Safeguarding & Prevention Archives -

[4-8] Unrestricted Internet for Kids is Like Asking Little League to Compete Against Pros

By Media Savvy Moms PodcastApr 14, 2022

Imagine your child’s little league team facing off against top NFL players. Ridiculous, right? A mismatch in every sense of the word. We would never allow it. It’s dangerous. It’s reckless. Our children would get hammered. They might never recover. Yet every day, children and teens enter an arena with just as many odds stacked against them. Unrestricted internet for kids is like asking Little League to compete against the Pros. I’ve got a sports analogy for you today. I’m using my son’s experience of playing organized football for the first time to highlight the disadvantage children and young teens…

Safeguarding & Prevention

[4-7] The Secret to Building Safer Screen Habits With Little Ones

By Media Savvy Moms PodcastMar 30, 2022

Ever tried to distract a restless child in a grocery store, doctors' office, or while traveling? Portable screens can feel like a magical pacifying gift, right? But what if they become the norm? Are there long-term implications? Does excessive screen time affect child development? Or are we just letting the guilt and fear get the better of us? It seems that tech is here to stay. So let’s discuss a savvy way to build safer screen habits with our little ones. In this episode, I speak with Penny Marenge, the creator of Screens n Kids, an online platform with a…

Parenting Survival Tips, Safeguarding & Prevention

[4-6] Empowering middle-schoolers to make safer media decisions

By Media Savvy Moms PodcastMar 16, 2022

Ever have trouble motivating your tween to follow the family rules around tech and screens? Kids this age need lots of love, guidance, and direction. Yet, they’re naturally prone to push boundaries and gravitate toward peer influence. That can feel scary for us moms and dads. But following their peers is not always bad. Especially if we can get our youth to mentor each other in positive ways. Imagine! Middle-schoolers empowering middle-schoolers to make safer media decisions! In this episode, I speak with Britany Homer, mom of four and executive director of End Exploitation Montana. Brittany is also the driving…

Safeguarding & Prevention, Tweens & Teens

[4-5] New Bill Aims to Protect Minors from Exposure to Pornography

By Media Savvy Moms PodcastMar 03, 2022

We try everything in our power to protect our kids. Yet, we’re swimming against a powerful current. Explicit content is a constant threat. Early exposure is almost certain. If we’re serious about protecting our kids then the system has to change. Legislation has to keep pace with digital demands. It’s urgent that governments across the globe act accordingly. Mandatory age verification online can help protect minors from the constant threat of exposure to pornography In this episode, I speak with Canadian Senator Julie Miville-Dechêne who has proposed new legislation. Bill S-210 is an Act to restrict young persons’ online access…

Getting Involved, Safeguarding & Prevention

[3-32] 5 Tips to Ensure A Safer Sleepover Experience

By Media Savvy Moms PodcastOct 06, 2021

Did you grow up going to sleepovers? Do you have fond memories? Best friends, hanging out all night? Are you eager to carry on the tradition? Or would you rather it disappear altogether? What about the risks? Are they greater in the digital age? Or is there any way to ensure a safer sleepover experience? Sleepovers were a huge part of my childhood. Almost every weekend, my best friend and I would get together, trek to the candy store, play games, plunk down in front of our favorite shows, and giggle into the wee hours of the night. I have…

Parenting Survival Tips, Safeguarding & Prevention

[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

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

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

Good, Better, Best. How often should I monitor my child’s smartphone?

By Media Savvy Moms PodcastMay 12, 2021

Involved parents worry about their child or teen’s safety online. And rightly so. The nature of the internet means harmful content could come across their screen at any time. Dangerous situations seem to be lurking around every corner. So, many parents wonder, how often should I monitor my child’s smartphone? Should I check it daily? And is that really the best way to keep them from harm? In this episode, I confess that I don't check my child's phone the way many parents do. Saying that publicly on this podcast does make me feel a little vulnerable. I recognize I’m…

Safeguarding & Prevention

Pornography’s Role in the Rise of Child-on-child Sexual Assault

By Media Savvy Moms PodcastApr 14, 2021

Yes, it feels easier to say, I don’t want to go there, I don't want to talk about it. But we know sweeping tough issues under the carpet doesn’t make them disappear. In fact, it only increases the trauma. Children are hurting. Families are being torn apart. So, we’re going to be bold. We’re going to face this issue straight on. And we’re going to talk about pornography’s role in the rise of child-on-child sexual assault. I’m so grateful to Heidi Olson, MSN, RN, CPN, SANE-P, for joining me on the show this week. She is an absolute superhero. There’s…

Safeguarding & Prevention