Wellness & Safety — News & Popular Guides
Online Risks and Links to Resources on How to Manage Them
Introduction Almost all good things have some risks Using any device that’s connected to the internet comes with some risk. But that’s true with just about everything that’s useful or fun, including bicycles, kitchen knives, cars or just walking down the street. We will never be able to eliminate all risks, but we can manage risk to greatly reduce the possibility of harm and find ways...
Digital Wellness is Cognitive Wellness
We actually have the power to improve our brain’s ability to acquire, understand, and apply information. But sometimes our screen use can get in the way.
Social Media Can Contribute to Despair about War but also Provide Relief
Like many people, I’ve spent a lot of time in front of my phone, computer and TV, focused on the war in Ukraine. On some TV news programs, it’s literally the only subject covered, sometimes in minute detail.
Ask Trish: Fun and Safe Live Streaming
Trish, how can I have a fun and safe livestream on Insta or YouTube?
Meta Opens Horizon Worlds Metaverse App to Teens
A Meta exec explains social VR app Horizon Worlds and how teens and everyone can use it safely.
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Family Guide to Parental Controls
How do I know when to use them, and should I tell my kids?
Guide to Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses
How to use Ray-Ban Meta Smart glasses responsibly.
Protecting Mental Health on Instagram
I’m grateful to the Wall Street Journal for shedding light on some of the ways social media can contribute to a sense of inadequacy and other mental health issues. But what the article didn’t include is tips on how parents and teens can deal with these issues for a healthier online experience.
Ask Trish: Anti-Hate 101 with Ask Trish
“Tell us more about your work as an anti-hate activist and what myths you’d want to bust or lessons you’d want to...
Google Simplifies Controlling Your Information in Search
Have you ever searched for your personal information on Google? You might be shocked by what you find.
Benefits of Apple’s Image Abuse Scanning Outweigh Risks
There has been quite a bit of controversy around Apple’s recent announcement that it will scan images stored in iCloud from iPhone, iPad and Mac users for Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).
Ask Trish: Marginalized Groups & Online Hate
Sometimes mean behavior on social media is super casual. Instead of being harassed, my friends just don’t tag me in a picture. How do I deal with the drama? Is it possible I’m overreacting?
Ask Trish: The Pressure to Be Perfect
“I sometimes feel like the pressure to be perfect on social media can be so overwhelming. Do you have tips for...
Parent’s Guide to Snapchat
Snapchat is for fun and spontaneity, with text, photos, and videos deleting after viewing.
Teaching Kids Empathy & Kindness with Children’s Author Trudy Ludwig
Children's author Trudy Ludwig's books are not only delightfully written and illustrated but also teach and model...
Media in the Middle Ep. 10: Cancel Culture
Learn how young people feel about cancel culture, a practice of withdrawing support for (canceling) public figures and...
How Industry – and Parents – Can Protect Young Gamers
Maria Oliveira Tamellini and Rodrigo Tamellini, founders of GamerSafer, talk to us about preventing crime and toxicity online. GamerSafer develops technologies to help games protect online players and communities.
John Carr – UK Child Safety Advocate (Webcast)
Larry Magid and Kerry Gallagher spoke with UK-based John Carr, Secretary of British Children’s Charity Safety Coalition, about child safety online.
Is Cyberbullying Increasing Amid Covid-19?
We spoke with Justin Patchin, co-director of the Cyberbullying Research Center about how young people (and...
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New iOS Lets Users Set Limits for Kids and Adults
By Larry Magid As the founder of SafeKids.com and co-founder of ConnectSafely.org, I’ve written volumes about parental...
Facebook Slips, Snapchat Grows Among Teens — Nearly Half Online “Almost Constantly”
A new survey from Pew Research found that Snapchat is now the social media app that teens use most often, followed closely by YouTube.
Facebook is Cleaning Up Inappropriate Content But You Still Need to be Vigilant
by Larry Magid I’m about to report on some interesting numbers from Facebook regarding inappropriate material it...
Tips for Smart Cellphone Use
Some 95% of Americans own cellphones of some kind, according to Pew Research Center - among 18- to 29-year-olds, the...
How to Use Privacy Tools for Popular Services and Apps
After School "Anonymous" app After School does not have typical privacy settings because users do not have a profile...
FAQ on 'Sexting' and 'Sextortion'
One in seven teens report that they are sending sexts, and one in four are receiving sexts, according to a study that appeared in JAMA Pediatrics.
Stop Thinking About Screen Time
Few things stoke anxiety and confusion among parents like the topic of screen time. But experts are increasingly...
Tips for Safe and Civil Use of Anonymous Apps
A growing number of apps allow people to post anonymously. There are some very positive aspects to anonymous apps, including the ability to reach out for help and post with less worry about being criticized or embarrassed.
What parents need to know about Facebook Messenger Kids
Messenger Kids, announced Monday, isn’t exactly an education app, but it’s tailored to give kids 6 to 12 the ability to engage in conversations as well as exchange messages, videos and images with parent-approved friends and family.