Podcasts about Common Sense Media

"One in five teenagers has an AI girlfriend." That's the headline that's been ripping through the internet — and it's also not quite what the research says. Josh and Will dig into where this viral stat actually comes from, why the real numbers are messier than the headline, and whether parents should actually be worried.From Clippy jokes and AOL Instant Messenger nostalgia to a genuinely unsettling hypothetical about a 12-year-old learning to "relate" through an AI that's really just a mirror of themselves, this one goes deep. We dig into the UK research and Common Sense Media studies behind the stat, why people give their AI tools human names, and what's actually different about this generation's relationship with chatbots versus the bots we grew up with.--♣️Want to become a HiTech Club member, support the pod, and get all of the extras on our episodes? Head over to our Buy Me a Coffee to subscribe: buymeacoffee.com/hitechpodcast.

This week we're sharing a panel from the Future of Mental Healthcare conference. Marlon moderates a conversation featuring friends of the pod, John MacPhee, CEO of The Jed Foundation; Merve Lapus, Vice President of Education Outreach and Engagement at Common Sense Media, and  Dr. Khadijah Booth Watkins, Associate Director for the Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds at Mass General. Together, the explore what AI can and can't do for youth mental health, why human connection still matters most, and how we can think more carefully about technology, care, and resilience for young people in the digital age.

Common Sense Media Founder and CEO Jim Steyer joins to discuss their latest report on how younger generations are using AI and what parents should watch out for. Also, Questlove stops by to discuss his latest musical documentary “Earth, Wind & Fire (To Be Celestial VS. That's the Weight of the World)”. Plus, catching up with hosts of “American Ninja Warrior”, Matt Iseman, Akbar Gbaja-Biamila, and Zuri Hall ahead of season 18's premiere. And, spring shoe deals and styles to help you step up your fashion game this season.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ilana Lowery is Director of School Partnerships & Policies at Common Sense Media, a non-profit organization that puts kids' safety and well-being first in the digital era. Ilana joins us to talk about the new Youth AI Safety Institute, an independent effort to research AI's impact, set safety standards, evaluate products, and share the findings with parents, educators and policymakers alike.Read the transcript and notes for this episode on our website.Resources for Parents & EducatorsCommon Sense Media: AIAI Literacy Toolkit for FamiliesVideos and Tips for FamiliesFollow the podcastIf you enjoyed this episode, please follow Copper State of Mind in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Friday. Just pick your preferred podcast player from this link, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://copperstateofmind.show/listen Need to hire a PR firm? We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors." CreditsCopper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink and Dr. Adrian McIntyre, is brought to you by HMA Public Relations, a full-service public relations firm in Phoenix, AZ.The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story, a strategic communications consultancy for PR agencies and marketing firms, and distributed by PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona.If you like this podcast, you might also enjoy PRGN Presents: PR News & Views from the Public Relations Global Network, featuring conversations about strategic communications, marketing, and PR from PRGN, "the world's local public relations agency.”

Three Big Conversations: The OKC Thunder have become the NBA's favorite villain - 10:00 Pope Leo publishes an AI manifesto - 20:14 The Mandalorian and Grogu had a disappointing first weekend. - 35:50 → Help us improve our podcast! Click here to fill out this three-minute survey. Song of the Week - "the cure" by Olivia Rodrigo - 3:16 → Click here to read the lyrics → Click here to listen to the song (language) In Other News: - 42:40 Small "dot cakes," baked in cups, and covered in frosting and rainbow nonpareil sprinkles, are going viral. The colorful aesthetic of these cakes is just half of the appeal, with the other part being the satisfying scrape of a spoon being dragged across the top.  A new YPulse report found that 87% of 13- to 24-year-old guys agree with the statement, "I am a gamer," suggesting that online gaming continues to be one of the fastest-growing social spaces for boys and young men. A newly published report from the American Bible Society found that 38% of parents are regularly engaged with the Bible, as opposed to 23% of nonparents. A ton of other interesting statistics are included in the latest chapter of their State of the Bible report, linked here. DIY "cyberdecks" are the latest tech trend on TikTok. Creators are using Raspberry Pi mini computers to build whimsical homemade devices inside of retro purses, Game Boys, or briefcases. Off Campus has become Gen Z's latest #BookTok-adapted TV obsession, landing as Prime Video's biggest debut ever among viewers aged 18-34. Common Sense Media flagged the series for extreme explicit sexual content.

The OKC Thunder have become the NBA's favorite villain, Pope Leo publishes an AI manifesto, and The Mandalorian and Grogu had a disappointing first weekend. → Help us improve our podcast! Click here to fill out this three-minute survey. Song of the Week - "the cure" by Olivia Rodrigo → Click here to read the lyrics → Click here to listen to the song (language) In Other News: Small "dot cakes," baked in cups, and covered in frosting and rainbow nonpareil sprinkles, are going viral. The colorful aesthetic of these cakes is just half of the appeal, with the other part being the satisfying scrape of a spoon being dragged across the top.  A new YPulse report found that 87% of 13- to 24-year-old guys agree with the statement, "I am a gamer," suggesting that online gaming continues to be one of the fastest-growing social spaces for boys and young men. A newly published report from the American Bible Society found that 38% of parents are regularly engaged with the Bible, as opposed to 23% of nonparents. A ton of other interesting statistics are included in the latest chapter of their State of the Bible report, linked here. DIY "cyberdecks" are the latest tech trend on TikTok. Creators are using Raspberry Pi mini computers to build whimsical homemade devices inside of retro purses, Game Boys, or briefcases. Off Campus has become Gen Z's latest #BookTok-adapted TV obsession, landing as Prime Video's biggest debut ever among viewers aged 18-34. Common Sense Media flagged the series for extreme explicit sexual content.

On May 5, Common Sense Media, the nonprofit known for its entertainment and technology recommendations for parents, launched its Youth AI Safety Institute, backed by a $20 million annual budget to “define what child-safe AI actually means” and to “rigorously test AI products” and assign them ratings.The Youth Safety Institute will be led by Bruce Reed, who joined Common Sense Media as Head of AI in March 2025 after serving as President Joe Biden's White House Deputy Chief of Staff, where Politico dubbed him the "AI Whisperer" for leading Biden's AI Executive Order and securing voluntary commitments from frontier labs. Last year, Time named him one of the 100 most influential people in AI. Reed previously worked with Common Sense as a senior tech-policy adviser from 2015 to 2020, and was a lead negotiator on the 2018 California Consumer Privacy Act.Justin Hendrix caught up with Reed about how he views the current state of AI and child safety and his goals for the Institute.

Robbie Torney Head from Common Sense Media joins Adam.

We are reckoning with truths that are a bit uncomfortable. AI is not just a tool, but something people are relating to - personally. For kids and teens, we're finding that that can be extremely dangerous.In this episode, Shannon Peavey speaks with Tracy Pizzo Frey, a veteran technology leader including 11 years at Google where she oversaw Responsible AI for Google Cloud. As a consultant, she worked with Common Sense Media to develop a system for assessing the risks of large language models and AGI, with a particular focus on kids and teens.Tracy brings deep technical experience and knowledge of how technology shapes behavior. Drawing on lessons from social media and emerging research, she explores what feels different about AI.For young people who are still developing social and emotional skills, these interactions may have unique implications. AI systems are responsive and engaging, but they do not challenge users or help them navigate real-world complexity in the same way humans do. Over time, that difference may influence how teens build coping skills, relationships, and a sense of self.Through her work with Common Sense Media, Tracy has evaluated leading AI systems and reached some important conclusions. Today's models are not designed to serve as mental health companions for kids or teens, even though many young people are already engaging with them in ways that resemble emotional support.Tracy shares how these assessments were created, what they measure, and what they reveal about the current state of AI safety. She offers a grounded perspective on building & using these technologies responsibly, especially when younger users are already deeply involved..00:20 AI's effect on kids 02:07 Why harms are specific to kids & teens 04:50 AI is not a search engine07:27 Kids & teachers are often earliest adopters 08:06 Tech companies know more than they let on 09:15 Common Sense Media's risk assessment project09:57 Let's not repeat mistakes 11:24 Tracy's involvement13:11 Set your charter 14:50 Bring diverse, multi-disciplinary teams 16:25 Why psychological safety is important 17:38 Distilling masses of information into risk assessments18:48 Why hype matters20:30 How the team looked at social media 23:20 Early assessment of potential harms25:10 Character.ai as precursor to interaction with LLMs26:00 ‘Everything in the whole wide world'27:13 Why kids are different32:18 The danger of so-called frictionless relationships33:02 The best way to test36:50 Some surprising findings39:08 How tech can reshape a worldview41:02 There are good people, but - business models43:30 Know the tradeoffs45:07 The fact-to-fiction scale46:30 Some positivity48:00 Books, lawsuits, and resources

TIAM's Megan Lynch and Robbie Torney, Head of AI and digital assessments for Common Sense Media's Youth AI Safety Institute discuss AI-powered mental health apps and concerns about use by teens.

Democrats propose bold relief. Republicans focus on traditional tax cuts. Housing, energy, and transportation costs dominate — but each candidate brings a different playbook for easing the cost‑of‑living crisis. Tom Steyer, known for taking on Big Tech, may face a policy snag: his brother Jim Steyer, who runs Common Sense Media, has deep connections in the tech world—including funding ties with major platforms. Critics worry Jim’s insider network could influence state tech regulations if Tom becomes governor—raising questions about whether their family bond could affect impartial oversight. Please Like, Comment and Follow 'Philip Teresi on KMJ' on all platforms: --- Philip Teresi on KMJ is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever else you listen to podcasts. -- Philip Teresi on KMJ Weekdays 2-6 PM Pacific on News/Talk 580 AM & 105.9 FM KMJ | Website | Facebook | Instagram | X | Podcast | Amazon | - Everything KMJ KMJNOW App | Podcasts | Facebook | X | Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Democrats propose bold relief. Republicans focus on traditional tax cuts. Housing, energy, and transportation costs dominate — but each candidate brings a different playbook for easing the cost‑of‑living crisis. Tom Steyer, known for taking on Big Tech, may face a policy snag: his brother Jim Steyer, who runs Common Sense Media, has deep connections in the tech world—including funding ties with major platforms. Critics worry Jim’s insider network could influence state tech regulations if Tom becomes governor—raising questions about whether their family bond could affect impartial oversight. Please Like, Comment and Follow 'Philip Teresi on KMJ' on all platforms: --- Philip Teresi on KMJ is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever else you listen to podcasts. -- Philip Teresi on KMJ Weekdays 2-6 PM Pacific on News/Talk 580 AM & 105.9 FM KMJ | Website | Facebook | Instagram | X | Podcast | Amazon | - Everything KMJ KMJNOW App | Podcasts | Facebook | X | Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Geoffrey Fowler from Common Sense Media joins Jordana.

Episode 90: The Future of Digital LiteracyWith Yvette Renteria of Common Sense MediaAvailable May 5, 2026So much of our focus as educators has begun to turn towards the digital space. How we can leverage technology and innovation to improve educational outcomes, but also how to keep students safe and thriving in a fast-paced digital world, are overwhelming and sometimes seemingly contradictory concerns. As the pace picks up, it's hard to keep up with the latest information and cutting-edge research to help us make informed decisions. Morva McDonald speaks with Yvette Renteria of Common Sense Media about how her team is helping educators and parents stay on top of everything they need to know.Guest: Yvette RenteriaResources, Transcript, and Expanded Show NotesIn This Episode:“Something that I grapple with as somebody who's been an educator, like none of the adults, at least now– it will soon shift– have experienced this educational world that our kids do. Like the idea of getting to school, getting on the computer, getting online, doing some work and then, you know, pen to paper as well. And just kind of the mix of that day. And so, I mean, shout out to educators who are navigating this new space of how to teach.” (8:25)“One is like, this is our world. So we often say their digital life, or their digital world. And we often hear students and kids in this conversation be like, no, this is our life. Like we don't see a separation between digital life and real life. The second thing we often hear is, things are being done to us…when quite frankly, they might know more than what those policymakers or those decision makers are doing to them. So there's like a little bit of a frustration or like, leave me alone.” (14:22)“I sit in these focus groups and I listen to students, like I said, I'm so optimistic. They know, I think about this, I'm like, as a seventh grader myself, even my former seventh graders, the way they articulate this world is beautiful, to be honest with you. I just, I really do believe that our students, our kids will be okay. They're gonna, because they are...forming their thoughts and their opinions, and they are utilizing strategies, and they are trying things. And I do, they're even highlighting the risks and the concerns with their own mental wellness. They're downloading the apps that keep them offline. They're doing the things. And so that makes me hopeful.” (31:31)Related Episodes Episode 81; 71; 70; 47; 31 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to CHUCKYVISION, a podcast about the horror franchise Child's Play/Chucky, the surrounding culture, and other killer doll films. Mark and Dev are unpacking the 1988 horror classic... one minute at a time! In our 87th minute of CHILD'S PLAY, we deliberate on how much second unit effort have we appreciated, the relation of Yaghers, the maligned original credits song, DiC or Dick, unheard disco music, plus modern audience opinions from Letterboxd and Common Sense Media! Host: Mark Adams Co-Host: Dev Elson Editor: Dev Elson Executive Producer: Tony Black Twitter/BlueSky:  @ChuckyVision  Our Network:   @filmstories filmstories.co.uk Title music: At the Beginning (c) Dark Fantasy Studios Cover Art: Ama @Amasc0met Logo: Elliot @Elliottt93 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's no opt-out button for AI. That's the reality Valerie Brock, Curriculum Lead at Day of AI, brings to this conversation, and it changes how we think about AI literacy in K-12.In this episode, Dr. Fonz sits down with Valerie to unpack what AI literacy actually means (hint: it's not prompt engineering), why early childhood classrooms belong in this conversation, and how Day of AI is building developmentally appropriate, tool-agnostic curriculum that's now reaching students in Australia, Rwanda, Taiwan, New Zealand, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, the Philippines, and beyond.Valerie draws on 13 years as a New York City special education teacher and six years with NYC's Computer Science for All initiative to explain how accessibility, UDL, and real classroom experience shape every lesson her team creates. She also shares the stories behind Day of AI's NYC Public Library pilot, the family toolkits built with Common Sense Media, and the new AASA fellowship putting superintendents at the center of AI rollout.Whether you're a teacher, a school leader, a curriculum designer, or a parent trying to figure out where to start, this episode gives you the language, the framework, and the free resources to move forward.⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 Welcome to My EdTech Life01:20 Meet Valerie Brock02:30 From NYC classrooms to Day of AI05:00 What Day of AI actually is06:30 The "opt out" button doesn't exist09:30 Accessibility, UDL, and designing for every learner13:30 What AI literacy really means17:00 The fear teachers bring to PD19:00 The NYC Public Library pilot20:45 Why kindergartners can handle this conversation24:30 How Day of AI decides what's developmentally appropriate30:00 Program Hubs around the world35:00 The AASA superintendent fellowship40:00 How to get started with Day of AI45:00 Valerie's AI kryptonite and billboard message

Creatine for teens, supplements for teen athletes, and navigating gym culture pressure on social media… Dr. Lisa Damour answers the question parents of teen athletes are searching for. Your teen's teammate is taking creatine. Now your kid wants it too. Maybe they're a serious athlete with real goals. Maybe you even take supplements yourself. But something still feels… off. This is genuinely a hard call, and you deserve expert guidance on how to start this conversation with your kid.  In this episode, clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and journalist Reena Ninan dig into one of the fastest-growing pressure points for teen athletes: supplements. From creatine to protein powder to "pre-workout," teens (especially boys) are being flooded with messages about muscle, performance, and products — all through social media, influencers, and even their own teammates. And most of them aren't asking their parents before they start taking them. Dr. Lisa walks you through exactly how to think about this, how to talk about it with your teen, and where to draw the line.

Creatine for teens, supplements for teen athletes, and navigating gym culture pressure on social media… Dr. Lisa Damour answers the question parents of teen athletes are searching for. Your teen's teammate is taking creatine. Now your kid wants it too. Maybe they're a serious athlete with real goals. Maybe you even take supplements yourself. But something still feels… off. This is genuinely a hard call, and you deserve expert guidance on how to start this conversation with your kid.  In this episode, clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and journalist Reena Ninan dig into one of the fastest-growing pressure points for teen athletes: supplements. From creatine to protein powder to "pre-workout," teens (especially boys) are being flooded with messages about muscle, performance, and products — all through social media, influencers, and even their own teammates. And most of them aren't asking their parents before they start taking them. Dr. Lisa walks you through exactly how to think about this, how to talk about it with your teen, and where to draw the line.

In a culture chasing independence and instant gratification, Pastors Josh and Jenaye point families back to God's design—intentional connection and lasting influence. Through “common sense parenting,” rooted in Proverbs 2:7, they challenge parents to move away from both extremes of over-control and disengagement, offering the wisdom needed to raise kids who know God's voice over simply achieving success.Tech: Gabb Wireless, Bark Technologies, Common Sense Media, Plugged In, Vid AngelSubscriptions: Angel Studios, Minno Kids, Amazon Prime addition of Wonder (christian/cleaner television) Social Media accounts: Birds & Bees, Nurtured First, Safe Social Network, wait until 8th, Protect Young eyes, OUR Rescue, Defend young minds, intentional parents Books: Parenting by Paul David Tripp, The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, Raising Mentally Strong Kids by Daniel Amen and Charles Fay, Raising Passionate Jesus Followers by Phil & Diane Comer10 Safe Search Engine Options for Kidshttps://www.gigabitiq.com/10-safe-kids-search-engines-for-parents-to-trust/#:~:text=Kiddle%20is%20a%20vibrant%20kids,giving%20parents%20peace%20of%20mind.Best Parental Control Apps to manage screen time & keep kids safer https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/article/best-parental-control-app/@waituntil8th@NurturedFirst@birds_bees@safesocialnetwork @freetheanxiousgeneration@jonathanhaidt@betterscreentime@intentional_parents 

In this episode, we are joined by developmental pediatrician Mark Bertin and meditation teacher Mark Coleman to explore how time in nature can support focus, calm, and emotional regulation for people with ADHD. They discuss why outdoor environments naturally engage the ADHD brain, how sensory experiences like sound, movement, and light help regulate attention, and what research tells us about the mental health benefits of spending time outside. The conversation also highlights simple ways to bring nature into daily life, even for those living in cities or with limited access to green space. From mindful meandering and vigorous walks to gardening and small daily rituals, this episode offers practical ideas for reconnecting with the outdoors. As both guests emphasize throughout the conversation, the most powerful step is simply to go outside. Mark Bertin, MD, is a developmental pediatrician in private practice in Pleasantville, New York. He is the author of books that integrate mindfulness into the rest of evidence-based pediatric care, including How Children Thrive, The Family ADHD Solution, Mindful Parenting for ADHD, and Mindfulness and Self-Compassion for Teen ADHD, and a contributing author for Teaching Mindfulness Skills to Kids and Teens. He is on faculty at New York Medical College and The Windward Institute and on advisory boards for Common Sense Media and Reach Out and Read. He has also served on the board of directors for the American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders (APSARD). His blog covering topics in child development, mindfulness, and family is available through PsychologyToday.com, Mindful.org, and elsewhere. For information about his online mindfulness classes and other resources, visit developmentaldoctor.com. Mark Coleman is an insight meditation teacher who has been teaching meditation retreats worldwide since 1997. He is passionate about integrating meditation and nature and regularly leads wilderness retreats through his organization, Awake in the Wild, where he also offers nature-based meditation teacher trainings. He is also the co-founder of the Mindfulness Training Institute, where he co-leads yearlong mindfulness teacher trainings in Europe and the United States. The author of four books—Awake in the Wild; Make Peace With Your Mind; From Suffering to Peace; and A Field Guide to Nature Meditation: 52 Mindfulness Practices for Joy, Wisdom, and Wonder—he is currently working on a new book on mindfulness and ADHD, written from the perspective of a meditation teacher who also has ADHD. He lives in Sausalito, in Marin County, California, and likes nothing more than to spend his time hiking, biking, and kayaking outdoors. Learn more about Mark and his work at markcoleman.org and awakeinthewild.com.

In this episode, we are joined by developmental pediatrician Mark Bertin and meditation teacher Mark Coleman to explore how time in nature can support focus, calm, and emotional regulation for people with ADHD. They discuss why outdoor environments naturally engage the ADHD brain, how sensory experiences like sound, movement, and light help regulate attention, and what research tells us about the mental health benefits of spending time outside. The conversation also highlights simple ways to bring nature into daily life, even for those living in cities or with limited access to green space. From mindful meandering and vigorous walks to gardening and small daily rituals, this episode offers practical ideas for reconnecting with the outdoors. As both guests emphasize throughout the conversation, the most powerful step is simply to go outside. Mark Bertin, MD, is a developmental pediatrician in private practice in Pleasantville, New York. He is the author of books that integrate mindfulness into the rest of evidence-based pediatric care, including How Children Thrive, The Family ADHD Solution, Mindful Parenting for ADHD, and Mindfulness and Self-Compassion for Teen ADHD, and a contributing author for Teaching Mindfulness Skills to Kids and Teens. He is on faculty at New York Medical College and The Windward Institute and on advisory boards for Common Sense Media and Reach Out and Read. He has also served on the board of directors for the American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders (APSARD). His blog covering topics in child development, mindfulness, and family is available through PsychologyToday.com, Mindful.org, and elsewhere. For information about his online mindfulness classes and other resources, visit developmentaldoctor.com. Mark Coleman is an insight meditation teacher who has been teaching meditation retreats worldwide since 1997. He is passionate about integrating meditation and nature and regularly leads wilderness retreats through his organization, Awake in the Wild, where he also offers nature-based meditation teacher trainings. He is also the co-founder of the Mindfulness Training Institute, where he co-leads yearlong mindfulness teacher trainings in Europe and the United States. The author of four books—Awake in the Wild; Make Peace With Your Mind; From Suffering to Peace; and A Field Guide to Nature Meditation: 52 Mindfulness Practices for Joy, Wisdom, and Wonder—he is currently working on a new book on mindfulness and ADHD, written from the perspective of a meditation teacher who also has ADHD. He lives in Sausalito, in Marin County, California, and likes nothing more than to spend his time hiking, biking, and kayaking outdoors. Learn more about Mark and his work at markcoleman.org and awakeinthewild.com.

Kevin Boston-Hill speaks with Christine Elgersma, Senior Editor of Learning Content Strategy at Common Sense Media, about how parents and caregivers can help students of all ages curate their digital footprint and think about the repercussions of their actions before posting.

On this episode of In AI We Trust?, EqualAI President & CEO Miriam Vogel and EqualAI Senior Advisor Nuala O'Connor co-host a conversation with Robbie Torney, Head of AI & Digital Assessments at Common Sense Media. They discuss the third annual Common Sense Media's Summit on Kids and Families (March 23-24), the premier cross-sector gathering on child wellbeing in the digital age. Robbie Torney shares his valuable insights on how AI tools are affecting children's learning and development, mental health, and growing up in a world that is hyperconnected. They dig in on topics impacting kids, families, and educators, including AI companions, chatbots, and AI toys, the importance of AI safety features and parental controls, gaps in AI usage among boys and girls, and how to protect kids in the AI era. 

Several of my youth worker friends are reporting that many kids in their youth groups are feeling increased loneliness. The data supports this growing widespread epidemic of loneliness. God has made us for relationships, and when the pressures of life, the breakdown of the family, over-scheduling, and increased time focused on screens combine, it's a perfect storm resulting in feeling alone. Sadly, Common Sense Media reports that three in four teenagers are now using AI for companionship. And, in an effort to find emotional and mental health support, many are relying on non-human chatbots to counsel and guide them through their struggles. Common Sense Media has issued this stern warning: “Teens should not use AI chatbots for mental health or emotional support. AI chatbots are not safe and reliable for these purposes.” Parents, our kids need real flesh and blood relationships, starting with you. That is the first step in stemming the tide of teen loneliness.

Mike Robb, Head of Research for Common Sense Media, joins Megan Lynch. A new survey reveals that pre-teens, teens, and their parents see artificial intelligence as a society-changing technology. But some don't necessarily see that as negative.

Youth are increasingly interacting with AI chatbots, and the risks to their wellbeing, including self harm, are becoming tragically apparent. Jake speaks with Amina Fazlullah, Head of Tech Policy Advocacy at Common Sense Media, about how we can responsibly regulate these platforms to protect kids.

Sue Thotz is the Director of Education Outreach with Common Sense Media as well as a speaker and facilitator of professional development on the topics of digital citizenship, wellness, and the culture of technology integration. There are a lot of questions surrounding Artificial Intelligence in education, and in this episode, Sue and Brent chat about how educators can try and navigate the uncharted waters of AI.

  This week on The Hamilton Review Podcast, we're pleased to welcome pediatrician Dr. Cori Cross. In this episode, Dr. Cross explores the impact of social media on children and offers practical guidance for parents navigating today's complex digital landscape. Drawing from her Peds in Review article, "The Complicated Reality of Social Media," Dr. Cross joins Dr. Bob for a thoughtful discussion that takes a deeper look at the challenges and opportunities social media presents for families. We hope you enjoy this important and timely conversation.   Cori Cross is a board-certified pediatrician and has been serving the LA community since her residency at Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) in 2004. Dr. Cross graduated cum laude from Barnard College with a BA in philosophy. She attended The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, where she obtained her M.D. and was elected to the AOA honor society. Dr. Cross works as an advocate and public educator speaking nationally and locally to children and adults on a variety of topics. She is an American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Spokesperson and uses this platform to advocate for children and educate the public on pediatric and public health issues. In addition to interviews on behalf of the AAP, she is a repeat medical expert on CNN's Headline News and Los Angeles' CBS news. After years on the interviewee side of things, Dr. Cross can now be heard hosting peer-to-peer medical podcasts for RadioMD. In 2010 with the advent of the iPad, it was evident that screens would have a profoundly different effect on this next generation. Dr. Cross joined the AAP's Council on Communications and Media and served two terms on the Executive Committee. She was a lead author on the AAP's "Media Use in School-Aged Children and Adolescents" as well as the accompanying technical report "Children and Adolescents and Digital Media." She has continued working and educating in this space, giving talks locally and nationally to parents, student, educators and pediatricians. She partnered with Common Sense Media locally to give panel discussions and nationally to develop resources for pediatricians to address these issues in their offices. In 2017, she won an Outstanding Achievement in Innovation Award from the AAP for her work in creating the Family Media Use Plan Toolkit on HealthyChildren.org. She has continued to work with the AAP to update these resources and policies. She authored The Complicated Reality of Social Media, published in August of 2025 in Peds in Review and co-authored Digital Ecosystems, Children and Adolescents Policy Statement and Technical Report published in Pediatrics in January of 2026. How to contact Dr. Cori Cross:   Dr. Cori Cross Website   How to contact Dr. Bob: Dr. Bob on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChztMVtPCLJkiXvv7H5tpDQ Dr. Bob on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drroberthamilton/ Dr. Bob on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bob.hamilton.1656 Dr. Bob's Seven Secrets Of The Newborn website: https://7secretsofthenewborn.com/ Dr. Bob's website: https://roberthamiltonmd.com/ Pacific Ocean Pediatrics: http://www.pacificoceanpediatrics.com/  

CONTENT WARNING:We're diving into the tough but important topic of parenting in an AI-shaped world, and while younger kids probably shouldn't listen in, this could be a great conversation to share with your middle or high schoolers so it feels more like learning together than an interrogation. My hope is that this equips you to parent well as we raise kids in a world shaped by AI.The first step to parenting AI well is to know what is out there. Relational AI is an AI assistant designed to be a sort of digital companion. There are many drawbacks to how it is current designed, and Common Sense Media says these are so unsafe they shouldn't be used by anyone under the age of 18. That's concerning because 3/5 teens use them, and 1/3 say they like them as much or more than real life people.Today's conversation will equip you to begin parenting this tech well from hope, and with a proper respect for the possible dangers it presents.Show Notes: https://bit.ly/49ViagB 

Feb. 3, 2026- We break down Gov. Kathy Hochul's legislation to protect kids when they go online, including limiting strangers from contacting them and restricting their spending. Our guests are Holly Grosshans and Amina Fazlullah from Common Sense Media.

Rob Gronkowski and former NFL head coach Bruce Arians stop by to share a sneak peek at their Super Bowl ad aimed at raising awareness and support for prostate cancer screenings. Also, a closer look at a new Common Sense Media report on teenage boys and gambling. Plus, Katherine LaNasa joins to discuss the whirlwind rise in popularity her show ‘The Pitt' has had and what's in store for Season 2. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send us a textWhat do AI companions, deepfakes, and White House briefings have in common? Bruce Reed. In this episode, Mallory Mejias and Amith Nagarajan are joined by Bruce Reed, Head of AI at Common Sense Media and former Deputy Chief of Staff in the Biden-Harris White House. Bruce shares an insider's view on how the U.S. government reacted to the launch of ChatGPT, the urgent need for AI guardrails for youth, and why you don't need to be a tech expert to lead responsibly. Bruce Reed is Head of AI at Common Sense Media and a senior White House policy adviser across three administrations. He served as President Clinton's chief domestic policy adviser, chief of staff to Vice President Biden, and Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy in the Biden-Harris administration, helping shape 17 State of the Union addresses. Dubbed President Biden's “AI Whisperer,” Reed led landmark government efforts on AI safety, securing voluntary commitments from major tech companies and advancing a sweeping executive order on responsible AI.  Common Sense Media - https://www.commonsensemedia.org/ Time AI 100 - https://shorturl.at/2NeQZ

2026 is poised to be another landmark year for the child online safety debate in the United States.In recent years, states have passed dozens of bills aimed at expanding protections for kids as they navigate risks on social media platforms, AI chatbots and other pools, with more likely on the way. Lawmakers in Washington, meanwhile, are considering a flurry of proposals that could set a national standard on the issue. But many of these efforts are facing legal limbo as industry and some digital rights groups allege they violate constitutional rights and trample on privacy.Tech Policy Press senior editor Cristiano Lima-Strong spoke to three experts tracking the issue to assess the current policy landscape in the United States and how it may shift in 2026, particularly as state legislators continue to take up the cause:Amina Fazlullah is head of tech policy advocacy at Common Sense Media, a group that advocates for child online safety measures. She previously served as a tech policy fellow for Mozilla and as director of policy at the Benton Foundation.Joel Thayer is president of the Digital Progress Institute, a think tank that advocates for age verification policies. He previously clerked for Federal Trade Commission official Maureen Ohlhausen and served as policy counsel for the tech trade group The App Association.Kate Ruane is the director of the Free Expression Project at the Center for Democracy and Technology, a nonprofit that advocates for digital rights. She previously served as lead public policy specialist for the Wikimedia Foundation and as senior legislative counsel for the ACLU.

Education - Jim Steyer | Founder, Common Sense Media

Are you tired of the constant panic and guilt surrounding your kids' screen time? In this episode, Jess sits down with Dr. Michael Robb, Head of Research at Common Sense Media, to cut through the noise and offer a reassuring, nuanced perspective on technology in the family. Dr. Robb explains why we should stop counting minutes and instead focus on what screen time displaces, like play and sleep. You'll walk away with practical strategies for setting healthy boundaries, navigating popular games like Roblox, and deciding if your child is truly ready for a phone, all while strengthening your connection with them.Get 10% OFF parenting courses and kids' printable activities at Nurtured First using the code ROBOTUNICORN.We'd love to hear from you! Have questions you want us to answer on Robot Unicorn? Send us an email: podcast@robotunicorn.net. Credits:Editing by The Pod Cabin Artwork by Wallflower Studio Production by Nurtured First  Head to nurturedfirst.com/bodysafety to learn more about our Body Safety & Consent course!

Marlon sits down with Dr. Nina Vasan and Dr. Darja Djordjevic from Stanford's Brainstorm Lab to talk about the experiences that shaped their careers and the research they're doing now. We talk about how AI is reshaping mental health, relationships, and daily life. They walk us through their recent Common Sense Media study on how young people turn to chatbots for support, and they share clear, practical ways to stay grounded and connected in our rapidly changing world. Watch this episode on YouTube! Read the Common Sense Media study: AI Chatbots for Mental Health Support Learn more about Brainstorm: The Stanford Lab for Mental Health Innovation

A new report from Stanford and Common Sense Media finds that more than half of U.S. teens use AI chatbots for companionship. But, according to Dr. Darja Djordjevic, an adolescent and adult psychiatrist who co-authored the research, the bots aren't equipped to provide the kind of emotional support young people need when dealing with a mental health issue.Dr. Djordjevic and her team simulated conversations involving various mental health concerns with four of the most popular consumer chatbots and identified several risks; chiefly, their tendency to be sycophantic. A note, this conversation mentions suicide and self-harm.

A new report from Stanford and Common Sense Media finds that more than half of U.S. teens use AI chatbots for companionship. But, according to Dr. Darja Djordjevic, an adolescent and adult psychiatrist who co-authored the research, the bots aren't equipped to provide the kind of emotional support young people need when dealing with a mental health issue.Dr. Djordjevic and her team simulated conversations involving various mental health concerns with four of the most popular consumer chatbots and identified several risks; chiefly, their tendency to be sycophantic. A note, this conversation mentions suicide and self-harm.

Robbie Torney, Senior Director, AI Programs, Common Sense Media joins Megan Lynch. What are the risks families face with AI. 'AI companions pose serious risks for teens,' says Torney. He says parents don't even know.

Across the country, tech companies are successfully suing to block laws aimed at protecting children online. Jake speaks with Holly Grosshans and Ariel Fox Johnson of Common Sense Media about how the industry is using the first amendment and federal law to skirt accountability, and they discuss how the places where the industry has lost in court may point a viable way forward to enforce regulation that mitigates the harms of social media on youth.

Artificial intelligence assistants such as Google's Gemini have exploded in popularity, constantly offering to help summarize a document, craft an email response, or answer a question. AI chatbots take this even further. These chatbots—sometimes called AI companions—generate conversations with users, and because they “remember” interactions and modulate their responses, they can appear, at times, quite human. On this episode, host Megan Nicholson explores chatbots with J. B. Branch, the Big Tech accountability advocate at Public Citizen. Branch discusses who is using chatbots, what the companies behind these AIs are doing, and how they might be regulated. He also wrote about this topic in his essay for our Fall 2025 edition, “AI Companions Are Not Your Teen's Friend.” Resources:J. B. Branch on the need to regulate AI chatbots:“AI Companions Are Not Your Teen's Friend,” Issues in Science & Technology.“AI chatbots shouldn't be talking to kids — Congress must step in,” The Hill. Learn more about AI companions' impact on teens mental health by reading Common Sense Media's risk assessment. Visit the Tech Law Justice Project to read more about the current lawsuits in California state courts against OpenAI.  What could regulating AI chatbots look like? See a model state law from Public Citizen.

Teenagers are turning to AI chatbots seeking mental health support. But new research has found that can put them in harm's way. The Wall Street Journal's Georgia Wells unpacks a new report from Common Sense Media and Stanford Medicine's Brainstorm Lab for Mental Health Innovation. Plus: WSJ reporter Katie Bindley explores how small businesses are using—and benefiting from—generative AI. Katie Deighton hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Common Sense Media's Robbie Torney joins Megan Lynch with a look at a new lawsuit filed by the state of Texas against online gaming platform, Roblox. Torney says Roblox is making efforts to secure gamers, but are they going far enough?

Are AI chatbots recommended for children? Robbie Torney, Senior Director for AI Programs at Common Sense Media joined Arizona's Morning News to break down that question. Common Sense Media reviews media to see if it is suitable for kids. Robbie Torney gave a testimony to congress in September regarding AI safety, and you can read the testimony here: https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/e2e8fc50-a9ac-05ec-edd7-277cb0afcdf2/2025-09-16%20PM%20-%20Testimony%20-%20Torney.pdf

How much screen time is too much for your tween or teen? It's one of the biggest questions single parents are asking right now.With schoolwork, social life, and endless scrolling, it can feel impossible to know what's “too much.” In this episode, Tess Connolly, LCSW, breaks down what the experts say about healthy limits for tweens and teens, drawing from the American Academy of Pediatrics, Common Sense Media, and leading researchers like Jonathan Haidt and Jean Twenge.You'll discover how to balance tech use with sleep, family connection, and mental health—and learn best practices single parents can realistically use at home without constant battles.Listen now to The Single Parenting Reset Show and find out how to set screen time limits that protect your child's well-being and your peace of mind.⭐Got screen time problems at home, get the Tech Reset Agreement here

Most people have an understanding of just how devastating social media and unrestrained access to technology have been to teens and young adults. What's less understood is what the next threat is going to be to young people and their mental health. Evidence is mounting that it's likely to be artificial intelligence and the very strange relationships people are starting to create with AI companions. People are using AI as their coaches, therapists, trusted friends, and even their romantic partners. According to Common Sense Media, more than half of American teens are using AI companions at least once a month. What's forgotten is the deep, dark secrets being shared with AI companions are not protected or private. More concerning, many users lose touch with the fact that the AI companions are not real people. In this episode, Mandy McLean, CEO of ClassWaves, discusses what AI companions are, the risks they pose to users, why AI companions are appealing, and what parents and educators should be doing to avoid safety and manipulation risks AI companions introduce to students. Mandy says now is the perfect moment for AI companions to exponentially grow because of the loneliness epidemic, the amount of time people are spending using digital devices, and the quality of the AI companions in market. Mandy also discusses what is likely happening to the brains of children who frequently use AI companions. She talks about what happens to people who lose an “AI spouse” when outdated technology is sunset. She closes out the interview by providing advice to parents and educators who want to help children avoid the dangerous use of AI companions and she shares what is filling her with a sense of optimism. Mandy McLean is the co-founder and CEO of ClassWaves, an AI-powered platform that helps teachers transform learning by fostering learner agency and social capital through dialogue. A former high school teacher with a PhD in education and statistics, she has spent over a decade studying how people learn and later held leadership roles at Guild as Director of Research, Head of Applied Science, and Director of AI Transformation. At ClassWaves, Mandy is redefining the teacher's role—not as a content deliverer, but as a guide for deeper conversation and connection. She also writes on Substack and speaks widely about education, adolescent development, and the social impact of technology. She lives in Colorado with her husband, two kids, and two cats, and she loves running, mountain adventures, and exploring big questions.

In this mini-episode Adam answers your most-asked question with their real setup: landline + watch for calls, curated contacts, filtered schoolwork, locked streaming profiles, and kids' Kindles set to read-only. He reminds us software can help, but the win is shaping hearts, building accountability, and choosing holiness together.Resources MentionedApple Watch (Family Setup & controls): https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211768Apple Screen Time (family controls): https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201304Canopy (filter): https://canopy.us/Securly (school filtering): https://www.securly.com/Covenant Eyes (accountability): https://www.covenanteyes.com/Bark (monitoring): https://www.bark.us/Dude Perfect App: https://dudeperfect.com/app/Kindle parental controls: https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201472070Movie “parent guide” lookups (Common Sense Media): https://www.commonsensemedia.org/Scripture — Psalm 101:3 (“I will not set…before my eyes”): https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+101%3A3&version=ESV Follow Us:Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteEditing and support by The Good Podcast Co. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to The Mental Breakdown and Psychreg Podcast! Today, Dr. Berney and Dr. Marshall discuss new threats parents must consider when their kids are using AI. Read the article from Internet Matters here and from Common Sense Media here. You can now follow Dr. Marshall on twitter, as well! Dr. Berney and Dr. Marshall are happy to announce the release of their new parenting e-book, Handbook for Raising an Emotionally Healthy Child Part 2: Attention. You can get your copy from Amazon here. We hope that you will join us each morning so that we can help you make your day the best it can be! See you tomorrow. Become a patron and support our work at http://www.Patreon.com/thementalbreakdown. Visit Psychreg for blog posts covering a variety of topics within the fields of mental health and psychology. The Parenting Your ADHD Child course is now on YouTube! Check it out at the Paedeia YouTube Channel. The Handbook for Raising an Emotionally Health Child Part 1: Behavior Management is now available on kindle! Get your copy today! The Elimination Diet Manual is now available on kindle and nook! Get your copy today! Follow us on Twitter and Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube Channels, Paedeia and The Mental Breakdown. Please leave us a review on iTunes so that others might find our podcast and join in on the conversation!

A new study from Common Sense Media, a group that studies and advocates for using screens and digital media sensibly, found that 70 percent of teens have used AI companions, platforms designed to serve as “digital friends.” As the technology gets more sophisticated, experts worry about AI's potential to exacerbate crises of loneliness and youth mental health. Brandon Jones, the executive director of the Minnesota Association for Children's Mental Health, joined Minnesota Now to share more about this. Hear more from our special series on AI in schoolsPerspective from a Minnesota teacher turned AI education consultantSt. Paul teacher says it's 'like bringing a forklift to the gym'Minnesota high school student weighs the benefits and pitfalls of AI

"Fairy tales do not tell children the dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children the dragons can be killed." - G.K. Chesterton   Summary Movies shape more than behavior — they form the imagination, the moral compass, and the heart. Catholic parents are not merely protecting innocence; they are cultivating virtue and wonder. In this episode, we explore how stories shape our children, how to choose wisely, and how to use movies as part of a rich Catholic family culture. Jesus used stories to teach. So do we.   Key Takeaways   Here are four filters that parents can use to decide what movies to watch with their children:   Content – Surface-level: language, nudity, violence, disrespect. Different for every family.  Talk about this with spouse May change as the kids get older Context / Theme–  Does it glorify sin, or does it show redemption? Does this movie affirm the dignity of the human person? What's the movie saying about truth, identity, family, and faith? Does it honor the sacrificial nature of love? Does it support the family or undermine it? Is faith treated with reverence, or ridicule? Beauty Is it ugly?is does it nourish the soul and imagination? Is this edifying? Does it educate, challenge, or cause me to grow and bear good fruit? Character Arc – Are the heroes virtuous? Are sinners redeemed? Remember: It's not enough to avoid what is harmful. We must actively seek what is holy, good, and true.