are the risks of cyberbullying, access to predators, image distortion, or self-harm? And how should personal devices be managed in the classroom?  In this episode, Kevin discusses healthy digital use with tech parenting expert Titania Jordan of Bark Technologies.