66. Keeping Kids Safer Online with Tech-Insider Ashley: Parental Controls, Hidden App Risks, and Tech Alternatives to Smartphones

Send us Fan MailHow can parents set real boundaries around kids’ screen use when every app has different settings—and kids can get around them? In part two of this tech safety series, Dr. Elise Fallucco continues her conversation with tech trust-and-safety insider (and mom) Ashley, senior manager of global risk assessment at Twitch. They break down why parents need to set parental controls inside each individual app (not just on the device), what to watch for in hidden or unexpected features like messaging and photo uploads (even in seemingly harmless games), and how kids may disguise apps to bypass rules. Ashley also shares practical tips like avoiding identifying details in usernames and profile photos, plus creative alternatives to a smartphone. They also discuss safer ways for kids to listen to music, including risks on platforms like Spotify and a workaround Finally, Ashley answers the question, “WHEN IS THE RIGHT time to introduce social media?” She talks about how to weigh factors like child maturity, family values, platform differences, ads, and risks like influencer content and mental health impacts—00:00 Introduction01:20 Setting Parental Controls and App Monitoring02:29 Set Parental controls for EACH app!?03:20 Monitoring Parental Controls03:32 Apps in Disguise04:45 Color By Number Surprises06:13 Messaging and Grooming Risks06:49 Practical Tips for Securing Tech Use for Kids07:36 Username and Profile Picture Safety09:21 Smartphones: Balancing risks and benefits13:06 Music Players without graphic content15:35 Social Media: When is it safe for kids to use?17:59 Ashley's approach to thinking about Social MediaListen to Part ONE of this Tech Series65. Digital Dangers: Tips from a Tech Insiderhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2182143/episodes/18649898About Ashley: She is Senior Manager of Global Risk Assessment for Twitch, the world’s leading live-streaming platform. Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4pedsCheck out our NEW CME Audio-based, on-demand CME Course online at:Pediatric Mental Health CME Toolkit - Cracking the ADHD Code: Essentials for Pediatric Clinicians. https://ce.nemours.org/content/podcast-series-cracking-adhd-code-essential-skills-pediatric-clinicians#group-tabs-node-course-default1