Abi Edmunds: Your Child Isn't Just Scrolling.

As our government moves towards restricting social media access for young people, the debate has shifted from whether there is a problem to what we do about it.In this episode, we sit down with Abi Edmunds, founder of Social Media Resilience, to explore the realities of growing up online and the skills young people need to navigate an increasingly complex digital world.From social media bans and online safety to AI-generated content, misinformation and emotional resilience, Abi shares what she’s learning from thousands of conversations in classrooms across the UK.Most importantly, she explains why banning technology alone won’t solve the problem. and why critical thinking, community and open conversations may be our best defence.Whether you’re a parent, teacher, employer or simply trying to make sense of modern life online, this is a conversation that matters.Key takeawaysThe social media ban is the start of a solution, not the solution itself.Young people don’t need more lectures. They need more conversations.Social media isn’t just scrolling. It’s community, identity, friendship and belonging.The most important digital skill may be critical thinking.We’re about as good at spotting AI content as flipping a coin.Online resilience starts with one simple habit: pause.Children often understand the technology better than adults. Adults need to understand the environment better than children.If we remove one platform, young people will find another. The underlying need for connection remains.Parents don’t need all the answers. They need better conversations.The future belongs to people who can question what they see, not just consume it.KeywordsSocial Media Resilience, Abi Edmunds, Online Safety, Digital Wellbeing, Critical Thinking, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Misinformation, Disinformation, Social Media Ban, Online Harm, Parenting, Education, Future Skills, Mental Health, Emotional Resilience, Young People, Schools, Technology, Digital Literacy, Media Literacy, Social Media, TikTok, Instagram, Algorithms, Wit + Grit PodcastChapters00:00 Introduction and episode overview00:36 Social media restrictions for youth: insights and challenges01:34 Australian social media trial: what worked and what didn't02:54 Introducing Social Media Resilience: mission and impact04:46 Parents' concerns and the importance of resilience education05:42 The evolving online landscape and youth behavior07:18 Classroom conversations and engaging young learners09:29 Building critical thinking skills and online literacy10:18 The influence of tech companies and behavioral design11:55 Society, democracy, and the power of algorithms12:24 Misconceptions about social media among parents13:38 Hope and opportunities in social media use14:39 Curriculum design for online critical thinking17:02 Role of schools and teachers in online safety education18:31 Success stories and classroom breakthroughs19:30 Practical tips for parents: grayscale and digital habits20:14 Teaching critical thinking in a world of AI and deepfakes21:05 Spotting AI-generated content: challenges and techniques21:45 The future of media and AI in society22:28 Personal social media habits and professional boundaries23:17 Advice for young adults on social media awareness24:04 Encouraging offline communities and healthy social habits25:00 The upcoming Screen Smart Parents newsletter26:27 Closing remarks and key takeaways