Parenting in a Tech World

Catherine Price is an award-winning health and science journalist, #1 New York Times bestselling author, and founder of Screen/Life Balance — and she's here to cut through the overwhelm parents feel around phones and screens. In this episode, Catherine shares what actually works for families trying to reclaim balance, including insights from her newly revised How to Break Up With Your Phone and her latest book, The Amazing Generation, co-authored with Jonathan Haidt and written directly for kids and teens. Whether you've already handed your kid a phone and are wondering what's next, or you're still trying to figure out your own relationship with your screen, Catherine leaves you with real, doable steps — starting today.Don't forget to follow Catherine on Instagram, connect with her on LinkedIn, and subscribe to her Substack!Resources mentioned in this episode:Free Family Resource Kit7-Day Family Guide to Screen Life Balance and use code "BARK15" for 15% off

Nicole Guysi is a Family Transition Navigator at Encircle Families — Arizona's federally funded Parent Training and Information Center — but she's also a parent who has lived the reality of raising a child with a rare diagnosis and figuring out the role technology needs to play in their life. In this episode, Nicole shares what that journey actually looked like: the searching, the gaps, the wins, and the ripple effects on the whole family. If you're a parent trying to find the right tools for your child with disabilities — or you just want to feel less alone in the process — this one is worth your time.

Dr. Alison Yeung is a family physician and mom of two who built a community of 125,000+ followers after spending a decade watching adolescent mental health visits climb in her practice — and connecting the dots back to smartphones and social media. In this episode, she breaks down what the research actually shows about screens and kids' developing brains, why Big Tech deserves more scrutiny than parents do, and practical steps families can take today — including her Six R's framework for navigating the digital world.Don't forget to subscribe to Allison's Substack and follow her on Instagram!

Laura Marquez-Garrett left a two-decade Big Law career to become one of the most powerful legal voices fighting for kids harmed by social media — and in March 2026, they helped make history. As counsel of record in the first-ever trial to hold Meta and YouTube liable for harming a child through addictive platform design, Laura joins us to break down what the $6 million verdict actually means, what the companies' own internal documents revealed about what they knew, and why they call this case "a vehicle, not an outcome." If you've been watching the headlines and wondering what it all means for your family, this is the episode you need to hear.Learn more about Laura, and connect with and follow them on LinkedIn.Resources and topics mentioned in this episode:Big Tech TrialNew Mexico Meta TrialCareless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost IdealismThe Anxious Generation

Chris Tiffany brings a rare dual perspective to his role as Executive Director of Encircle Families — he's both a former special education teacher and a parent of a child with autism. In this episode, Chris shares what his statewide Arizona organization is seeing on the ground when it comes to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their access to technology. You'll walk away with a clearer picture of where the gaps are, how families are finding (and missing) critical resources, and what practical steps you can take if you feel like you're navigating this alone.Learn more about Encircle Families and connect with Chris on LinkedIn.

James Billig is Chief Compliance Officer at U-ACT (United Against Child Trafficking), a nonprofit equipping law enforcement and communities to fight online exploitation. He shares what officers are seeing on the front lines, how U-ACT's Blue Taskforce is training retired law enforcement to combat child trafficking, and the red flags parents need to watch for as predators evolve their tactics online.Don't forget to follow U-ACT on Facebook for their daily updates, and learn more about U-ACT by visiting their website.

Dr. Carrie Mackensen is a clinical psychologist, parent coach, and founder of Successful Parent. With 25 years of experience and two boys of her own, she blends neuroscience and attachment theory to help families set healthy tech boundaries. She shares why screens flood kids' brains with dopamine, what happened when her own son secretly played video games during class, and the first step overwhelmed parents should take today.Learn more about Dr. Carrie by visiting her website, and stay connected by following her on Instagram. Don't forget to subscribe to her Substack!

Juliette Blake, founder and CEO of Moxies, has been building for girls since she was 16. Now, as a millennial mom of three, she's created a safe-by-design social platform exclusively for tween girls ages 8 to 12. She shares why 60% of teen girls experience persistent sadness, what happens when girls use platforms not built for them, and how Moxies is offering a healthier entry point into digital life with no public profiles, no strangers, and built-in screen time boundaries.Learn more about Moxies and follow Juliette on Instagram!

Large gatherings of hundreds of teens are popping up in cities across the country — organized almost entirely through social media — and they're raising serious concerns for parents and communities alike. In this episode, we break down what teen takeovers actually are, what's drawing kids to them, and how quickly they can turn dangerous. If your teen is on social media, this is one trend you can't afford to miss.

Kelly Stonelake spent nearly 15 years at Meta — rising to Director of Product Marketing and a senior role on Horizon Worlds — before becoming one of the most prominent whistleblowers in the fight for kids' online safety. She walked away from millions in unvested stock rather than sign an agreement protecting Meta from accountability, and has since testified before the FTC, the Washington State Senate, and been a key voice throughout the civil trials where Meta and YouTube were just found guilty of knowingly harming children. In this episode, Kelly breaks down what she witnessed from the inside, why the current wave of lawsuits feels different, and what every parent needs to understand about how these platforms are actually built.Follow Kelly on LinkedIn and subscribe to her Substack.

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr has made child safety a cornerstone of his work—from creating the state's first Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, which has rescued over 200 children, to launching investigations into platforms like Roblox for child exploitation. He shares what prompted the Roblox investigation, details from a recent conviction involving grooming on Snapchat, and what parents need to know about how predators are using online platforms to target kids.Stories, resources, and other links discussed in this episode: Learn more about AG Chris CarrRoblox investigationSnapchat storyOnline Human Trafficking TrainingTo submit a request for an in person human trafficking training with the Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, please fill out this formLearn more about the SimplyReport app from the Safe House ProjectStay up to date with KOSA

Bark's 2025 Annual Report analyzed a record 11.1 billion online activities—and the findings reveal a troubling paradox. While predator alerts in monitored spaces dropped 60%, national sextortion cases are surging. The danger hasn't disappeared; it's just moved where parents can't see it. We break down the biggest risks facing kids today, from the 650% spike in disordered eating content among tweens to why predators are migrating to shadow spaces—and what parents can do about it.Check our Bark's 2025 Annual Report: https://www.bark.us/annual-report-2025/

Dr. Jean Twenge, psychologist and author of 10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World, has spent decades studying how technology is reshaping childhood. Her research provided some of the earliest evidence linking smartphones and social media to rising rates of teen depression and anxiety. She shares the 'aha' moments from her work, what the data really shows about teens and tech, and the rules every parent should follow in a high-tech world.Visit Dr. Twenge's website to find her books, discover her research, learn about speaking engagements, and more. Don't forget to join the conversations happening in our Facebook group, Parenting in a Tech World!

Melissa McKay, president of the Digital Childhood Institute, made headlines when her viral post forced Google to reverse its policy of emailing kids instructions to remove parental controls at age 13. She shares the story behind that win, why Roblox is doing the same thing, and what parents need to know about protecting their kids when tech companies prioritize profit over safety.Learn more about the Digital Childhood Institute and connect with Melissa. Don't forget to check out Melissa's viral posts about Google and Roblox!

Selma Blair gets candid about parenting her 14-year-old son in an always-connected world. She shares how she's navigated tech and social media as both a public figure and a mom, the conversations she's had about online safety, and her advice for parents trying to find balance in a digital age.

Paul Raffile is a cybercrime expert and online safety advocate who's been on the front lines of catching sextortion scammers and exposing platform failures. He shares what parents need to know about sextortion, which apps pose the biggest risks, and the shocking reality of what social media companies allow to happen on their platforms.Connect with Paul on LinkedIn!Resources, stories, and other things mentioned in this episode:Paul's experience with MetaThe UK DocumentaryThe Yahoo BoysMeta's "Teen Nudity Controls"The story of Jordan Demay and sextortionThe Take it Down ActThe Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA)

Dr. Nidhi Gupta — physician, author of Calm the Noise, and founder of the Phreedom Foundation — breaks down how tech is impacting our health and what families can do to take back control. She shares the science behind constant notifications, her 'aha' moment that led to writing the book, and the three rules every family should start with tonight.Learn more about Dr. Gupta and the Phreedom Foundation on her website, and order your copy of Calm the Noise.

Ben Gillenwater — aka The Family IT Guy — brings 30 years of cybersecurity expertise to the parenting table. He shares how his background shaped the way he protects his own kid online, what parents can expect from his online community, and the one change that can make the biggest difference in your family's digital safety.Connect with Ben:On his websiteInstagramTikTokResources mentioned in this episode:How to Set Up Roblox Parental ControlsRoblox App ReviewThe Top 5 Hidden Dangers of RobloxWhy Parents Are Banning RobloxBen's meditation app, BeingNCMEC and the Cyber TipLineStories discussed in this episode:Jordan DeMay, sextortionAdam Raine, ChatGPT and suicide764 Group

Heather Dubrow, star of The Real Housewives of Orange County and mom of four, joins us to share her real-life wisdom on raising kids in the digital age. From screen time struggles to teaching inclusivity, this episode is full of honesty, perspective, and a little Housewives flair.

Parenting a child with mental health challenges can feel isolating, but support is out there. Casie Fiorello from Other Parents Like Me shares her experiences, practical resources, and advice to help families navigate these challenges with confidence and community.Learn more about Other Parents Like Me.

Kim Gravel gets real about parenting in an always-connected world. She shares how she talks to her kids about online safety, balances social media and privacy, and uses tools like Bark to help protect her family.Resources in this episode:Check out Kim's websiteConnect with Kim on InstagramTune into Kim's podcast"Delay is the way" with Protect Young Eyes

Kids and tech collided in big ways in 2025 — from viral slang taking over classrooms to major online safety laws reshaping the internet. We’re breaking down the moments that mattered and what they mean for your kid’s digital world.Discussed in this episode:Australia's social media ban and how our friends from Parenting in a Tech World, the Facebook group, are feeling about itJonathan Haidt's The Anxious GenerationKids Online Safety ActAll things SLANG:Algospeak6-7 trendBark's slang guideBark's emoji guideBark's sexual slang guideOur predictions for 2026 ????More about the Disney/Sora announcement and AI sycophancy

Sexual abuse prevention expert and safety educator Kimberly King shares how parents can have meaningful conversations about body safety and boundaries with their kids. We also dive into her resources for families and the podcast she created to empower moms and protect kids.Make sure to get your own copies of I Said No! and Body Safety for Young Children: Empowering Caring Adults.Connect with Kimberly on Instagram and check out her website!Additional resources:Body Boss Bootcamp for kids9 Red Flags to Spot GroomingBook a Family Safety Consultation with Kimberly

Jenny McCarthy is a New York Times bestselling author, actress, and television host known for her humor, honesty, and passion for family life. A proud mom herself, she’s been a longtime advocate for open conversations about parenting, health, and the challenges of raising kids today. In this episode, Jenny joins us to talk about technology, connection, and what it really means to protect and empower kids in the digital age.

What if online safety lessons actually worked? In this episode, you’ll go behind the scenes with Bark’s Connected Communities team to see how they’re helping 4th- and 5th-graders build healthy tech habits that last.Learn more about the Connected Communities program and bring it to your school!

Before your kids power on their new holiday devices, set them up for safe, responsible use. We’ll cover the simple steps and settings that make a big difference.Join the Parenting in a Tech World Facebook group to connect with other like-minded parents: https://info.bark.us/join-pitwCheck out all of our tech guides when setting up new tech for your kids! https://www.bark.us/tech-guides/

Licensed counselor and mom Tessa Stuckey joins us to share a grounded, compassionate look at what it really takes to raise emotionally healthy kids in a hyper-connected world. From how screens affect mental health to having hard conversations, we discuss different ways parents can build digital resilience in kids.Connect with Tessa:InstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedInVisit Tessa's sites:https://www.tessastuckey.com/http://www.projectlkup.org/Order Tessa's book: https://www.tessastuckey.com/order-book

Teens are getting creative when it comes to hiding content on their phones. From vault apps that look like calculators to hidden photo folders, it can be hard for parents to know what's really going on. In this episode, we break down why kids use them and how parents can stay informed without breaking trust.Learn more about vault apps: https://www.bark.us/blog/find-hidden-apps/Join Parenting in a Tech World: https://www.facebook.com/groups/119842088645840

This episode was recorded live at Bark Week at the Cliff House in Maine with our CEO, Brian Bason, and CTO, Brandon Hilkert. We looked back on Bark’s journey from a small startup to where we are today, helping protect millions of families across the country.

After losing their son and brother, Jack, to suicide, John and Rick Padilla transformed heartbreak into advocacy. In this moving conversation, they share how their work — from Mountain in My Mind to legal reform — is creating hope and healing for families everywhere.Learn more about Mountain in My Mind and follow John on social:InstagramYouTubeResources mentioned in this episode:Childhood 2.0 DocumentaryJudi's House (for those local to Denver)Connect with Rick via email: [email protected]

Raising kids in the digital age isn’t easy, but Sage Haven is making it a little kinder. Founders (and sisters!) Anne and Kate share how their messaging app helps parents guide healthy online conversations while keeping kids safer.Sage Haven is the first messaging app designed to address online bullying head-on with AI moderation that is designed to block harmful messages before they are sent and nudge kids towards kindness. It also allows parents to approve every contact and monitor their child’s messages directly from their own phones, with the support of AI-powered alerts and conversation recaps. Sage Haven is thoughtfully designed for a child’s early messaging years, with built-in flexibility to gradually scale back supervision as they grow and gain independence.Learn more at www.sagehavenforkids.com and www.sageparents.org and follow Kate and Anne’s journey on the Sage Sisters Podcast.Links:Download the Sage Haven appGet the Sage Parents Free Kids & Tech GuidebookFollow Anne and Kate on social:Sage ParentsSage Haven for KidsSage Sisters PodcastSage Parents on Facebook

Cindy Robinson is an author, researcher, and neurodivergent life coach who works with individuals with ADHD. In this episode, she shares her perspective on parenting, technology, and what it means to raise kids in today’s world.Learn more about Cindy on her website and give her a follow on Instagram!Don't forget to check out her books:Bright Girl Lacks FocusMaladaptive Daydreams

Killer Mike shares his perspective on parenting in today’s world, offering advice for helping kids navigate both online and offline life. Listen in as he reflects on timeless approaches to raising confident, resilient children.

Today, we chat with Joshua and Brock from Parent ProTech, who equip parents and educators with expert-backed tools to keep kids safe online. They share practical tips on online safety, AI, and how families can actively guide their child’s digital journey.Learn more about Parent ProTech and connect with the team:https://www.parentprotech.com/InstagramYouTubeFacebookLinkedInDon't forget to sign up for the Parent ProTech newsletter!

Today’s guest is Chris McKenna of Protect Young Eyes, a nonprofit dedicated to creating safer digital spaces for kids. Chris, a longtime friend and partner of Bark, shares insights on online risks and strategies families can use to keep kids safer in the digital world.Links discussed in this episode:Learn more about Protect Young EyesCheck out the Childhood 2.0 documentarySign the #DelayIsTheWay ManifestoConnect with Chris and the PYE team:InstagramFacebookYouTubeDon't forget to sign up for their newsletter, The Download, to get important updates!

Kristi Wells and Brittany Dunn of the Safe House Project share the urgent realities of child sex trafficking and how families and communities can support children’s safety.Discussed in this episode:Learn more about the Safe House Project Download the Simply Report app on the App Store and Google PlayRead the 2024 Impact ReportDonate to the Safe House ProjectLearn more about VOCAConnect with the Safe House Project:InstagramFacebookDon't forget to sign up for the Safe House Project newsletter for important updates!

Sarah Gardner, founder of the Heat Initiative, joins us to discuss how her team is holding Big Tech accountable for child safety failures. From calling out Apple and Meta to mobilizing public pressure, she shares the wins, challenges, and how we can all help bring the heat.Mentioned in this episode:Learn more about the Heat Initiative: https://heatinitiative.org/Donate: https://heatinitiative.org/support-us/Email Apple and demand more from Meta: https://heatinitiative.org/take-action/Connect with the Heat Initiative:https://www.instagram.com/heatinitiative/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKgRtoOP9x1_hJxWvKcDp0Qhttps://twitter.com/heatinitiative

Kris Perry, executive director of Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development, joins us to discuss how technology is shaping childhood, and what parents, educators, and policymakers can do to support healthy development.Learn more about Children and Screens: https://www.childrenandscreens.org/Resources mentioned in this episode:International Scientific CongressMonthly expert webinarsScreen Deep PodcastParent tip sheetsDon't forget to sign up for the monthly ScreenShots Newsletter and support Children and Screens via donations.

ChatGPT is showing up in classrooms, homework, and even kids’ casual conversations — but how safe is it? In this episode, Titania and Sam put AI to the test, asking hard-hitting questions to see exactly what kids might encounter. The results? Eye-opening, surprising, and a must-hear for any parent navigating the digital world.

Toni Collier joins us to talk about parenting through the hard stuff in life. Learn how embracing your family's mess can actually help build stronger, more resilient kids. Connect with Toni:https://www.tonijcollier.com/https://www.instagram.com/tonijcollier/https://www.facebook.com/colliertonihttps://youtube.com/@tonijcollierOrder 'Broken Crayons Still Color': https://www.thomasnelson.com/p/brokencrayons/

We're joined by Dr. Zona to learn how parents can get ahead of addiction by starting honest, informed conversations early. From what’s changed since we were kids to practical ways to talk with yours, this is a conversation every caregiver needs to hear.Follow Dr. Zona:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/addictiontokdok/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@addictiontokdokResources discussed in this episode:Song for Charlie Drug Graph: https://www.songforcharlie.org/page/current-dataSong for Charlie, "You Need To Know" video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTSSXlkYhUgSong for Charlie, "Real Talk About Fake Pills" YouTube playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLApJM_NGL-0P_dBtR3HzHKknnpjmE88Cb&feature=sharedDEA One Pill Can Kill: https://www.dea.gov/onepillDOPA Good Samaritan Law: https://dopa.ge/good-samBark's Drug Slang Guide: https://www.bark.us/blog/drug-slang-emojis/

Learn from a former social media industry exec turned family advocate how to help keep your kids safe in an age of ever-present social media.Connect with Nicki and learn more about Scrolling2Death:https://www.scrolling2death.com/https://www.instagram.com/scrolling2death/https://www.youtube.com/@Scrolling2Deathhttp://www.linkedin.com/in/nickireisbergS2D Foundation: https://www.scrolling2death.com/donateResources mentioned in this episode:Better Than Real Life book https://www.amazon.com/Better-Than-Real-Life-Persuasive/dp/B0DS1GDTZ6Dual Households blog: https://www.bark.us/blog/bark-works-dual-households/

Sarah Adams, known as Mom Uncharted online, is bringing attention to parents who overshare about their kids online as well as kidfluencing, as both can cause real harm to kids.Follow Sarah:https://www.instagram.com/mom.unchartedhttps://www.tiktok.com/@mom.unchartedLinks mentioned in this episode:momuncharted.comkidsarenotcontent.comWatch Bad Influence: The Dark Side of KidfluencingNational Center for Missing & Exploited ChildrenLearn more about the TAKE IT DOWN ActInternet Crimes Against Children Task Force

In this episode, Titania talks to Sam Chapman, a father whose son was sold fentanyl-laced drugs on Snapchat and tragically died of an overdose. Today, he’s working to get a law passed that would require social media companies like Snap to open their systems to parental control apps like Bark — so parents stay in the know when it comes to online dangers.Links mentioned in this episode:Sign the petition for Sammy's Law: https://www.socialmediasafety.org/sammys-law/Learn more about Parent Collective: https://parentcollective.org/Vanish Mode preview: https://f.io/zWBqTe6gOrganization for Social Media Safety: https://www.socialmediasafety.org/

iPhones and Androids are the two most popular phones in the world, but only one is safer for kids: Androids. Learn what separates the two, and why your child definitely deserves one.Resources discussed in this episode:Chris McKenna, Protect Young Eyes, https://www.protectyoungeyes.com/Nicki Reisberg, Scrolling2Death, https://www.scrolling2death.com/Podcast Episode with Brandon Hilkert, https://youtu.be/38QGPPhBULkOrder your Bark Phone, https://www.bark.us/bark-phone/

Growing up in the ‘80s and ‘90s, sleepovers were about popcorn, movie marathons, and maybe calling your crush. Today, phones have transformed them into late night bouts of Snapchat drama, inappropriate video watching, and more.

Dive into the mysterious world of Roblox to learn why kids love it so much, what actually goes on when kids play it, and why it’s surprisingly a dangerous place to let kids spend time.Resources from this episode:Top 5 Hidden Dangers of Roblox: https://www.bark.us/blog/hidden-dangers-roblox/How to Make Roblox Safer for Your Kid: https://www.bark.us/blog/safer-roblox/Bark's Roblox Parental Controls Tech Guide: https://www.bark.us/tech-guide/gaming-roblox/Roblox Parental Controls Guide: https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/30428310121620-Parental-Controls-Overview

Mike Arterburn, better known as Killer Bee Tactical, goes viral on social media for his takes on both online and real-life safety. Today, he and Titania sit down to discuss his life and what parents really need to know about digital safety — along with a few surprises.Follow Mike on social media:- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@purepower34- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/killer_bee_tactical/- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCzC1T0mynakZv9We7klVBuwLearn more about NCMEC: https://www.missingkids.org/home

Remember when your mom asked, “If everyone else jumped off a bridge, would you?” Today, that’s called FOMO — or “fear of missing out” and with the internet and social media, it’s 10 times more intense. This episode, we teach you how to spot it, talk to your kid about it, and more.