You Gave Your Kid Social Media and Regret It. Now What?
If you are one of the 2 out of 3 parents who sees how social media impacts their child negatively, it’s never too late to make changes.
March 3, 2025
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This week, Signal made waves after an accidental national security breach, dominating the headlines. But amidst the buzz, there are other key tech updates parents should be aware of. Here’s a roundup of important stories to keep you in the loop.
Instagram Teams Up with Schools to Combat Cyberbullying
Instagram is rolling out a new schools partnership program to tackle cyberbullying and boost safety for young users.
Teachers can now report safety concerns directly to Instagram, with prioritized reviews and educational resources to promote digital literacy.
The initiative aims to support online safety and help schools guide teens through the digital space.
Instagram Launches Schools Partnership Program to Protect Teens | Social Media Today
Roblox CEO’s Safety Stance Sparks Debate
Roblox CEO Dave Baszucki’s advice — “If you’re not comfortable, don’t let your kids play” — has triggered heated discussions online.
Some parents are praising Roblox’s safety features, while others are sharing stories of addiction and online grooming.
Critics argue the company isn’t doing enough to protect young users, and demand stronger accountability from Roblox.
Honest or unrealistic? Roblox boss’ online safety advice sparks debate | BBC
TikTok’s Ad Blitz
TikTok is ramping up its advertising campaign, showcasing personal stories and small-business success, as it faces a looming deadline for a U.S. sale or ban.
The company hopes to sway public opinion and lawmakers while navigating national security concerns and potential regulations.
With a U.S. Ban Looming, TikTok Portrays Itself as a Force for Good | The New York Times
The Failed Promise of Classroom Tech
For two decades, schools have invested billions in laptops and tablets, aiming to boost learning. Instead, test scores have dropped, social skills have eroded, and students are more distracted than ever.
Studies show excessive screen time hinders learning, yet schools continue prioritizing devices over proven teaching methods.
As schools ban smartphones, experts urge them to rethink in-class computer use and prioritize traditional learning methods.
Kids Are Spending Too Much Class Time on Laptops | Bloomberg
Rethinking Kids and Smartphones
A new study from the University of South Florida suggests that smartphone ownership may actually benefit children, contradicting common fears.
Kids with their own phones reported fewer signs of depression and anxiety and were more likely to spend time with friends in person. However, the study also found that social media posting is linked to mental health struggles, and even mild cyberbullying can have serious effects.
Researchers emphasize that it’s not phone ownership itself, but how kids use their devices, that determines the impact.
Study suggests smartphones may benefit kids, but public social media use poses risks | Medical Xpress
Explicit Podcasts Take Over Spotify Charts
Spotify’s expansion into video has led to explicit content, including pornographic podcasts, surfacing on its charts, despite platform rules against such material.
The issue highlights gaps in Spotify’s content moderation system, with sexually explicit content slipping through and raising concerns about user safety and platform oversight.
Porn on Spotify Is Infriltrating the Platform’s Top Podcast Charts | Bloomberg
AI Chatbots Using Teens as Test Subjects
Character.AI, a Google-backed startup, is facing lawsuits alleging its AI chatbots contributes to teen suicide and self-harm.
Critics argue that Character.AI and Google are rushing an untested product to market, effectively using young people as test subjects.
Despite implementing safety updates following legal challenges, concerns persist about AI’s impact on vulnerable youth and the ethics of deploying experimental technology to the masses.
Did Google Test an Experimental AI on Kids, With Tragic Results? | Futurism
Article summaries created with help from AI
Other Headlines
- How Secure Is Signal, Anyway? | The New York Times
- Tech for Babies Is Booming. Here’s What One Parent Found Helped the Most. | The New York Times
- How to tell if your online accounts have been hacked | Tech Crunch
- Social media may heighten depression severity in youth | Medical Xpress
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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