Cyberwise Chats

Epizode

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  We Didn't Prepare Kids for Social Media: Let's Not Fail Them With AI 19.05.2026 31min

  We made a lot of mistakes when social media hit — kids were deep in it before most of us even knew what to worry about. Now AI is here, it's moving even faster, and we have a chance to do this differently. In this Cyberwise Chat, Dr. Pamela Rutledge and Diana Graber sit down with special guest Lisa O'Masta, CEO of Learning.com, to talk about what's already happening with AI in kids' lives, why it's a fundamentally different challenge than social media, and what parents and educators can actually do about it right now. No jargon, no fear-mongering — just an honest, practical conversation about raising AI-ready kids.
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  Creating a Family AI Agreement: Smart Guidelines for a New Tech Era 20.11.2025 35min

  AI tools are rapidly becoming part of everyday life—from homework help and learning apps to chatbots, image generators, and more. Kids are exploring these tools earlier than ever so in this episode, we walk parents and caregivers through how to create a Family AI Use Agreement—a clear, developmentally informed set of expectations that supports healthy, ethical, and safe habits with AI.
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  Digital Pals: Kids, Chatbots, and Belonging 28.06.2025 39min

  In this Cyberwise Chat, we explore the growing trend of children forming connections with AI companions. With the recent introduction of Google’s Gemini AI chatbot for users under 13, designed to assist with tasks like homework and storytelling , questions arise about the impact of such technology on children’s emotional development and sense of belonging. We’ll delve into current research on the psychological effects of AI interactions, discuss concerns raised by child development experts, and provide parents and teachers with practical tips to navigate this new digital landscape. Whether your child is already engaging with AI or you’re seeking to understand this emerging trend, listen in for insights and guidance on fostering healthy relationships between kids and technology.   Cyberwise: https://www.cyberwise.org/   Cyber Civics: https://www.cybercivics.com/
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  Safe But Sorry: Why Digital Protectionism Won't Keep Kids Safe 17.04.2025 31min

  Are we really protecting young people online, or are we just creating a false sense of security through various bans and restrictions? In this compelling "Cyberwise Chat,” Diana Graber and Dr. Pamela Rutledge chat with two leading experts, Dr. Sydney Sullivan and Dr. Nolan Higdon, who will change how you think about online safety. We explore the current trend toward Digital Protectionism and discuss how policies restricting access may actually be depriving youth of opportunities for learning, growth, and the development skills they will need. And how this is also letting Big Tech off the hook. See all of our Chats here: https://www.cyberwise.org/cyberwisechats
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  What's Up With Today's Online Youth? Featuring Dino Ambrosi (Founder of Project Reboot) 26.02.2025 58min

  In this Cyberwise Chat, Dr. Pamela Rutledge and Author Diana Graber welcome back special guest Dino Ambrosi, Founder of Project Reboot, a research-backed program aimed at helping students develop healthy digital habits. We discuss the insights Dino has gathered from meeting with students around the world. How are they navigating their relationship with technology today?YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtEHzF0SZXQ
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  New Year, New Trends: Tips To Keep Your Kids Safe Online 21.01.2025 53min

  A new year full of new trends awaits our digital kids… Meta (Facebook and Instagram) have ditched fact-checking, TikTok will likely be banned in the US, and Florida has enacted its ban aimed at keeping kids under 14 off of social media. At the same time, AI finds its way into literally every online tool kids will use in 2025 and beyond. How are parents supposed to keep up? In this interactive webinar (yes, you can ask questions!), Dr. Pamela Rutledge and Diana Graber will discuss the latest trends and provide tips on how parents, caregivers, and teachers can best support their digital kids.   Visit us at: https://www.cyberwise.org/cyberwisechats
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  AI & "DeepNudes": What Parents and Educators Need to Know 31.10.2024 40min

  The use of generative AI (artificial intelligence that can produce new content) to generative nude or nearly-nude depictions of individuals is a troubling and growing trend. A simple Google search reveals dozens of free and easy-to-use “nudification” apps that anyone a use. Already students have used these to generate and share naked images of classmates via group chats and on social media. Such digitally altered images — known as “deepfakes” or “deepnudes” — can have devastating consequences. Learn more by watching this Cyberwise Chat. To see all of our Chats visit: https://www.cyberwise.org/cyberwisechats
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  Are Kids Anxious or Unprepared? The State of Digital and Media Literacy Education 24.09.2024 32min

  There’s increasing concern about rising anxiety levels among youth, and technology often gets the blame. As we navigate a world where technology is an integral part of life, it’s crucial to equip young people with the skills to use it in a balanced and responsible way. This is where digital and media literacy comes into play. In this Cyberwise Chat, we speak with Erin McNeill, the Founder and CEO of Media Literacy Now, to explore the current state of digital and media literacy education. We discuss how fostering these skills can help young people critically evaluate media, make informed decisions, and reduce the negative impacts of technology on mental health.   See all of our Chats: https://www.cyberwise.org/cyberwisechats
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  Let The Summer Games Begin: How to Keep Your Young Gamers Safe! (Featuring Epic Games and Sony) 20.06.2024 46min

  With summer upon us, children everywhere are looking forward to keeping connected to their friends by playing online video games. Learn how to safeguard your kids whether they are playing one of the most popular games—Fortnite—or using the best-selling game console—PlayStation 5. For this Chat we spoke with Candela Montero, who is the Senior Director of Ecosystem Integrity at Epic Games, and Catherine Jensen, the VP of Global Consumer Experience at Sony Interactive Entertainment. Listen to learn about their built-in parental controls and more.
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  Your Child's Digital Reputation Matters Featuring Kevin Quinlan of LifeBrand 16.05.2024 36min

  Everything your child posts online, or what others post about them, can potentially be seen by anyone and everyone! And we know that this matters. More and more, colleges, prospective employers, and even complete strangers are learning about our children online. While maintaining an appropriate and respectful digital reputation is a big responsibility for young people, it also presents a huge opportunity for them to tell a positive story! In this Cyberwise Chat we’ll talk with Kevin Quinlan, who is the Director of Education of LifeBrand, a company that helps individuals, schools, and businesses create meaningful and positive online reputations.
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  Why Your Kids Should Learn Coding NOW! (Featuring Code Ninjas) 19.03.2024 33min

  During this Cyberwise Chat, we chatted with Bill Marsland, the Director of Education at Code Ninjas, the world's largest and fastest-growing kids' coding franchise. Watch and learn about all the cognitive skills kids gain when they learn how to code. See all of our Cyberwise Chats here: https://www.cyberwise.org/cyberwisechats Check out Code Ninjas here: https://www.codeninjas.com/  
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  Teachers on the Front Lines: When Social Media Problems Come To School 22.02.2024 39min

  Cyberbullying, Digital Drama, Exclusion, Hate Speech... problems that originate online are increasingly coming to school and disrupting the learning environment. Oftentimes, parents look to already overwhelmed teachers to solve these problems. But adding one more thing the the long list of priorities teachers already have is a tall order. So how can teachers, and parents, nip social media problems in the bud and keep them from spilling into the school day? In this Chat we offer answers, and solutions, as well as the results of our teacher survey on this issue. Learn more: www.cybercivics.com
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  Shared & Compared: A Chat with the Author of "Growing Up in Public" 16.01.2024 40min

  More than ever, today’s children are growing up in world where nearly every moment of their lives is captured and shared on social media and more. In this Cyberwise Chat we spoke with Dr. Devorah Heitner, the best-selling author of “Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World,” about the special challenges today’s connected children face. We explored ways you can help your children set boundaries, manage their privacy and reputations, while they also figure out who they are in a world where everyone is watching. Learn more at www.cyberwise.org
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  Making Games Safe For Kids 28.11.2023 42min

  Worried about your kids and online gaming? Well, worry no more! In this Cyberwise Chat, Dr. Pamela Rutledge and Diana Graber talk about all the (easy!) ways you can keep your children safe while they play. Learn more: https://www.cyberwise.org/cyberwisechats
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  How To Protect Your Child From Cyberbullying With Special Guest Ross Ellis, Founder & CEO, STOMP Out Bullying® 05.10.2023 37min

  Learn how to protect your children from bullying and cyberbullying from experts Diana Graber, Dr. Pamela Rutledge, and Special Guest Ross Ellis from STOMP Out Bullying!    How To Protect Your Child From CyberbullyingWith Dr. Pamela Rutledge & Diana Graber+ Special Guest Ross Ellis, Founder & CEO, STOMP Out Bullying®
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  Back-To-School Special: 5 Lessons Kids Need NOW! 12.09.2023 36min

  In this Cyberwise Chat, we discuss the top five lessons teachers say kids need most in order to use tech safely, wisely, and most of all, productively! From managing screen time to dealing with cyberbullies, we’ve got you covered. We’ll show you step-by-step how to teach these topics to different ages and stages. Help your children thrive this year and beyond!
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  Ready or Not, AI is Coming! Is Your Child Prepared? 22.06.2023 34min

  Innovations in artificial intelligence (AI) are accelerating at breakneck speeds: it’s hard for busy parents to keep up! Already children are growing up with AI-powered devices in the home, like Siri and Alexa, and many are playing with AI art tools like Dall E-2 or Dreamlike, and they may be talking about people having AI girlfriends (yes, it’s a thing). Even more advanced AI is on the way and these innovations will change everything from how kids learn, how they do research, and the jobs that will be available to them in the future. What skills should we be teaching our children today to prepare them for a future inevitably powered by AI? How can we help them understand and master AI tools in the future? And, most importantly, how can we ensure they use AI tools safely and responsibly? We discuss this and more during our Cyberwise Chat.
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  New Laws Ban Teens From Social Media: Will They Work? 23.05.2023 30min

  Utah became the first state in the U.S. to ban teens from social media. Utah SB 152 requires that all residents under the age of 18 have parental consent in order to create an account. Additionally, users under the age of 18 are banned from all qualifying social media platforms between 10:30 pm and 6:30 am. Arkansas became the second state to enact a similar ban, prohibiting social media companies from allowing Arkansas residents under 18 years of age from holding accounts without parental consent. Lawmakers in other states are considering similar legislation. During this Cyberwise Chat, we’ll discuss the effectiveness of this approach at keeping kids safe from the threats many of us fear: the mental health impact of social media, powerful algorithms that keep users engaged, cyberbullying and hate speech, online predators, exposure to inappropriate content, misinformation, and more. Our special guest is Dino Ambrosi, founder of Project Reboot, a program designed to help teens reset their tech habits and build relationships with technology that empower them. Ambosi designed this program at UC Berkeley due to his personal challenges with technology, which he'll share with us during this Chat. To see all of our Cyberwise Chats, please visit: https://www.cyberwise.org/cyberwisechats
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  Kids & Screens: Can We Help Them Strike a Balance? 20.04.2023 33min

  Kids are spending more time with screens than ever, and worried parents are wondering if we have reached the point of no return. Can we help kids strike a balance between screen time and all the other important things in their young lives? We think so, and we explore how. We were joined for this chat by Amy Webster and Amina Mohamoud, the Youth Engagement Director and Coordinator of "LiveMore ScreenLess," a nonprofit that partners with school communities to promote and advocate for digital wellbeing, which is defined as balanced, intentional and effective use of technology. 
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  Should TikTok Be Banned? Or Not? 24.03.2023 36min

  TikTok, the popular app beloved by tweens and teens, has found itself in the crosshairs lately. President Joe Biden recently signed legislation that would ban the app from phones and computers issued by federal agencies. Dozens of states have implemented similar prohibitions on devices used by their employees, and universities across the country have banned the app on university-issued phones and from campus Wi-Fi networks. The reasons for these bans vary from concerns about algorithms that amplify misinformation to the app’s negative impact on societal discourse. The most cited concern, however, involves national security, as the app is run by ByteDance, a Chinese-owned company. This has led to widespread fears about national security risks and the protection of personal privacy. In this Cyberwise Chat when we talk about whether TikTok is safe for your child to use, or not.