#69 - Screen Time Isn’t the Problem: Cyber Trauma, AI, and Raising Kids Online | Dr Catherine Knibbs (PhD)

Screen time is the wrong metric. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Catherine Knibbs (PhD), a leading cyber trauma expert and online safety specialist, to unpack what’s really happening to kids online and what parents can actually do about it. We go beyond the usual “just limit screen time” advice and talk about the signals that matter more than minutes, why online exposure can create real-world trauma responses, and how families can set practical boundaries without turning home into a constant fight. We also dive into the rise of AI, the risks of chatbots and ads being integrated into tools like ChatGPT, and how fast the online landscape is changing for kids and teens. You’ll also hear Catherine’s take on Australia’s under-16 social media ban, what it could improve, what it might miss, and what she believes is the true long-term solution for protecting children online. Plus, we cover modern parenting challenges like phubbing, why staying relevant matters more than being strict, and whether adult gaming is a harmless way to unwind or a coping tool that can become a problem. If you’re a parent, educator, or simply trying to be more intentional with technology at home, this conversation will give you a smarter framework than just counting hours. Dr. Catherine Knibbs (PhD) Website: https://www.childrenandtech.co.uk/ TEAM BROCK ASHBY 💪 Coaching: https://teambrockashby.com/coaching Free calorie calculator: http://calc.teambrockashby.com/ Daily motivation emails: https://brocvkashby.activehosted.com/f/1 Get in touch 👋 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brockashby TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/brockashby Contact: https://teambrockashby.com/contact Timestamps 0:00 The problem with just measuring screen time 7:20 The danger of ChatGPT introducing ads 11:58 Guidelines for parents with children online 18:44 The advancement of cyber trauma 25:36 The under-16 social media ban in Australia 36:10 The problem with AI online 42:42 The importance for parents to stay relevant 48:20 How phubbing impacts children 56:06 People are having less children 1:00:36 Is adult gaming a problem? 1:10:39 Quote, book and habit If this episode helped, please follow the show and leave a review. And tell me your biggest challenge with kids and tech right now.