Children of the Digital Age

In order to promote our #howrudoinonline? initiative, we're taking things to the next level. To get the message out there to children and parents, we're using every mode of transportation possible - planes, trains, automobiles, and even boats! We're determined to reach as many people as possible and help them navigate the online world safely. Stay tuned for updates on our journey! #onlinesafety #digitalwellness

As a parent, it's important to make tough decisions to protect our children. One of those decisions is saying "no" to giving them smartphones at a young age. #SocialMedia in its current format is not safe for children of primary school age. Remember that kids already have access to any app they wish to use on tablets and iPads, so why afford another device when it's not needed? The reality is that children are entering a world that's not filled with sugar plumbs and fairies, and many parents are not taking the time to restrict access, apps, or content. Kids will tell you themselves about the level of harmful content they are exposed to, and that they don't tell anyone about it, for fear they lose access. From my 8 years of experience in meeting thousands of kids and parents, I've yet to meet either who could afford any reasonable logic for having a #smartphone at that age. If you have a choice between saying "NO", or introducing a whole world of potential harm to your child, the choice would appear to be fairly apparent. So, let's not get ourselves needlessly tied up in knots over this issue. Adults shouldn't need legislation for them to comprehend the level of harm they are exposing their children to by giving them a device. Far too many kids are suffering as a consequence of adults trying to keep up with the Joneses. Your child is your responsibility, and it's a harsh reality that adults sometimes use tech to essentially raise their kids for them. Set's deal with this in a very simple way. Focus on your own children, not everybody elses and simply say no to smartphones for young children.

Great to see positive action being taken to hold online platforms accountable for what kids are exposed to online. TikTok 's swift examination of RTE Prime Time claims as a 'matter of urgency' suggests that well overdue changes may be implemented to assist parents and children. It's imperative that Ireland takes a more robust stance in shielding children from all forms of online harm, particularly since so many global platforms have their headquarters in Dublin. It's concerning that politicians only seem to be motivated to address these pressing issues just before Irish local and European elections. Let's hope that this momentum continues and that proactive measures are taken to protect our children. https://lnkd.in/eyKSrvyY

Huge amount of info to digest here. RTE news : 13 on TikTok: Self-harm and suicide content shown shocks experts https://lnkd.in/euj8AzGi

Historicaly as a society, we evolved from identifying ourselves through the music we listened to, the sport or teams we followed, and the movies we watched. However, with the rise of #socialmedia, young people are now identifying themselves in a whole new way. While gender identity healthcare faces reform after a UK report, we also need to acknowledge that #socialmedia plays a huge role in how young people identify themselves as individuals. Unfortunately, this has led some to question themselves and be radicalized in a whole host of different ways. There are some who convince kids to believe they are something they are not, while promising they will be happier if they follow a certain path. Every human needs connection, to be part of a community and have a purpose. However, some have exploited that basic human need to fulfill their own agenda. We must let kids be kids. It's time to stop messing with their minds through essentially what were recruitment campaigns led by false promises of happiness. Individuals should be left to discover who they are organically, rather than gender being forced upon them by folks who may not have their best interests at heart and are only looking to popularize themselves and monetize what they do. Let's put an end to this agenda of pushing gender dysphoria on kids. Read more about the recent analysis on gender identity healthcare reform in the UK: https://lnkd.in/en_sPKTz

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The #howrudoinonline? campaign is now a reality. Please help me promote it globaly.

I'm curious, How do I get to do a Ted Talk ?

The INHOPE yearly report is out and as a father to a daughter in the most at-risk age group, I dread reading it. Every year, it gets worse. Some may assume that because I advocate for child protection online, my own children are safe. Unfortunately, that's not the reality. There's no silver bullet to protect kids. Even with parental controls set up, my 11-year-old daughter has had negative experiences on Roblox. Even with all of my experience and knowledge, gaps in the fence still exist and are regularly exploited by threat actors. We need to keep kids spaces safe for kids. The sooner platforms adopt safety by design for children and #ageassurance by entities like Yoti the better. Check out the full report here: https://lnkd.in/eawEZnmm