"When I ask 16-21 year olds what they wish their parents had known about social media, they say, number one, don’t give us phones and social media too young."

- Children's Commissioner for England, Rachel De Souza

As the first smartphone generation hits adulthood, they are reflecting on their lost wonder years, a precious period of their lives they can never get back. Too many of them regret a childhood wasted on screens and they wish their parents had set firmer boundaries.

Let's not repeat the mistake with the next generation.

Delay smartphones, delay social media, join the Heads Up Alliance family and secure for your younger children the gift of a full childhood.

eSafety Commissioner

Children's Commissioner for England

We dive into the heart of the HeadsUp Alliance, co-founded by Dany Elachi a burgeoning movement among Australian families committed to rethinking the role of technology in their children's lives. With the digital age advancing rapidly, these families have chosen a path less traveled, delaying the introduction of social media and smartphones to their children's daily routines.

Join us as we explore the philosophy and motivations behind the HeadsUp Alliance.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply interested in the intersection of technology and child development, this episode offers valuable insights into a community that's choosing to press pause on the digital rush, prioritizing real-world experiences and connections for the next generation.

Tune in to learn how the HeadsUp Alliance is making waves in Australia and potentially setting a new standard for children's digital consumption worldwide.

https://www.facebook.com/TheHeadsUpAlliance/

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In this episode, we dive into the growing wave of lawsuits being filed against Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, Snapchat, Discord, Tik Tok by parents and guardians concerned about the mental and physical harm these platforms are causing younger users. Research indicates a troubling rise in social media addiction among teens, leading to severe mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, self-harm, eating disorders, and even suicide.

The issue gained significant attention when Frances Haugen, a former Facebook manager, leaked internal documents revealing Meta's knowledge of its platforms' harmful effects on users, especially teens. These documents exposed how Meta's algorithms are designed to maximize engagement at the expense of user well-being, often pushing content that promotes body image issues, risky behaviour, and mental health struggles.

We’ll explore the specific cases brought against Meta, such as the lawsuits filed by families who have lost loved ones to suicide or who are dealing with the repercussions of social media addiction. We'll also discuss the legal strategies being employed, including product liability and tort law, aimed at holding Meta accountable for prioritizing profits over safety.

Snapchat, owned by Snap Inc., is a preferred social media platform for 35% of teens, with over 85 million users in the U.S. as of 2020. Its popularity is driven by features that limit parental monitoring, encourage daily use, and allow users to share their location, raising significant safety concerns.

One notable case is Rodriguez v. Meta Platforms Inc. et al., where nine-year-old Selena Rodriguez became addicted to Snapchat and Instagram, leading to sleep deprivation, bullying, and severe mental health issues, culminating in her suicide at age 11.

In Doffing v. Meta Platforms Inc. and Snap Inc., Brittney Doffing is suing on behalf of her daughter M.K., who developed an addiction to Instagram and Snapchat at 14, resulting in sleep loss, body image issues, and psychiatric hospitalizations.

Other cases include Heffner vs. Meta and Snap Inc., where Ashleigh Heffner’s son Liam Birchfield became addicted to these platforms, leading to his suicide, and Dawley vs. Meta and Snap Inc., where CJ Dawley, a high-achieving student, fatally shot himself after becoming obsessed with social media.

Additionally, Snapchat is implicated in facilitating fentanyl poisonings, due to its features that allow users to erase communications easily. The FBI is investigating Snapchat’s role in the fentanyl poisoning deaths of teens, and lawsuits have been filed to represent these victims and their families.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-marquez-garrett-447a491b/
https://socialmediavictims.org/

#SocialMediaLawsuits #MetaLawsuits #SnapchatLawsuits #ProtectOurKids #MentalHealthAwareness #SocialMediaAddiction #TeenMentalHealth #TechAccountability #StopSocialMediaHarm #DigitalSafety #ParentalAwareness #YouthWellbeing #SocialMediaImpact #AnxietyAwareness #DepressionAwareness #EatingDisorders #SuicidePrevention #SocialMediaReform #OnlineSafety #AddictionAwareness #ProtectTeens #SafeSocialMedia #SocialMediaResponsibility #VictimsRights #HoldTechAccountable #SocialMediaVictims #DigitalWellbeing #FentanylCrisis #SnapchatSafety

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In this episode, we explore the inspiring journey of Qoria (formerly Family Zone), a company born from the vision of four dedicated parents determined to make digital spaces safer for children. Facing off against tech giants indifferent to online child protection, Qoria has emerged as a global leader in digital safety. We delve into the industry's complexities, including government funding for technology that doesn’t adequately protect families and how Qoria champions interoperable solutions against restrictive practices by companies like Microsoft.

From early boundaries to overt parental controls, we discuss why starting protective measures early makes a difference, empowering parents to safeguard their children's digital lives.

Tim Levy, Managing Director of Qoria, shares a deeply personal and moving story. The cyberbullying and subsequent suicide of his niece’s best friend left an indelible mark on him. He realized that children were navigating a digital world that was perilously unsafe. Motivated by a desire to protect his own kids and others, Tim joined forces with his close friend Crispin Swan, also a telco veteran. They were soon joined by Ben Trigger and Paul Robinson.

Together, they asked a fundamental question: Why can't we protect our children in their digital lives as well as we can in their home lives?

This question sparked the creation of Qoria. Their vision was to develop a suite of technology solutions that would empower parents, schools, and children to collaborate in ensuring digital safety. They sought to bridge the gaps left by siloed approaches, where schools, parents, and social and gaming platforms operated independently. They believed our children deserved better.

The Birth and Growth of Qoria:

In 2015, Family Zone was born. With a big vision, a recently launched consumer offering, and no money, they took a bold step by going public. Family Zone was listed on the Australian Stock Exchange the following year.

Tim reflects on their journey: "Since then, we have been incredibly lucky to be joined by some amazing businesses, trusted advisors, and loyal investors, all of whom share our passion and commitment for tackling what is clearly one of the most pressing problems of the modern world."

All tech is not safe for children in 2024 Telegram, Reddit, Google, Apple, Microsoft, Snapchat, Facebook, Whatsapp, Google Docs, Facebook, Instagram, Tor, Google Drive, Google Maps
https://qoria.com/our-story

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Welcome to the global initiative of SEEN Conversations. We are mastering children's mental health in the digital age.

Wade Haynes, Retired Principal, Brisbane State High School
Melanie Pilling, Editor Weekend Edition Courier Mail, Sunday Mail
Sam Jockel, CEO Parent TV, Producer SEEN documentary
Professor Selena Bartlett, neuroscientist, author being SEEN.

The conversation concerns parents, teachers, principals, educators, community organisations, policy-makers, and carers. We discussed the challenges and opportunities associated with smartphones and social media use among children and its impact on mental health.
* Raise Awareness: Discuss the effects of social media on children's mental health, supported by the latest research and data.
* Share Tools and Strategies: Provide practical tools and strategies for educators and parents to help children navigate the online world safely.
* Foster Collaboration: Encourage a collaborative approach to addressing online safety, involving all stakeholders in our community.
* Develop Action Plans: Create actionable plans that schools and families can implement to promote healthy online habits.

In today's fast-paced world, navigating parenting can be challenging. Here are the top insights to help you connect with your children and protect their well-being:

Everyone Needs to Be Seen
Our children need to feel truly seen for who they are. Make time to understand and appreciate them beyond the surface.

Engage with Media Together
Whether it’s reading, watching TV, playing video games, or using social media, do it alongside your children. This shared experience can strengthen your bond and provide valuable guidance.

Protect Our Children Online
While robust policies and legislation are essential, there are practical tips we can implement to safeguard our children's mental health and prevent long-term damage.

Community Effort for Mental Health
Tackling the mental health crisis requires a collective effort. Every small action counts, so let’s come together to make a difference.

The Challenge of Modern Parenting
We’re all feeling the stress of busy lives. Focus on small changes, like simply asking your children, “How was your day?”

Reconnect at Any Time
It’s never too late to rebuild relationships with your children. Don’t give up hope, and take steps to reconnect.

Love Is All You Need
Remember, the foundation of every relationship is love. Let it guide you in all your interactions.


Please follow us on www.profselenabartlett.com for updates and future events.
We look forward to seeing you soon!

Kind regards

Selena and the SEEN team

#seen #masterchildrenmentalhealth #digital #wellness

We believe that coming together can significantly improve our children's well-being. Your participation and support are crucial to the success of this initiative.

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In this engaging conversation, we explore why being seen matters more than money, career, and status regarding health, happiness, and longevity. Ryan shares his insights on the profound impact of genuine human connections in our increasingly digital world.

Together, we delve into the transformative power of authenticity, empathy, and emotional intelligence. Ryan discusses how these qualities foster meaningful relationships and contribute to a more fulfilling and balanced life. He introduces the concept of "The Human Currency," which redefines success by emphasizing trust, collaboration, and community over traditional financial metrics.

Listeners will gain actionable insights and practical strategies for harnessing the power of human connections to enhance well-being and personal growth. Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, or someone seeking to improve your interpersonal skills, this episode offers valuable takeaways for building a life rich in relationships and meaning.

Join us to discover why being truly seen and understood by others is essential for thriving in all aspects of life.
Join us August 8th, 2024 for a community forum.
Register here:
https://events.humanitix.com/mastering-children-s-mental-health-in-the-digital-age

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In today's digital age, many of us find ourselves both "tired and wired," constantly stimulated yet perpetually exhausted. In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Jean Yates from Cybernetic Shield to explore the pressing issue of mental health in our digitally driven world. As our lives become increasingly intertwined with technology, many of us find ourselves both "tired and wired"—constantly connected yet feeling perpetually exhausted.

Jean Yates shares actionable steps and insightful strategies to help us reclaim control over our mental well-being. Learn to set clear boundaries with technology, practice mindful consumption, and prioritize real-life connections. Discover the importance of sleep and self-care, and understand how to make technology a tool that enhances our lives rather than a master that dictates them.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate the digital age more powerfully and confidently. Join us as we delve into:

• The impact of constant connectivity and information overload on mental health.
• Practical steps to establish a balanced relationship with technology.
• Techniques to improve sleep, foster real-life interactions, and practice mindfulness.
• The role of digital literacy in maintaining mental well-being.

Tune in to gain valuable insights from Jean Yates and start your journey towards mastering your mental health in the digital age. Let's make tech a tool, not a master.

Keywords: Mental Health, Digital Age, Technology, Self-Care, Digital Detox, Cybernetic Shield, Jean Yates

Subscribe to Our Podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/episode-178-pathway-to-protecting-children-online-a/id1471835230?i=1000661545913

Understanding the Impact of the Digital Age

1. Constant Connectivity: Our always-on culture can lead to burnout, as the boundary between work and personal time blurs.
2. Information Overload: The sheer volume of information we consume daily can overwhelm our cognitive capacities.
3. Social Media Stress: Comparing ourselves to others online can lead to anxiety, depression, and a skewed sense of self-worth.
4. Sleep Disruption: The blue light from screens can interfere with our circadian rhythms, leading to poor sleep quality.

Jean Yates, is the Director of Education at Cybernetic Shield. As a teacher of 30 years she has seen the degradation of children's attention span and mental health.

To combat the onslaught of tech for children, Cybernetic Shield is a dedicated set of programs designed for Australian schools, guiding them through the complex landscape of digital safety. Here’s how Cybernetic Shield collaborates with schools to ensure a safer digital experience for both staff and students.

https://cyberneticshield.au/

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Join us for an insightful episode as we chat with Dany Elachi, a Sydney father of five and the co-founder of Heads Up Alliance. Dany and his wife started this grassroots movement in 2020 to encourage parents to delay giving their kids social media and smartphones. They believe that families in local school communities can create a healthier environment for their children by working together.

We delve into the critical topic of raising the minimum social media age to 16 years with Dany Elachi, co-founder of the Heads Up Alliance. With smartphones already banned in public schools across New South Wales and Queensland, Australia is ahead of the curve in reclaiming childhood from the grips of Big Tech.

Dany discusses the recent bipartisan support for increasing the social media minimum age to 16 and highlights the Coalition's commitment to enacting this law within 100 days of forming a government. He expresses concerns about recent doubts from the Communications Minister and the Prime Minister's suggestions of conditional implementation.

Through this conversation, we explore why the current minimum age of 13—rooted in American privacy law—is outdated and inappropriate. Dany argues that even if age verification technology isn't perfect, passing this law now would send a solid signal to parents and children about the hazards of social media for young teens.

Dany presents a compelling list of serious harms linked to early social media use, including:

• Less sleep, reading, nature, and exercise
• Weaker family connections and real-life friendships
• Reduced face-to-face socialization, concentration, learning, and creativity
• Increased exposure to bullying, extreme viewpoints, gratuitous violence, porn, sextortionists, and child predators

By taking decisive action, Australia can set a new norm and provide parents with the support they need to resist the pressure of early social media exposure for their children. Dany emphasizes the importance of prioritizing children's wellbeing over profits and the urgency of addressing the negative impacts of social media on youth mental health.

Tune in to hear Dany Elachi's passionate plea for raising the social media minimum age to 16, the potential benefits for our children, and how communities can come together to protect the next generation. This episode is a must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone concerned about the future of our children's mental health and well-being.
Join the movement
https://www.facebook.com/TheHeadsUpAlliance/?locale=ms_MY&paipv=0&eav=Afbm52iu63tPe51QKec6ThG3yxDJITf_Me3ZuZZwGuFfZ2vu8kMzrJW8RRzttP12j_A

Join us at the SEEN community event
https://events.humanitix.com/mastering-children-s-mental-health-in-the-digital-age
Link to the story about Sweden back to basics schooling.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/11/sweden-says-back-to-basics-schooling-works-on-paper

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Did you realise that almost zero places online are safe for children? The dark web has exploited our addiction to phones and digital lives, leaving no one paying attention to our children, who have become easy targets.

In this deeply moving podcast episode, we hear from Wayne Holdsworth, a father who tragically lost his 17-year-old son Mac was a victim to on-line sextortion in October 2023 after becoming a victim of sextortion. Wayne shares his profound regret and pain, wishing he had known that in the hours before someone decides to take their own life, they might act as if they don’t have a care in the world. If he had known, he believed Mac might still be alive. Social media taught him everything about what to do. Tech companies want you to think that it is OK to use social media BUT they don’t want you to know that their algorithms are serving them R- rated content and that AI chatbots and messaging apps are able to reach any of them now in 2024. Parents, we are asleep and do not realise what an impact this is having on children’s mental health. Time to open your eyes wide and ask- WHAT are they watching, WHO are they talking to? This will protect your kids. It is an urgent crisis.

Before October last year, Wayne knew very little about suicide. His son fell victim to sextortion, paying the scammers in hopes of stopping their threats, but the harassment continued. Despite Wayne's efforts to intervene, Mac was overwhelmed by the fear of his friends discovering the images he had sent. On the night Mac took his life, he seemed upbeat and happy, which Wayne later learned can be a sign of someone who has decided to end their life.

At Mac's funeral, 700 people gathered to mourn—a poignant reminder of the widespread impact of suicide. Wayne's message is clear: it’s not enough to simply ask if someone is OK.

Wayne Holdsworth's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the need for better support systems for those in crisis. Let's work together to ensure that no other family has to experience such a heartbreaking loss

For more information and support on sextortion and mental health, visit:

• eSafety
• Headspace
• Lifeline

Join the conversation and help spread awareness: #MentalHealth #SuicidePrevention #Sextortion #WayneHoldsworth #Podcast #YouthSupport #AwarenessMatters #NoMoreWaits #ParentingAdvice #FamilySupport #SaveLives #OnlineSafety #ProtectOurChildren

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