Kids and AI Companions - A Parent Guide

There are many AI related topics to tackle, but today I want to focus solely on kids relationships with AI companions. In this post I will break down what they are, where kids are finding them and what the research is showing about the potential risks. I will also, as always, leave you with strategies for being your kids’ ally and mentor, setting healthy boundaries and broaching open and curious conversations.

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How to Raise Critical Thinkers in an Age of Disinformation and Misinformation

We are in an era where information spreads at lightning speed with no context or verification to help people assess whether it is true. Children are especially susceptible to believing what they see and hear, particularly if the message is encased in a brief, shocking or entertaining snippet - they can feel smart and informed without doing any of the work. So, if your child has access to YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Discord, X or any other social sharing platform it’s time for some parental guidance.

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The ‘Manosphere’ and Its Profound Influence on Boys

What is the “manosphere” and what influence is it having on our son’s perceptions of masculinity? In this article I define the manosphere and look at what led to the rise of this extremely influential, hate filled ideology. If you don’t think your son has been touched by this, think again. These influencers are everywhere - from YouTube to TikTok to Discord and Twitch. If your tween or teen son is online, they’re exposed.

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The Red Flags Every Child Needs to Know to Spot an Online Predator

Kids are spending way more time online in the past year and for many this means time in multiplayer games, online chat forums or social media platforms where strangers and friends mingle. If your child is spending time in Roblox, Minecraft, Discord, TikTok or any other social platform, they need to learn how to spot a potential child predator early.

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Kids and Group Chats - How to Help them Avoid Disaster

From the sharing of offensive memes, to violent threats to bullying and overall meanness; chaos flourishes in group chats. What feels to a 9, 10, or 11 year old like a silly or benign comment can have very real negative consequences. As such, I want to take some time here to outline the texting MUST KNOWS for kids so that parents can mentor their children and guide them as they navigate this thorny landscape.

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