Media Savvy Moms Podcast, Author at

[3-30] Clean vs Toxic Tech Habits: Spotting the Difference

By Media Savvy Moms PodcastSep 15, 2021

When raising kids in the digital age there is no escaping the question about screens. Actually, it’s a long list of questions. How much screen time is ok? Does it depend on the activity? When should my child get their own tablet, device, or smartphone? What’s healthy? What’s not? And what is meant by clean vs toxic tech habits? The answers may just shock you. This week I talk with Melanie Hempe, founder and executive director of ScreenStrong, a US-based nonprofit organization that offers a unique approach to eliminate childhood screen dependency. Together, we take a closer look at society’s…

Safeguarding & Prevention

[3-29] Dear Savvy: My child feels excluded without a smartphone

By Media Savvy Moms PodcastSep 09, 2021

There’s a lot of pressure on parents to get their kids a smartphone and the latest social apps. What if you’re not ready to give in but your child’s insisting they need a phone to feel included. Is this a valid reason? If not, how do you say no? This episode is part of our #DearSavvy series. Sometimes you just want a quick answer to a burning question. These shorter episodes are designed to give you just that. Tune in to the podcast to hear the whole scoop, and check out the show notes for helpful tools and information. If…

Dear Savvy, Parenting & Communication

Sport vs Smartphone: Confidence, Self-Esteem, and Body Image

By Media Savvy Moms PodcastSep 02, 2021

Participation in youth sports is down across the board. And the steady decline seems to correlate with the rise of smartphones and other technologies. For many coaches, the concern goes beyond the field, pitch, or pool. They are urging parents to pay careful attention to their kids’ confidence, self-esteem, and body image. After all, sport isn't just friendly competition, it has immense physical and mental benefits. In this episode, I am joined by Larissa Mills, founder of iparentgen.com, a parenting website and resource designed to help families balance their use of phones. Our conversation today centers around the often-overlooked value…

Parenting Survival Tips

Helping Kids Build a Safe Network as They Go Back to School

By Media Savvy Moms PodcastAug 26, 2021

Back to school is the perfect time to review safety strategies with kids. One that’s simple and effective is asking your child or teen to come up with a list of trusted adults to add to their Safe Network. Having a Safe Network is a concept we highlight in our 5 Body Safety Tips for Kids guide. That’s something you’ll want to print out and stick on your fridge (see below). In this episode, I walk through the details of helping kids choose who to put in their Safe Network and why it’s important to go to a variety of…

Safeguarding & Prevention

OnlyFans: from Likes and Follows to Trafficking and Exploitation

By Media Savvy Moms PodcastAug 18, 2021

Ever heard of Only Fans? It’s an online platform where content creators get paid directly by their followers, a.k.a. fans, for the photos and videos they share. But the site is rife with porn and exploitation. And worse, it’s targeting young women in droves with promises of turning likes and follows into instafame and fortune. In this episode, I speak with Meghan Donevan, research director at Talita, a Swedish organization offering exit programs to trafficked and prostituted women. Together, we discuss the inherent problems with platforms such as OnlyFans and its impact on both individuals and society. Plus, strategies parents…

Getting Involved, Tweens & Teens

6 Easy Ways to Talk About the Threat of Pornography with Other Parents

By Media Savvy Moms PodcastAug 11, 2021

Ever wonder how to talk to other parents about the threat of pornography? You started the conversation at home. That’s awesome! But you also know that it takes a village. It would be amazing to know you’re not alone; that others share your same worries and concerns. But how do you break the ice without clearing the room? In this episode, I share not one but six ways to transition casual conversations to the topic of pornography. These tips are designed to help you talk openly with extended family, neighbors, and close friends. We know that pornography grows in the…

Getting Involved

Dear Savvy: My middle schooler is sending nudes. What should I do?

By Media Savvy Moms PodcastJun 23, 2021

Filters installed. Devices monitored. Online safety taught. All of this, and children can still make poor choices—like sending nudes. So, how do we respond when we learn of this behavior? This episode is part of our #DearSavvy series. Sometimes you just want a quick answer to a burning question. These shorter episodes are designed to give you just that. Tune in to the podcast to hear the whole scoop, and check out the show notes for helpful tools and information. If you’d like to submit a question, click here to Contact Us. Dear Savvy: Help! My child is sending nudes.…

Parenting & Communication, Tweens & Teens

How Dads Can Empower Kids to be Internet Safe

By Media Savvy Moms PodcastJun 16, 2021

We know the term cyberbullying. So do our kids. But what about cyberstalking and sextortion? Not so much. Yet, these are serious online threats putting more kids at risk than most of us realize. What do we need to know to empower kids to be internet safe? In this episode I speak with Matt Richardson, awesome dad of two and founder of the Digital Empowerment Project Canada. Matt is OSINT and SOCINT credentialed. Which means he spends his work hours investigating internet intelligence and decoding information in an effort to reduce harms and end online exploitation. Empowering kids to be…

Parenting & Communication, Safeguarding & Prevention

Root Out Pornography with Care, Attention, and Community Awareness

By Media Savvy Moms PodcastJun 09, 2021

Dandelions. Clover. Weeds! Most agree that these invaders are to be eradicated from our lawns and gardens ASAP. If not they will spread and take over. Similarly, we want to root out pornography before it takes hold. Today, Lisa Whitsitt and I are having a conversation about weeds and pornography. Lisa is our Director of Educational Outreach and is very involved in developing community connections for Parents Aware. She is also proactive in reaching out to government leaders to advocate for legislative change to protect children from online harms. Root out pornography As a concerned grandparent (11 times over), Lisa…

Getting Involved

Amazing Resources to Fortify Teens Against Pornography

By Media Savvy Moms PodcastJun 02, 2021

Do you know a teen who is struggling to quit porn? The reality is that many kids get caught in a porn trap. They want to quit. They try to quit. Yet, they find themselves returning again and again. Imagine, what if there was a tool that could help fortify teens against pornography? In this episode, I am joined by Clay Olsen, co-founder of Fight The New Drug (FTND), a youth movement dedicated to raising awareness on the harmful effects of pornography. Clay is also the founder of Fortify, a recovery tool designed to support anyone—youth and adults—seeking a future…

Overcoming Pornography