They Were Good Parents. Social Media Still Harmed Their Kids - What We Can Learn From Their Experience

What is social media really doing to kids — and why are even loving, careful parents losing children to online harms? In this powerful episode of Screen Less Play More, Cynthia interviews the team behind the documentary "Your Attention Please," including filmmaker duo Sara Robin and Jack LeMay, along with parent advocate Kristin Bride, whose 16-year-old son Carson committed suicide after severe online cyberbullying.  Together, they expose how social media algorithms, addictive app design, anonymous messaging apps, cyberbullying, and AI-driven engagement systems are affecting children's lives and safety. Kristin explains how online bullying and harassment killed her son, through an anonymous app called YOLO, which was integrated into Snapchat. They discuss teen and child mental health, friendships, self-esteem, attention spans, and safety online. This episode explores: the hidden dangers of Snapchat and anonymous apps how algorithms push harmful content to teens the connection between social media and anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and suicide why even "good parents" cannot fully protect kids from online harms the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) and the fight for tech accountability how Big Tech profits from attention and emotional manipulation practical ways parents can reduce screen time and create healthier childhoods the growing movement toward phone-free schools, offline clubs, and screen-free family life You'll also hear hopeful ideas for reclaiming childhood through more independence, outdoor play, real-world friendships, and intentional family culture. If you're worried about: kids and phones teen mental health cyberbullying screen addiction social media safety AI and children online predators digital parenting raising kids in the digital age …this episode is essential listening. Learn more about the documentary "Your Attention Please" and upcoming screenings at Your Attention Please. For more practical strategies on raising balanced, thriving kids with less screen time and more real-world play, visit Screen Less Play More and Cynthia's substack Screen Less Play More.  https://screenlessplaymorepodcast.substack.com/ Thanks for listening!