TikTok Gets More Time and Voice Cloning Scams
Plus: Netflix’s Adolescence series has parents talking, AI chatbots have sparked debates over emotional risks, and the rest of this week's top news for busy parents.
April 4, 2025
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Keeping up with tech news isn’t just for the techies — it’s important for parents too! From social media’s impact on young athletes to new concerns about how big tech companies operate, this week’s top stories show how current trends and online changes can affect your kids. Here’s what you need to know.
The Return of DXM Abuse
Teens are misusing cough medicines with dextromethorphan (DXM) to get high, a trend once in decline but now resurging.
Text and DMs may be part of the fuel for the resurgence, with teens using slang terms like “syrup head,” “dexing,” “Orange Crush,” “robo,” and “poor man’s X” to discuss it with each other without risk of being discovered by their parents.
High doses mimic PCP and ketamine, with dangerous side effects and experts warn of a new threat — mixing DXM with promethazine — raising concerns about addiction and serious health risks.
Teenage Abuse of Cough Medicine and Promethazine | Psychology Today
Quality Over Quantity When it Comes to Videos
The APA’s new guide urges parents to focus on the impact of video content — not just screen time — on teen well-being.
Funded by YouTube, the guide offers research-backed tips on discussing algorithms, influencer content, and emotional triggers.
Experts recommend curiosity over criticism to help teens build healthier digital habits.
APA guide for parents aims to help teens choose video content mindfully | American Psychological Association
Utah Passes Landmark App Store Age Verification Law
Utah is the first state to require app stores to verify users’ ages and get parental consent for minors downloading apps.
The law, backed by Meta but opposed by Apple and Google, sparks debate over privacy and responsibility.
Similar bills are pending in 12 other states.
Utah becomes the first state to pass legislation requiring app stores to verify ages | AP News
Whistleblower’s Book Exposes Meta’s Darkest Moments
Former Meta executive Sarah Wynn-Williams’ new book Careless People details Facebook’s role in global crises, internal scandals, and profit-driven policies.
The book covers Meta’s failures in Myanmar, political ties, and alleged workplace misconduct, sparking strong pushback from the tech giant.
Ex-Meta executive: ‘People deserve to know what this company is really like’ | CNN
TikTok Expands Parental Controls
TikTok is rolling out new parental controls, allowing parents to block app access during set hours and monitor their teen’s followers and blocked users.
A new “wind-down” feature encourages teens to log off at night.
The updates come amid ongoing scrutiny over TikTok’s impact on young users’ well-being, and a potential ban in April.
TikTok now lets parents see their teen’s follower/following list, block access during certain hours | Tech Crunch
Instagram Tests ‘Blend’ for Shared Reels
Instagram is expanding tests of “Blend,” a feature that creates a shared Reels feed for friends based on their individual activity.
The AI-powered feed updates as users interact with content, aiming to boost engagement in DMs.
While Meta sees potential, its success depends on user interest in collaborative browsing.
Instagram Begins Live Testing of ‘Blend’ Reels Sharing Feature | Social Media Today
College Athletes Push for Healthier Social Media
Iowa State’s Audi Crooks and Iowa’s Hannah Stuelke are using their NIL partnerships to promote positive online habits amid increasing social media abuse targeting female athletes.
With March Madness approaching, they emphasize mentorship, mental well-being, and the need for support against online harassment.
March Madness is coming, and women’s players are urging fans to keep cool in social media posts | AP news
Article summaries created with help from AI
Other Headlines
- Parents want their kids to be social, but with less social media | Marketplace
- Elon Musk claims X being targeted in ‘massive cyberattack’ as service goes down | AP News
- Discord in Early Talks With Bankers for Potential I.P.O. | The New York Times
- How to stop doomscrolling | Tech Crunch
- Celebrity AI deepfakes are flooding the internet | CNN
- TikTok Shares New Report on its Impact on the US Economy | Social Media Today
- Are Therapy Memes and Buzzwords Setting You Back? | Psychology Today
- YouTube launches a $7.99 per month, ad-free Premium Lite subscription | Tech Crunch
- Politics Dominates Social Media – That Continues To Divide America | Forbes
- Florida teen kidnapped and possibly dismembered after meeting man from social media app, police say | NBC News
- Scrolling Social Media Is Making You Sweaty | Vice
- How Can You Address Effects of Social Media on Well-Being? | Psychology Today
Did we miss anything?
Any other important tech news from this week? Let us know in the comments below.
Author Jackie Baucom
Jackie is a Gabb staff writer. She is the mother of four children and is passionate about keeping kids safe, happy, loved, and thriving. She has a degree in Mass Communication from the University of Utah.
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