Technology is the Reason Your Teen Talks Like That
What does a brief history of communication teach us about all the weird slang our kids use today?
January 1, 2025
Holiday Pricing Update on All Gabb Devices
“Nudify” Apps Spark Outrage and More…
Phones Without Social Media: Is the New Trend…
From lawsuits exposing gaps in safety to new initiatives tackling screen time and internet addiction, this week’s roundup highlights the delicate balance between technology’s promise and its risks for kids. Here’s a look at the stories shaping the conversation.
Babies Born in 2025 Will Usher in “Generation Beta”
Children born between 2025 and 2039, dubbed “Generation Beta,” will be the first to grow up alongside Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and advanced AI technologies.
This generation is expected to face unique challenges and opportunities, including personalized AI-driven education and the ethical dilemmas of widespread automation.
Understanding how AI shapes Generation Beta’s development is crucial for creating frameworks that ensure their safety, privacy, and emotional well-being in a highly automated world.
Apple to Pay $95 Million in Siri Privacy Lawsuit Settlement
Apple has agreed to a $95 million settlement over allegations that Siri recorded user interactions without consent, including private conversations.
The lawsuit claims Apple failed to prevent unauthorized recordings, raising concerns about the misuse of sensitive data.
This settlement highlights the ongoing demand for stronger privacy safeguards in voice assistant technologies, especially for families and children.
Apple to pay $95 million to settle Siri privacy lawsuit | Reuters
AI’s Rapid Growth Brought Innovation and Challenges in 2024
Advancements in AI technology, from hurricane forecasting to driverless cars, revolutionized industries while also raising concerns about misinformation, surveillance, and environmental impact.
2024 saw significant AI milestones, like Google’s generative AI breakthroughs and Apple’s AI integrations, alongside alarming incidents of AI-driven disinformation and its psychological effects on youth.
This dual impact underscores the urgent need for ethical oversight and robust regulations to balance innovation with societal well-being and safety.
How the Benefits—and Harms—of AI Grew in 2024 | Time
TikTok Accused of Facilitating Child Exploitation via Livestreaming Feature
A new lawsuit alleges that TikTok knowingly allowed child exploitation to occur through its livestreaming feature, despite being aware of the risks.
The complaint claims TikTok failed to implement adequate safeguards, enabling predators to exploit underage users on the platform.
This case underscores the urgent need for stricter regulations and more robust safety measures to protect children in online spaces.
TikTok knew its livestreaming feature allowed child exploitation, state lawsuit alleges | The Guardian
Video Games Are In — Here’s How to Keep Playtime Safe
New gaming consoles and video games topped holiday gift lists, but just because it’s a video game doesn’t mean it’s made for kids. This article gives some tips on how to keep gaming fun, safe, and age appropriate for your children.
ESRB ratings, parental controls, and open conversations about safe online interactions can help reduce risks like cyberbullying and inappropriate content while enhancing benefits like teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Gaming is one of the most popular hobbies among kids and adults. Staying involved is key to creating a safe and positive gaming environment.
Not all video games are for kids. Here’s what parents should know. | USA Today
Other Headlines
- These parents won’t give their kids iPhones — but they have clever work-arounds: ‘I can’t keep them in a bubble forever’ | New York Post
- Texas Plows Ahead: Texas’ onerous AI regulation is formally introduced | Hyperdimensional
Did we miss anything?
Any other important tech news from this week? Let us know in the comments below.
Author Robert Milligan
Rob is a Gabb staff writer with a passion for stories and over a decade of experience. As a father of three, he loves anything that lights up his kids' worlds and sparks their imaginations. Rob is dedicated to helping families navigate the digital world safely while fostering creativity and meaningful connections.
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