‘Raising Resilient Digital Citizens:Rethinking Cyber Safety for the Next Generation’ with Joe Wells

SEASON FIVE - In this episode I’m joined by Joe Wells, a passionate and driven voice in cybersecurity who is determined to make the online world safer for children. Together, we explore Cyberherd, his inspiring initiative designed to guide parents, educators, and communities in protecting young people as they grow up in an increasingly connected world.Our conversation covers practical strategies for parents — including those with little technical knowledge — to engage their children in meaningful, age-appropriate conversations about online safety. We discuss the critical role of teachers and schools in reinforcing these messages, and examine the broader horizon: the opportunities and risks of AI, deepfakes, and a post-truth digital era.We also address the issue of accessibility and equity in cyber-safety resources, ensuring that no family or child is left behind. Finally, Joe shares what lies ahead for Cyberherd, and how you can connect with and support his work.This is an episode for anyone who believes the digital future should be safe, fair, and empowering for every child.Abour Our Guest:I’m Joe Wells, a first-class cyber security graduate, public speaker, and advocate for inclusive, human-centred digital safety.Over the last 800+ days, I’ve committed to learning cybersecurity every single day, building skills across blue team, red team, and digital resilience. My mission is to make online safety accessible, engaging, and empowering, especially for children, students, and underserved communities.I’m currently building CyberHerd - THE gamified learning platform that teaches children how to navigate the internet with confidence, curiosity, and kindness. Alongside this, I run MVP, a student cyber cluster based in Wales, where I support university students with CTFs, talks, and career development.My journey hasn’t been easy. I’ve overcome disability, homelessness, and exclusion, and those experiences now fuel everything I do. I believe digital safety should be built with empathy, not just encryption.