When former-Facebook employee David Erb realized that Facebook's "People You May Know" feature was connecting millions of pedophiles with tens of millions of children, he told senior Facebook executives right away. The response gave David the shock of his life.

Not only did Meta refuse to help these children, they announced end-to-end encryption so that the messages were hidden. This strategic update removed liability from Meta and has since encouraged even more exploitation of children.

In today's episode of Scrolling 2 Death, David Erb shares his story. Please listen with caution. What you hear will upset you.

About David Erb

David Erb has had a nearly 40 year career working for some of the biggest tech companies in the world, including Microsoft, Google, YouTube and Facebook. David co-created Google Cloud, and led a team of 200 engineers at YouTube. He has been a champion of developing new ways to combat CSAM and has seen big tech at both its best and its worst. He resigned from his lead engineering role in Meta's London office in protest over their refusal to act on his team's recommendations to curb CSAM and grooming on the platform.

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:

• Telegram CEO Arrested for Enabling Child Sexual Abuse (among other charges)
• TikTok Must Face Lawsuit Over 10-year-old Girl's Death (court ruling)
• New Study Shows TikTok Psychologically Manipulates Users in Favor of China (study)
• TikTok Child Privacy Class Action Lawsuit (more here)
• Snapchat Launches Their App on iPads (more here)
• Families Can Sue Yolo For Breaking Anti-Bullying Pledge (more info)
• The Dangerous World of Anonymous Apps (with Kristin Bride)
• Anonymous Apps: Exposed (with Kristin Bride)
• RESEARCH: The Case for Causality (social media & mental health) by Jonathan Haidt and Zach Rausch
• RESEARCH: How Screens Affect Infants & Toddlers by Children & Screens

Check back on Fridays for everything that parents need to know about the platforms our children are spending hours on every day.

In this conversation, I interview author, mom and entrepreneur Jenna Lee Dillon to discuss children's screen time; the benefits, the dangers and the importance of a proactive approach to screens.

Jenna Lee authored an incredible book called Look Up! A Wild & Screen Freed Roadmap to Enjoying Travel with Kids. This book dives into Jenna Lee's experiences and lessons embarking on 65 flights at 51 roadtrips with her daughter, all screen free!

So much to learn in this super relatable conversation between two moms who are trying to give our children an empowered and balanced childhood.

About Jenna Lee

Jenna Lee Dillon is a solo mama, 4x entrepreneur, Spartan racer, speaker, and author of Look Up! A Wild & Screen Freed Roadmap to Enjoying Travel with Kids. She founded the Screen Freed Revolution to help parents cultivate an indomitable mindset, experience profound joy, and navigate technology boundaries with purpose and peace. Jenna Lee lives with her daughter and their bossy Aussie dog.

Connect with Jenna Lee on her 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

Some would say that the addictive pull of our phones and the attention economy is the biggest issue society faces today.

Certainly, our children are feeling the effects, with rising rates of depression and suicide. 

Sara Robin is an award-winning filmmaker who has dove into exploring the impact that the attention economy is having on our lives. 

There is so much to learn from Sara, as she has studied and interviewed countless parents, teens, teachers, doctors and other experts in this space. 

Sara is now in development on a new documentary called Your Attention Please, which explores solutions to the problems caused by exploitative tech. 

In this conversation between Scrolling 2 Death host Nicki Reisberg and Sara Robin, we dive deep into issues facing parents today, including: 

• The harms that can arise from problematic social media use
• The presence of tech and smartphones in schools
• Tips for parents in raising their children with tech
• And much, much more

You can find out more about the Your Attention Please documentary at: yourattentionplz.com

The Big Tech Gut Check is a super quick, weekly update on all things Big Tech.

Check back every Friday for everything that parents need to know about the platforms our children are spending hours on every day.

This week’s Big Tech Gut Check highlights:

• Meta paying $$Billions$$ in dividends in the wake of child exploitation revealed on their platform.
• Meta's announcement to add labels to AI-generated content.
• Troubles in the world of Snapchat, and their last-ditch efforts to be relevant.
• Research updates on misinformation, misogynistic content (featuring Andrew Tate).
• Revealing the Top 3 most popular social media platforms for U.S. adults. 

The Big Tech Gut Check is a super quick, weekly update on all things Big Tech. 

Check back here every Friday for everything that parents need to know about the platforms our children are spending hours on every day.

This week’s Big Tech Gut Check focuses on: 

• An update on the lawsuit Neville et al vs. Snap, Inc.
• Highlights from the Big Tech Senate Hearing in DC
• Big Tech’s latest publicity stunts
• NYC Major Eric Adams concerning update on social media
• A new report from Eko revealing harmful content on Instagram and TikTok

In this conversation, family physician Dr. Alison Young (IG: @thesmartphoneeffect) and Nicki Reisberg discuss the impact of screens and social media on mental health. They explore the age at which children are getting smartphones and accessing social media, and the effect that these decisions are having on mental health outcomes, brain development and dopamine levels. 

Topics include: 

• Youth screen time and social media use

• A breakdown of how dopamine works related to screen time

• What phone options are available to parents these days

• The benefits of phone bans in academic settings 

• The importance of primary prevention around screen activities

This episode is your introduction to dangerous online challenges.

Parent survivor Joann Bogard shares the story of her son, Mason.

Mason Bogard was an adventurous and outdoorsy 15-year-old. 

He loved fishing, hiking, camping and woodworking. 

He had great friends, went to a good school.

Mason's parents talked to him regularly about online safety and used every parental feature available. They did everything right.

And Mason still fell victim to a social media harm.

Mason passed away in May 2019 after trying the viral choking challenge he viewed on YouTube.

The conversation highlights the lack of regulation and responsibility of social media platforms in preventing harmful content from reaching children.

Joann discusses her advocacy efforts, including a lawsuit against YouTube and TikTok, and support of the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA).

The conversation includes candid tips for parents regarding phones and social media.

You can connect with Joann through: https://www.facebook.com/masonsmessage

To learn more about KOSA, click this link.

Here's an easy link to contact your state Senators, to ask them to support KOSA.

Dr. Carl D. Marci is a physician, neuroscientist, author and entrepreneur with an incredible book for parents called 'Rewired: Protecting Your Brain in the Digital Age.' 

In this interview, Dr. Marci answers pressing questions from parents: 

• How are screens affecting our childrens' brains? 
• Should we be giving our children a learning tablet? 
• When should our children be given a smartphone? 
• Why are adolescents more depressed than ever before? 

The big takeaway from this conversation is how parents can best connect with their children and support their brain development. 

Here's a link to Dr. Marci's book 'Rewired: Protecting Your Brain in the Digital Age': https://rewiredthebook.com

This episode is all about social media and our kids. In this conversation, I welcome Imran Ahmed of the Center for Countering Digital Hate, who gets in depth about the risks that social media poses to our children, and gives a roadmap to solve this harmful hamster wheel.

We cover a number of topics relevant to parenting in the digital world, including: 

• Social media's addictive nature
• Harmful content on social media (and how to minimize it)
• How to navigate "fake news"
• The effect of AI on society 

Imran and his team have put together a Parent's Guide for social media use, available here.

Imran Ahmed leads the Center for Countering Digital Hate in stopping the spread of hate and lies online through research, public campaigns and policy advocacy. Learn more about their work at counterhate.com.
If you feel impassioned to write your State Representatives to inform them about your feelings on these issues, click here for a simple form.

Today I welcome Dr. Mark Woodall, a naturopathic doctor practicing in Washington state. In this conversation, we focus on the effects that technology is having on the mental and physical health of today's teenagers. 

Dr. Woodall gives parents specific recommendations related to teen mental health, screen time, sleep, physical activity and tech. 

⁠⁠Work with Dr. Woodall in Washington⁠⁠.

Here are a few of the resources that Dr. Woodall mentions in this episode:

• Info on toxic chemicals: https://www.ewg.org

• Book recommendation:⁠⁠ https://stolenfocusbook.com⁠⁠ 

• Research around social media and links to mental health outcomes:⁠⁠ https://jonathanhaidt.com/social-media/⁠⁠

Amy Neville lost her son Alexander to an overdose after taking one fentanyl-laced oxycodone pill he purchased on Snapchat. She has joined together with over 60 other families who have been harmed in similar ways, and is suing Snap, Inc., alleging the social media platform enables drug dealers in reaching minors and young adults. 

In this revealing interview, Amy tells her story and warns parents about the dangers hiding on this concerning platform, tells us what to look for, and provides advice on how to guide our children in an increasingly-digital world. After losing her son, Amy founded the Alexander Neville Foundation, which works to educate youth and communities on teen mental health and the dangers of fentanyl and social media. ⁠https://anfhelp.org⁠ 

Learn more about Neville et. al. vs. Snap here: ⁠https://socialmediavictims.org/snapchat-lawsuit/fentanyl/⁠

In this interview, I welcome Sarah from Mom Uncharted. This discussion is all about sharing children online; we dissect digital privacy, informed consent, kid influencers and shed light on the sobering realities of child safety in the digital landscape.

I was especially shocked to learn about the ability for adults to subscribe to exclusive content from children. Parents everywhere must know about this.

More about Sarah: 

For two years, Sarah has been exploring the state of sharenting, child exploitation and minor safety on social media. Since then, she’s grown a large and supportive community of like-minded individuals who feel that the way parents are sharing their children online is concerning and that the platforms, governments and brands need to step up to protect a whole generation of children from growing up with a digital footprint that compromised their right to privacy, informed consent and digital safety. 

Sarah’s goal has always been to pose questions, offer a different perspective and provide information as it relates to these topics in an attempt to encourage parents to reflect on their own sharing choices, the accounts they are consuming online and better support their children in becoming informed and responsible digital citizens. 

Her work has been featured in The Washington Post, Forbes, Bloomberg, CNN and more. Most recently in the French documentary "Enfants sous influence : surexposés au nom du like". 

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's Harmful "Snapchat+" Feature Reaches 11 Million Subscribers 
• TikTok To Remove Addictive Rewards Program from TikTok Lite in EU (more here)
• Frank McCourt and Project Liberty Creating "People's Bid" for TikTok (interview with Frank)
• TikTok Censors Content Served to Americans (more here)
• Google and Meta Run Secret Ad Campaign Targeting Kids (more here)

Contact your Representative in the House: Visit house.gov and enter ZIP code at the top right to find your representative

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)

In what may be a multi-parter, Nicki breaks down the unthinkable responses to a recent video she posted on Instagram about a teen’s suicide. 

Thousands of comments from adolescent male gamers don’t lie. In the online gaming communities, there is a blatant lack of empathy and normalization of hate speech, suicide-baiting and oversaturation of cyber-bullying.

In this mini-episode, Nicki discusses this viral Instagram video and the responses, in addition to sharing current research about gaming and the effects on our children.

Today’s mini episode features the witty and hilarious Jenny Mollen. Jenny is a writer, actor, Instagram personality and New York Times bestselling author.

Jenny’s oversharing nature has come into check as she became a mother and faced the ever-concerning decision – to share our kids, or not to share our kids. Online, that is.

As always, Jenny takes us on a swift and thrilling ride through her “latchkey vibes” upbringing and public-facing career which led her to decide that privacy is the way to go.

Connect with Jenny on Instagram at @jennymollen.

Prepare for an eye-opening conversation that will change the way you think about kids and tech.

Join Nicki of Scrolling 2 Death as she dives into an enlightening discussion with attorney Laura Marquez-Garrett (of the Social Media Victims Law Center), unearthing the harsh realities of the harm lurking behind the screens. 

We get into loads of hot tech topics, including:

• Social media harms vs. benefits

• Trends in social media harms

• Addictiveness of social media platforms

• Which are the most harmful platforms?

• Much, much more

Laura pulls back the curtain on the profound impacts of social media on our children, sharing real stories of social media harm and offering tips for parents navigating the ever-evolving digital landscape. 

More about Laura: 

Laura Marquez-Garrett is a 2002 Harvard Law School graduate and spent the first twenty-years of her career in Big Law, where she oversaw complex litigation matters and specialized in electronic evidence and forensic investigation. In January of 2022, Laura met ⁠Social Media Victims Law Center⁠ (SMVLC) founder, Matthew Bergman, and watched the Netflix documentary, Social Dilemma. The following month, she left her predominantly defense-oriented practice to join SMVLC to contribute to the Center’s mission of change and holding social media companies accountable for the harms they are causing to children and families. Since then, Laura has participated in the filing of more than 100 complaints against social media companies in state and federal courts across the country. She filed an Amicus brief in Netchoice v. Bonta on behalf of Fairplay and several other civil society organizations, and in support of California’s Age-Appropriate Design Code (CADC); serves as a Discovery Steering Committee co-lead in the California Judicial Counsel Coordinated Proceedings (JCCP No. 5255); has appeared on podcasts, such as Your Undivided Attention, and other forms of media, such as the released documentary titled “Mark, What’s the Plan,” about social media harms and related issues; addressed the House Energy & Commerce Committee at a Roundtable on the Dangers of Big Tech and the Fentanyl Poisoning Crisis; authored an Op-Ed in the Los Angeles Blade in support of the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA); has spoken on panels, met with hundreds of children and families, and is otherwise actively involved in efforts across the globe to force change and hold social media companies accountable for the harms they cause as a matter of platform design. 

 

DISCLAIMER: This episode discusses the suicide of 15-year-old Nate Bronstein. If this topic will be too upsetting for you, please skip to the next episode.

In this episode, Rose Bronstein shares the story of her son Nate. 

• Nate loved basketball. 
• He loved playing the drums. 
• He loved hanging out with his friends. 
• He was a wonderful soul. 

At the age of 15, Nate died by suicide on January 13, 2022 after facing vicious attacks, harassment and threats of physical harm over text and Snapchat. 

This tragic story can happen to any kid. To any family.  

In this episode, Nate's mom Rose shares the full story and emphasizes a few important lessons for parents and teens. 

Learn more about Rose's work at https://bucketsoverbullying.org/

This interview is dedicated to Carson Bride.

In this emotional conversation, Kristin Bride tells Nicki the personal story of losing her son to suicide after being cyberbullied on anonymous apps linked to Snapchat, and her subsequent advocacy work.

Trigger warning: In this episode, we talk about suicide. If this will be too difficult for you, please skip to the next episode.

Kristin also shares her work with the Fairplay Network and the Online Harms Prevention work group, which aims to educate parents on online harms and advocate for legislation. The conversation emphasizes the tragic consequences of online harms and the need for parents to be critical thinkers and protect their children online.

Parents can learn about the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) by visiting passkosa.org and consider taking action to advocate for the legislation.

Takeaways:

• Anonymous apps pose significant dangers to children, including cyberbullying and exposure to harmful content.
• Kristin advises parents to delay their children's access to social media and have ongoing conversations about the dangers of technology.
• Creating communities of like-minded parents can provide support and resources for navigating the challenges of parenting in the digital age.
• We discuss the need for legislation and parental awareness to protect children from the negative impacts of anonymous apps and social media.

In this episode I welcome digital advocate Alix Fraser of Issue One. We take a dive deep into the risks of social media and explore how (and why) social media has been created to be harmful by design.

Alix and Nicki cover a ton of topics important to parents; social media, devices, cyberbullying, sharenting and much more!

Alix introduces Nicki to two bills that would could steer us in the right direction with social media regulation and make the internet safer for children.

• The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA, S.1409) directly addresses the harmful social media business model by placing the health and wellbeing of our children over advertising revenue. Learn more at passkosa.org.
• The Platform Accountability and Transparency Act (PATA) would create a program facilitated by the National Science Foundation (NSF) for researchers to request access to certain data from social media companies, and require the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to develop privacy and security protocols for the program. Learn more about PATA here: https://www.coons.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-coons-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-increase-transparency-around-social-media-platforms

Alix Fraser serves as the Director of the Council for Responsible Social Media at Issue One. In this role, Alix leads the cross-partisan Council of political, civic, public health, business, and national security leaders working to address the threats that social media platforms pose to American society. Learn more about this work at issueone.org.

Join Scrolling 2 Death host Nicki Reisberg for an enlightening and educational dive into the world of kid-friendly smartphones in this eye-opening episode. Nicki sits down with Bill Brady, the Co-Founder and CEO of Troomi Wireless, a pioneering mobile phone platform committed to fostering children's mental well-being through a balanced and safe relationship with technology. As a father of five, Bill brings a wealth of experience and insight to the discussion, shedding light on essential topics vital for todays’ parents.

Throughout the conversation, Bill and Nicki explore an array of critical issues that resonate with every parent. From the paramount importance of digital safety and the introduction of safe smartphones tailored for kids, to navigating the complexities of teens and social media, the discussion is rich with valuable insights. Delving into the risks and benefits of phone usage for younger children and the emergence of smartwatches designed with kids in mind, they address pressing concerns.

The dialogue extends beyond mere usage to encompass the gamut of potential risks in the digital sphere, encompassing cyberbullying, sextortion, the surge of depression, and even the physical effects associated with excessive tech consumption. Moreover, the conversation delves into the role of phones in educational settings, uncovering the nuances of phone use in schools.

It's important to note that Scrolling 2 Death is an independent platform and not affiliated with Troomi Wireless.

However, as a gesture, Troomi is extending an exclusive $80 discount to Scrolling 2 Death listeners on a Troomi phone.

Simply use the code TROOMI80 at checkout on www.troomi.com to claim this special offer.

More about Bill Brady: In a career spanning 20 years as a marketing executive, Bill Brady has owned two marketing agencies serving Fortune 500 brands. Since 2018, he has focused on providing children with healthier solutions for using technology and is the co-founder and CEO of Troomi Wireless, a mobile phone platform designed to improve kids’ mental health through a safe and balanced relationship with technology. Bill holds a degree in Marketing/PR from Brigham Young University and an MBA from the University of Utah. He lives in Highland, UT, with his wife and five kids.

Illinois-based high school art teacher Bill Henricks takes you behind the curtain in this revealing interview. Get ready for an insider's perspective on the realities of phone restrictions in schools. Bill and Scrolling 2 Death host Nicki delve deep into the primary objections to phone bans, unpacking concerns ranging from security issues to navigating medical exceptions and potential legal ramifications. This candid conversation sheds light on the multifaceted challenges faced by educators and parents alike when it comes to balancing the benefits and drawbacks of smartphones in educational settings. By tuning in to this episode, parents and educators gain invaluable insights, fostering a bridge of understanding between these two critical stakeholders in a child's education. The priority is crystal clear: safeguarding our children's mental health amidst the pervasive influence of screens. Encouraging open and compassionate dialogue around these crucial topics is paramount.

Also available as a video podcast on YouTube. Learn more about The Phone Locker at https://phonelocker.org (a simple solution to a big distraction)

Subscribe to this channel for super-special bonus episodes: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scrolling2death/subscribe

Prepare to get serious insight into the complexities of sharenting and digital privacy in this eye-opening episode featuring the esteemed Leah Plunkett, as she joins Nicki for a deep dive into the multifaceted world of sharenting and digital privacy. Leah Plunkett is author of the acclaimed book Sharenthood: Why We Should Think Before We Talk about Our Kids Online, a faculty member at Harvard Law School, and a faculty associate with the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University. To learn more about Leah's groundbreaking work and to grab a copy of her book, visit leahplunkett.com. Exploring the intricate dynamics surrounding the disclosure of digital data about children, Leah and Nicki shed light on the critical implications that often go unnoticed. From the potential invasion of privacy to the threats posed to children's current and future opportunities, and the hindrance of their ability to cultivate a genuine sense of self, we offer listeners a comprehensive understanding of the far-reaching consequences of this digital practice. The episode also delves into the increasing risks associated with generative AI and the alarming prevalence of child sexual abuse material, underscoring the urgent need for heightened vigilance and protective measures in the online sphere. Bringing a unique legal perspective to the table, Leah addresses crucial questions that every parent might have. We also delve into the fascinating world of "kidfluencers" and the pertinent issue of their limited rights to compensation for their online content, a topic that calls for widespread attention and advocacy. As an acclaimed author of the thought-provoking book, "Sharenthood: Why We Should Think Before We Talk about Our Kids Online," Leah Plunkett brings unparalleled expertise to the table, offering a wealth of knowledge and actionable insights. Join us as we unravel the legal intricacies, discuss the existing laws protecting children online, and delve into ways in which parents can actively advocate for greater digital protection within their local communities.

Subscribe to this channel for super-special bonus episodes: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scrolling2death/subscribe⁠

Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of adolescent brain development in this jam-packed episode! Join Scrolling 2 Death host Nicki Reisberg as she sits down with the incredible Nicola Morgan, aka "The Teenage Brain Woman," for an eye-opening chat that's perfect for parents navigating the maze of child-rearing.

Nicola, a rockstar author with over 100 books under her belt, knows a thing or two about teenage wellbeing. From how stress and anxiety affect learning to the impact of screens and social media on young minds, she's got the inside scoop.

Starting off as an English teacher and diving into supporting dyslexic students, Nicola's journey sparked her fascination with the learning brain. In this episode, she spills the beans on how technology is shaping the brains of today's teens, giving parents the lowdown on what's happening behind those screens.

They dive into hot topics like helicopter parenting, screen addiction, staying focused in a world full of distractions, and the eternal quest for balance amidst the digital chaos. Plus, they tackle recent trends like phone bans in different countries, dissecting what it means for the younger generation.

This conversation will arm parents with the knowledge they need to navigate the digital landscape while supporting their kids' mental and emotional well-being. Tune in for a peek into the ever-evolving teenage brain and grab some practical tips to guide your child through the digital age!

Connect with Nicola Morgan on her website and on Substack!

Subscribe to this channel for super-special bonus episodes: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scrolling2death/subscribe⁠

Welcome to Teachers Talk, a series on Scrolling 2 Death featuring candid discussions with teachers. Parents get the real deal on what's happening with screens at school and how tech is affecting students' learning and teachers' jobs.

Today's episode features a 4th - 6th grade teacher in Alaska named Jessica Moore. Jessica does an incredible job breaking down the latest research around kids and screens and gives so many takeaways for parents!

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

Buckle up for a laughter-filled heart-to-heart in this fabulous interview featuring the one and only, Jennifer Kelman, LCSW – your soon-to-be new best friend! Trust us, her wit and relatability will have you feeling like you've known her for ages.

In this vulnerable discussion, Nicki Reisberg and Ashley Hudson team up with the incredible Jennifer Kelman to dish out some seriously candid and valuable insights on all things parenting. From the eternal struggle of managing screen time to the nerve-wracking decision of when to hand over that first phone and navigate the wild world of social media, they leave no stone unturned. We go into detail on the Pinwheel phone and other teen-safe phone products.

And that's just the beginning! Get ready to dive headfirst into the ever-relevant topic of 'sharenting' and why it's got everyone talking. Plus, you won't want to miss the scoop on the most common issues that Jen encounters on JustAnswer.

But wait, there's more! Brace yourselves for some real talk about the ongoing debate of whether or not to allow phones at school, and pick up some invaluable tips on keeping a watchful eye on your child's device without being labeled the 'overbearing parent.' Oh, and let's not forget the crucial discussion on body image and the complex realities of navigating eating disorders in today's digital world.

So, what are you waiting for? Join Nicki, Ashley, and the fabulous Jennifer Kelman in this unmissable episode that's packed to the brim with laughter, insight, and plenty of 'a-ha' moments. It's a conversation you won't want to miss!

You can find Jennifer Kelman on JustAnswer here or by searching @TherapistJen.

If you're interesting in learning more about the Pinwheel phone, here's their website: https://www.pinwheel.com/

A quick note: This podcast covers topics such as suicide, disordered eating and traumatic events. Listener discretion is advised.
Let’s Talk: This may sound counterintuitive to our message, but go to Instagram and follow us at @scrolling2death. We’re there for you – to have real and honest conversations. Comment on any of our posts and tell us what you’re struggling with related to social media. What would you like us to cover in future episodes?
You can also email us at hello@scrolling2death.com with any questions or comments. We'd also love to hear your stories and experiences with social media.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Please take a moment to give us a follow and a 5-star rating, wherever you are listening!
Visit our website for more information about Scrolling 2 Death: www.scrolling2death.com

Subscribe to this channel for super-special bonus episodes: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scrolling2death/subscribe⁠

Get ready for a real heart-to-heart in this super engaging episode where we speak with Liz, a badass mom of four. She shares why she kept social media away from her kids until they were all grown up. We're talking about the good, the bad, and the messy stuff that came with that decision!

From bonding over family time to dodging the drama of cyberbullying and body image blues, we're diving deep into Liz's parenting playbook. We'll be tackling the hot topics too, like 'sharenting' (yeah, that's a thing), the dark side of misinformation, and how to keep an eye on your little ones without suffocating them.

If you're a parent on the fence about when to hand over the social media reins, you absolutely can't miss this one. Liz brings the real talk, and we're here for it. So buckle up and get ready to take some notes, because this chat is packed with wisdom and some seriously honest storytelling.

Big thanks to Liz for opening up and keeping it real with us!

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram for short clips and bonus content from this episode!

A quick note: This podcast covers topics such as suicide, disordered eating and traumatic events. Listener discretion is advised.

Let’s Talk: This may sound counterintuitive to our message, but go to Instagram and follow us at @scrolling2death. We’re there for you – to have real and honest conversations. Comment on any of our posts and tell us what you’re struggling with related to social media. What would you like us to cover in future episodes?

You can also email us at hello@scrolling2death.com with any questions or comments. We'd also love to hear your stories and experiences with social media.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Please take a moment to give us a follow and a 5-star rating, wherever you are listening!

Visit our website for more information about Scrolling 2 Death: www.scrolling2death.com

Subscribe to this channel for super-special bonus episodes: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scrolling2death/subscribe⁠

Get ready for an incredibly insightful and eye-opening episode as hosts Nicki and Ashley from Scrolling 2 Death speak with the brilliant human behavior technologist and cyber trauma expert, Cath Knibbs. Together, they venture into the intricate world of digital parenting, unpacking crucial issues that every caregiver needs to be aware of.

This deep dive into the digital realm covers an array of pivotal topics, ensuring that no stone is left unturned when it comes to safeguarding our children in the digital age.

From decoding the concept of cyber-trauma and providing invaluable insights on how to recognize its subtle signs in our children, to shedding light on the often-overlooked repercussions of 'sharenting' in the online sphere, this episode promises to be a game-changer in the way we approach our children's online presence.

The conversation doesn't stop there. With a keen focus on the prevalence of violent online content and the sobering reality of child sex abuse material (CSAM), the hosts and their esteemed guest navigate the treacherous waters of digital exposure, equipping listeners with essential knowledge and practical strategies to protect their loved ones from potential harm.

Drawing on their collective expertise, they also delve into the controversial debate surrounding the impact of violence in entertainment and gaming on real-life behavior, addressing the pressing concerns of screen time  and the challenges it poses for today's parents. And that's just the tip of the iceberg!

This episode is an absolute must-listen for anyone navigating the complexities of parenting in the digital age.

Tune in, soak up the wisdom, and don't forget to engage with the hosts and Cath Knibbs by sharing your thoughts and burning questions. Get ready to elevate your understanding and approach to digital parenting like never before!

Please follow and comment with your thoughts and any questions you have for Cath Knibbs or the Scrolling 2 Death hosts.

Learn more about Cath's work at www.childrenandtech.co.uk.

Connect with Cath on LinkedIn.

Connect with Cath on X.

Listen to Cath's podcast called Cyber Synapse.

Watch Cath's Tedx Talk.

A quick note: This podcast covers topics such as suicide, disordered eating and traumatic events. Listener discretion is advised.
Let’s Talk: This may sound counterintuitive to our message, but go to Instagram and follow us at @scrolling2death. We’re there for you – to have real and honest conversations. Comment on any of our posts and tell us what you’re struggling with related to social media. What would you like us to cover in future episodes?
You can also email us at hello@scrolling2death.com with any questions or comments. We'd also love to hear your stories and experiences with social media.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Please take a moment to give us a follow and a 5-star rating, wherever you are listening!
Visit our website for more information about Scrolling 2 Death: www.scrolling2death.com

Subscribe to this channel for super-special bonus episodes: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scrolling2death/subscribe⁠

In this conversation on the Scrolling 2 Death podcast, three business owners come together to discuss the struggles around marketing themselves on social media, finding balance, dealing with bots and much more. 

Get ready to fall in love with the incredible Sydney Belina, a world-renowned fitness entrepreneur, FitOn Trainer and Founder of the movement called Flight Fitness. Syd takes us behind the curtain of a successful social media presence and what it takes to create an engaged community, while always prioritizing in-person connections.  

In this episode, we dive into: 

• Marketing your business on social media
• The prevalence of social media bots 
• Prioritizing offline connections
• Setting boundaries for time spent online
• The ever-changing Instagram algorithm
• Balancing out social media with other marketing initiatives

You can find out more about Sydney Belina and try out a virtual class in her digital studio through www.sydneybelina.com. Also, you're going to want to connect with Sydney on Instagram at @sydneybelina.

What would you do if you found texts about murder on your 10-year-old's phone? 

In this interview on the Scrolling 2 Death podcast, hosts Nicki and Ashley welcome a mom of 4 named Jess. Jess was shocked to find disturbing content and cyber-bullying on her 10-year-old's phone. 

Listen to Jess' full story and what she has learned in this brand new episode. 

Topics include: 

• Cyber-bullying
• Inappropriate online content
• Parent-child connection and trust
• Screen use and kids
• Sharenting (sharing your kids on social media)

A quick note: This podcast covers topics such as suicide, disordered eating and traumatic events. Listener discretion is advised.
Let’s Talk: This may sound counterintuitive to our message, but go to Instagram and follow us at @scrolling2death. We’re there for you – to have real and honest conversations. Comment on any of our posts and tell us what you’re struggling with related to social media. What would you like us to cover in future episodes?
You can also email us at hello@scrolling2death.com with any questions or comments. We'd also love to hear your stories and experiences with social media.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Please take a moment to give us a follow and a 5-star rating, wherever you are listening!
Visit our website for more information about Scrolling 2 Death: www.scrolling2death.com

Subscribe to this channel for super-special bonus episodes: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scrolling2death/subscribe⁠

In our first interview-style episode, Scrolling 2 Death co-hosts Nicki and Ashley speak with accomplished pyschotherapist and keynote speaker Nicole Runyon.
 
In this vulnerable interview, we discuss a number of topics related to parenting, screen time and mental health, specifically:

- How screen time is negatively affecting our children's development
- How to work through the generational differences which can cause a barrier between parent and child
- Social media safety and sharenting
- Parent-child conflict around screen time
- Should parents be monitoring their teenagers online?

More about Nicole Runyon:

Nicole Runyon LMSW is a well-respected psychotherapist with 20+ years of experience specializing in child and adolescent mental health. She is a leading expert with this population and a sought-after speaker on topics such as technology’s effects on mental health, child development, and how generational differences in parenting affect the iGeneration whose mental health is deteriorating.

Nicole is highly recognized as an expert in her field and speaks to large audiences. Nicole has been featured in the media to talk about her expertise on how technology affects child and adolescent mental health. She has a deep passion for children and has dedicated her life’s work to helping them develop properly and thrive as young adults.

You can find out more about Nicole's work at nicolerunyon.com. 

A quick note: This podcast covers topics such as suicide, disordered eating and traumatic events. Listener discretion is advised.
Let’s Talk: This may sound counterintuitive to our message, but go to Instagram and follow us at @scrolling2death. We’re there for you – to have real and honest conversations. Comment on any of our posts and tell us what you’re struggling with related to social media. What would you like us to cover in future episodes?
You can also email us at hello@scrolling2death.com with any questions or comments. We'd also love to hear your stories and experiences with social media.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Please take a moment to give us a follow and a 5-star rating, wherever you are listening!
Visit our website for more information about Scrolling 2 Death: www.scrolling2death.com

Subscribe to this channel for super-special bonus episodes: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scrolling2death/subscribe⁠

Scrolling 2 Death host Nicki Reisberg recently tested out a No Phone Day (NPD). In this episode, Nicki takes co-host Ashley through her day, sharing the struggles and observations. 

Support the show

A quick note: This podcast covers topics such as suicide, disordered eating and traumatic events. Listener discretion is advised.

Let’s Talk: This may sound counterintuitive to our message, but go to Instagram and follow us at @scrolling2death. We’re there for you – to have real and honest conversations. Comment on any of our posts and tell us what you’re struggling with related to social media. What would you like us to cover in future episodes?

You can also email us at hello@scrolling2death.com with any questions or comments. We'd also love to hear your stories and experiences with social media.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Please take a moment to give us a follow and a 5-star rating, wherever you are listening!

Visit our website for more information about Scrolling 2 Death: www.scrolling2death.com

YouTube Kids is safe for kids, right?

Wrong. Nothing online is completely safe.

27% of videos watched by kids 8 and under on YouTube Kids are actually intended for older audiences. And 6% of videos include mild or moderate sexual content.

Pair this with the addictive features and manipulative advertisements, and you may re-consider letting your kid watch YouTube Kids without your oversight.

In this episode, Scrolling 2 Death co-hosts Nicki and Ashley reveal the truth behind YouTube Kids. 

A few takeaways: 

• A safer option is the children's area of Netflix or Disney Plus, where content is not user generated and self-flagged. 
• Watch YouTube Kids with your kids. If you see something inappropriate or distrubing, be sure to report the video.
• Consider upgrading to YouTube Premium (currently $13.99/month) so your child doesn't see ads. 
• Regularly review the parental controls and make adjustments as needed.
• Set strict screen time limits within the app. 

A quick note: This podcast covers topics such as suicide, disordered eating and traumatic events. Listener discretion is advised.
Let’s Talk: This may sound counterintuitive to our message, but go to Instagram and follow us at @scrolling2death. We’re there for you – to have real and honest conversations. Comment on any of our posts and tell us what you’re struggling with related to social media. What would you like us to cover in future episodes?
You can also email us at hello@scrolling2death.com with any questions or comments. We'd also love to hear your stories and experiences with social media.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Please take a moment to give us a follow and a 5-star rating, wherever you are listening!
Visit our website for more information about Scrolling 2 Death: www.scrolling2death.com

Subscribe to this channel for super-special bonus episodes: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scrolling2death/subscribe⁠

Are you spending thousands of dollars to go on vacation, just to be on your phone? 

We've all shared our vacations with our social media audience. But should we? What would happen if we didn't? We can all agree that we would be more present, connect more deeply with our travel companions and have more actual memories of the trip.

From the island of Kauai, Ashley and Nicki have a personal and vulnerable discussion about their own experiences posting during vacations. 

We uncover some of the security risks that you may be exposing yourselves to if you post on vacation, and the benefits of not sharing every moment with the audience back home. 

Support the show

A quick note: This podcast covers topics such as suicide, disordered eating and traumatic events. Listener discretion is advised.

Let’s Talk: This may sound counterintuitive to our message, but go to Instagram and follow us at @scrolling2death. We’re there for you – to have real and honest conversations. Comment on any of our posts and tell us what you’re struggling with related to social media. What would you like us to cover in future episodes?

You can also email us at hello@scrolling2death.com with any questions or comments. We'd also love to hear your stories and experiences with social media.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Please take a moment to give us a follow and a 5-star rating, wherever you are listening!

Visit our website for more information about Scrolling 2 Death: www.scrolling2death.com

What really happens when you post your kids on social media? Could you be putting them at risk? HINT: Yes, there are huge risks.If you have ever second-guessed posting your kids, this episode is for you. Co-hosts Nicki and Ashley discuss the motivations behind posting our kids (they did it for years), and what made them change their mind. This episode dives into:  The risk of digital kidnapping What is sharenting and why is it bad?  Creating digital identities for our kids Childhood embarrassment Online privacy and reputation  Child pornography (it's happening to your kids)   5 questions to ask yourself before posting your child online:  Why are you sharing it?   Would you want someone else to share that about you?  Could your child be embarrassed by it now, or in the future?  Is there anyone in the world who shouldn’t see this about your child, now or in the future?  Is this something you want to be a part of your child’s digital footprint forever?  A quick note: This podcast covers topics such as suicide, disordered eating and traumatic events. Listener discretion is advised. Let’s Talk: This may sound counterintuitive to our message, but go to Instagram and follow us at @scrolling2death. We’re there for you – to have real and honest conversations. Comment on any of our posts and tell us what you’re struggling with related to social media. What would you like us to cover in future episodes? You can also email us at hello@scrolling2death.com with any questions or comments. We'd also love to hear your stories and experiences with social media. Book Recos: Sharenthood by Leah Plunkett Growing up Shared by Stacey Steinberg Growing up in Public by Devorah Heitner ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Please take a moment to give us a follow and a 5-star rating, wherever you are listening! Visit our website for more information about Scrolling 2 Death: www.scrolling2death.com Subscribe to this channel for super-special bonus episodes: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scrolling2death/subscribe⁠

Annie McGrath shares the story of her son Griffin, who tragically passed away at 13 years old after participating in an online challenge. The choking challenge is one of many deadly challenges that social media companies continue to prioritize within their addictive, harmful algorithms.

In this conversation, parents learn how to protect their children from online harms. This includes pushing our elected officials to pass important online safety legislation like the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA).

KOSA has passed in the Senate and needs passage in the House of Representatives. Visit house.gov to ask your rep to support KOSA!

Please stick around to hear a beautiful and impactful poem that Griffin wrote just weeks before his death, at the end of the episode.

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

Are we giving our kids the iPad too much?

This is the question that Nicki and Ashley dive into on today's episode of Scrolling 2 Death. 

We've all seen kids on their iPads at a restaurant, and maybe even handed one to our own kid. This episode will make you rethink doing this, as there are consequences for your kids, both developmentally and socially.

We share the latest research around screen time in children that all parents need to know. 

A few takeaways: 

• When kids spend more time in front of screens, they experience higher levels of clinically significant inattention problems.
• Increased screen time in kids is linked with poorer performance on developmental screening test.
• Prolonged screen time can result in a thinning of the cortex in some kids (which delays the processing of information). 

Research:

• When kids spend more time in front of screens, they experience higher levels of “clinically significant inattention problems” as well as other ADHD-type behavior issues. 
• When the amount of daily screen time increased from 30 minutes to more than two hours a day, the problems multiplied by at least five times.
• Spending a lot of time staring at screens is linked with poorer performance on developmental screening tests later in childhood.
• Too much screen time may cause physical changes to your brain. 
• Studies investigate the positive mental and physical benefits of frequent screenless family meals. They show that the amount of time kids spend together during family meals is strongly correlated with academic achievement, fewer behavioral problems, less obesity and reduced rates of teen smoking, drinking and drug use.

A quick note: This podcast covers topics such as suicide, disordered eating and traumatic events. Listener discretion is advised.

Let’s Talk: This may sound counterintuitive to our message, but go to Instagram and follow us at @scrolling2death. We’re there for you – to have real and honest conversations. Comment on any of our posts and tell us what you’re struggling with related to social media. What would you like us to cover in future episodes?

You can also email us at hello@scrolling2death.com with any questions or comments. We'd also love to hear your stories and experiences with social media.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Please take a moment to give us a follow and a 5-star rating, wherever you are listening!

Visit our website for more information about Scrolling 2 Death: www.scrolling2death.com

Subscribe to this channel for super-special bonus episodes: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scrolling2death/subscribe⁠

In this episode, Scrolling 2 Death co-hosts Nicki and Ashley ask themselves the question...is social media safe?

Join us as we talk through the four biggest risks that we are exposing ourselves and our children to by using social media, and get into detail on what parents need to know about; online fraud & theft, cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content and social media addictiveness.

Nicki also outlines the legislation that exists to protect us from social media risks.

CORRECTION: Nicki mentions that Section 230 passed in 1995. The correct year is 1996. Whoops!

SUPPORT KOSA: The "Kids Online Safety Act" is a bill that sets out requirements to protect minors from harm on social media platforms. Find out if your state Senator has co-sponsored these bills here. If he/she is not listed, visit their website and contact them. Ask them to co-sponsor KOSA.

Resources & Research:

• U.S. Surgeon's General Report: Social Media & Youth Mental Health
• Daily Mail video about sharenting
• 13% of Americans have had social media taken over by another user.
• 1/2 of the young U.S. population has faced bullying online.
• 41% of U.S. adults faced cyberbullying.
• 56% of 11-16 year olds have seen explicit material online.  
• 1/3 of girls 11–15 feel “addicted” to a social media platform.
• Over 1/2 of teens say it would be hard to give up social media.
• 75% of teens believe tech companies manipulate users to spend more time online.
• Children and adolescents

Support the show

A quick note: This podcast covers topics such as suicide, disordered eating and traumatic events. Listener discretion is advised.

Let’s Talk: This may sound counterintuitive to our message, but go to Instagram and follow us at @scrolling2death. We’re there for you – to have real and honest conversations. Comment on any of our posts and tell us what you’re struggling with related to social media. What would you like us to cover in future episodes?

You can also email us at hello@scrolling2death.com with any questions or comments. We'd also love to hear your stories and experiences with social media.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Please take a moment to give us a follow and a 5-star rating, wherever you are listening!

Visit our website for more information about Scrolling 2 Death: www.scrolling2death.com

In this episode, Scrolling 2 Death co-hosts Nicki and Ashley share the rise in suicide rates and the correlation with the increase in prolonged social media use.

We share with you 5 real stories of teens and pre-teens who died by suicide as a result of social media use. RIP: Carson Bride, Jordan DeMay, CJ Dawley, Ian James Ezquerra, Selena Rodriguez and all others who have lost their lives too soon.

It's National Suicide Prevention Week (hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention). Their slogan is "Talk away the dark." Here at Scrolling 2 Death, we're dedicated to bringing these conversations to the forefront. 

Resources & Research: 

• Several studies have indicated  prolonged use of social networking sites may be related to depression.
• 44% of HS students experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
• Almost 20% of HS students have seriously considered suicide.
• 9% have made an attempt to take their own lives w/in the previous year. 
• Suicide rates are nearly 40% higher than 2000.
• From 2000 through 2020, female suicide rates were consistently lowest among 10–14; however, the rate more than tripled from 2000 to 2020.
• For females 15–24, rates were stable between 2000 and 2007, then increased 87% through 2020.
• 90 % of teens age 13-17 have used social media. 
•  When a teen is cyber-bullied, only 1 in 10 tell their parents.

Support the show

A quick note: This podcast covers topics such as suicide, disordered eating and traumatic events. Listener discretion is advised.

Let’s Talk: This may sound counterintuitive to our message, but go to Instagram and follow us at @scrolling2death. We’re there for you – to have real and honest conversations. Comment on any of our posts and tell us what you’re struggling with related to social media. What would you like us to cover in future episodes?

You can also email us at hello@scrolling2death.com with any questions or comments. We'd also love to hear your stories and experiences with social media.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Please take a moment to give us a follow and a 5-star rating, wherever you are listening!

Visit our website for more information about Scrolling 2 Death: www.scrolling2death.com

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:

• Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) Passes 91-3 in the Senate (more here)
• NYC Cellphone Ban Begins February 2025 (more here)
• Ask Your School for a Stricter Phone Policy (template)
• Ask Your School for Less Time on Their School-Issued Device (template)
• Meta to Pay $1.4B Settlement with Texas in Privacy Lawsuit (more here)
• TikTok Censors Content Served to Americans (more here)
• TikTok Amplifies Neo-Nazi Content (more here)

Ask your rep to pass KOSA: Visit house.gov and enter ZIP code at the top right to find your representative.

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)

Today, Titania Jordan and I tackle the complicated topic of phone bans in school. We break down the pro(s?) and cons of allowing kids to have phones at school and why schools across the country are demanding phone bans.

If you're a parent or work at a school, this episode is for you.

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

Walker was a hardworking and well-loved teenager who fell victim to a sextortion scheme that led to his tragic suicide. I spoke with Walker's dad, Brian, to learn about sextortion, how it's happening, who is being victimized and how parents can protect our children from this social media harm.

My heart goes out to the Montgomery family for their loss of Walker.

After this tragedy, Walker's family have advocated for protecting kids from sextortion and gotten two bills passed; Walker's Bill (Mississippi House Bill 1196) and the Walker Montgomery Protecting Children Online Act (Mississippi House Bill 2531).

If you or your child has been faced with a sextortion attempt, please report it to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: https://report.cybertip.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

About Brian Montgomery Brian Montgomery is a Mississippi native and father of four who experienced the greatest heartache any parent could—the suicide of a child following a sextortion scam. Now he is using his pain as fuel to keep parents informed, to keep victims from losing hope, and to bring predators to justice. Montgomery is a Greenville native and now resides in Starkville. He attended Mississippi State University and has a Bachelor’s degree in Ag Pest Management and a Master’s degree in Forestry, emphasizing Remote Sensing. He is a co-founder of Alliance Ag Risk Management. Brian has been married to his wife Courtney for 25 years, and they have four children Caralyne,20; Walker,16; Bennett,14; and Sarah,13. His son Walker attended Starkville Academy, where he excelled in academics and football. Walker enjoyed running heavy machinery and working on the farm with his family. He had a tremendous work ethic. He had an innate and boundless appreciation and love for the outdoors, and he particularly loved bow-hunting with his father. Walker ended his own life in 2022 after falling victim to a sextortion scam. The event would turn the Montgomery’s life upside down and give Brian a new mission to use Walker’s life-and-death to shed light on the growing epidemic of sextortion.

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:

• Links Between TikTok Use and Teen Suicide
• Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) Moves Forward in the Senate
• Meta Announces New Efforts to Fight Sextortion
• DEA Releases 2024 National Drug Threat Assessment
• Sinaloa Cartel Leader Arrested by U.S. Officials

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 App (10% off with promo code SCROLLING2DEATH)

Welcome to Teachers Talk, a series on Scrolling 2 Death featuring candid discussions with teachers. Parents are going to get the real deal on what's happening with screens at school, how tech is affecting students' learning and teachers' jobs.

Today's episode features a high school educator in Canada that we're calling Mrs. C.

This conversation goes way beyond screens in school as Mrs. C shares her experience providing a low-tech household for her three children and restricting social media until at least 16.

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 conversation is all about the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) and its positive implications for our kids.

After receiving many comments about KOSA being a "censorship bill" and finding similar articles with a quick Google search, I realized that we need to face this argument head on.

I brought in legislative expert Alix Fraser to respond to the headlines and give us the real deal on KOSA.

If you want protections for your kids online, please contact your Representative in the House and ask them to pass KOSA. If you don't know who your Rep is, go to house.gov, enter your ZIP code and find your Rep's contact info. This takes just a couple minutes and kids need our help.

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:

• Donald Trump Assassination Attempt Triggers Social Media Conspiracies (CNN Article)
• Belief in Conspiracy Theories Higher Among Teens Than Adults (CCDH Report)
• Latest String of Nefarious Activity on Snapchat Concerns Parents (Google it)
• Meta Stock Plunges (More Here)
• Trump Points Finger at Meta for Teen Suicide Rates (Bloomberg Article)
• Billionaire Jeff Yass May Be The Donor Behind Trump’s TikTok FlipFlop (Forbes Article)

**Senator Rand Paul Blocks Vital Kids Online Safety Bill: Call Senator Paul and ask him to stop blocking KOSA! (202) 224-4343

Contact your Representative in the House: Visit house.gov and enter ZIP code at the top right to find your representative

Contact your Senators: Visit senate.gov and use the state drop down at the top of your screen

Welcome to Teachers Talk, a series on Scrolling 2 Death featuring candid discussions with teachers. Parents are going to get the real deal on what's happening with screens at school, how tech is affecting students' learning and teachers' jobs.

Today's episode features educator and speaker Ronna Glickman. You can reach Ronna at socialmediasafety.education

In this episode I welcome Karl Stillner (co-founder and CEO of BrightCanary) for a discussion about device monitoring. These days, parents need to have an understanding of what's going on in their children's digital lives, but is there a point where we breach their privacy?

This chat makes it clear that social media companies and the U.S. government do not have our kids backs online. It is up to us parents to keep them safe, and that requires a level of monitoring plus open conversations with our kids. Karl and I get into detail on the best approach for parents in this raw conversation.

About Karl Stillner

Karl is the father of two boys, aged 12 and 9. He co-founded BrightCanary, a service that helps parents engage and prepare kids for digital lives, in 2022. Prior to starting BrightCanary, was a VP at T-Mobile USA, where he led M&A and operations for T-Mobile Advertising. T-Mobile Advertising, currently over $500m in annual revenue, was formed when a company Karl co-founded, PushSpring, was acquired by T-Mobile in 2019. Karl has had numerous other technology-related roles, including a board seat with Decisive Farming, a leader in the AgTech space, that was sold in Telus in 2019 and driving the business strategy and sale of Mobiata, which created FlightTrack a mobile app for travel, to Expedia. Prior to working in technology, Karl was a management consultant with Deloitte Consulting. Karl has a BA in Economics from Northwestern University and an MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

The Big Tech Gut Check is a super quick, weekly update on all things social media and Big Tech.

❗️New Research Study Shows Effects of Handing Kids Devices

❗️ Dangerous App Called NGL Barred from Minor Usage

❗️ Middle School Students Attack Teachers on TikTok

❗️ Virginia Governor Orders School Phone Bans Starting 2025

❗️ Senator Rand Paul Blocks Vital Kids Online Safety Bill: Call Senator Paul and ask him to stop blocking KOSA! (202) 224-4343

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

Welcome to Teachers Talk, a series on Scrolling 2 Death featuring candid discussions with teachers. Parents are going to get the real deal on what's happening with screens at school, how tech is affecting students' learning and teachers' jobs.

Today's episode features a high school educator named Matt Brady.

Here is Matt's substack: Teacher Teacher

Matt Miles and Joe Clement are two incredible teachers mentioned in today's episode. Here's a link to my interview with Matt and Joe.

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