A Chatbot-Free Childhood Will Be a Status Symbol

The Atlantic, August 7, 2026

There is the possibility that AI could become to childhood what ultra-processed food has become to our diets: a convenient, highly engineered substitute that can crowd out something children genuinely need. Young brains develop through repeated “serve-and-return” interactions with real people where children communicate, adults respond, misunderstandings happen, and relationships are repaired. New AI systems and AI-powered toys can increasingly imitate these interactions, but children may begin substituting AI conversations for the human connections that are essential to healthy development.

The biggest concern isn’t necessarily AI that malfunctions; it’s AI that works exactly as designed. Just as food companies learned to engineer products to maximize how much people want to eat, AI companies can design systems to maximize engagement. An AI companion can eliminate many of the frustrating parts of human interaction like waiting, misunderstanding, disagreeing, apologizing and working through conflict. Those imperfections are actually valuable for children because they help develop empathy, resilience, emotional regulation, frustration tolerance and the ability to navigate relationships. In the analogy, ultra-processed food removes the “fiber” from a natural diet, while engagement-focused AI could remove the productive “friction” from childhood.

The article ends with an important equity concern for parents and educators. Suskind predicts that families with more resources may increasingly choose to limit AI and prioritize unstructured play, reading and face-to-face interaction, much like some higher-income families have moved toward minimally processed foods. Meanwhile, families with fewer resources may be more likely to rely on inexpensive AI tutors, companions and entertainment because they are convenient and accessible. This could eventually create a situation in which human attention and connection become a privilege rather than something every child receives, making thoughtful boundaries around AI an important part of protecting childhood development.

Silicon Valley Executives Are Tech Fans. Just Not for Their Own Kids.

The New York Times, August 17, 2026

This article highlights a striking contradiction in Silicon Valley: many of the people who build the technology children use every day are placing significant limits on technology in their own homes. Tech leaders including Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Peter Thiel, Evan Spiegel, Sundar Pichai and Apple’s Tim Cook have publicly discussed delaying smartphones, restricting screen time, limiting social media, or encouraging children to spend more time reading, playing outside and interacting face-to-face. For example, Gates said his children did not receive cellphones until age 14, while Thiel reportedly limited his young children to about 90 minutes of screen time per week.

The article suggests these choices may reflect a deeper understanding among technology executives of how digital products are designed to capture attention. The concern is no longer limited to passive screen time or social media; artificial intelligence could increasingly replace human interaction itself. The article points to examples such as AI-generated bedtime stories and AI-created family podcasts as technologies that could potentially take the place of ordinary parent-child moments. Even some technology leaders who are enthusiastic about AI are taking a cautious approach with their own children. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, for example, has said he would rather introduce his child to AI later rather than earlier and emphasized the value of boredom and outdoor play.

Ultimately, the article raises an important question for parents and educators: If the people creating the technology are intentionally limiting their own children’s exposure to it, what does that tell us about how we should approach technology with our kids? The message isn’t that technology is inherently bad or that children should avoid it completely. Instead, it reinforces the importance of intentional boundaries, protecting time for sleep, play, reading, creativity and face-to-face relationships, and making sure technology remains a tool rather than becoming a child’s constant companion.

Meta Agrees to Sweeping Changes, $18 Billion Payout in Landmark State Settlement

The Washington Post, August 26, 2026

Meta has agreed to pay up to $18 billion and make major changes to how Facebook and Instagram operate for young users in a landmark settlement with 48 states and the District of Columbia. The states had accused Meta of intentionally designing its platforms to keep children and teenagers engaged and potentially contributing to anxiety, depression and other harms. Under the proposed agreement, teen accounts would be blocked from using Facebook and Instagram between midnight and 6 a.m., notifications would be turned off by default during school hours, daily use would be limited to two hours unless a parent changes the setting, and like counts on teen posts would be hidden by default. Meta would also use age-assurance technology to identify younger users.

The settlement could represent a major turning point in how social media companies are expected to protect young people online. Meta will initially pay $12.7 billion toward youth online-safety initiatives and research, with an additional $5.3 billion payment possible if YouTube and TikTok agree to similar restrictions. The agreement comes after several significant legal losses for Meta involving alleged harms to children, including a recent New Mexico ruling requiring the company to pay hundreds of millions of dollars. While Meta maintains that parents should have a major role in managing their children’s technology use, the settlement suggests that governments are increasingly demanding that social media platforms themselves take greater responsibility for designing safer experiences for kids and teens. This is a welcome change years in the making that we are thrilled to see happen.

Bill Gates Proposes Major Limits on AI Development

CNN, August 27, 2026

Bill Gates is warning that the rapid development of artificial intelligence needs stronger limits and oversight before its potential harm outweighs its benefits. Recently, the Microsoft co-founder described AI as potentially one of the most disruptive technologies in history. While he believes AI could create major breakthroughs in areas such as medicine and agriculture, he is concerned that society is moving into this new era without a clear plan for managing the consequences.

Gates is particularly concerned about job displacement, children’s development, cybersecurity, and the possibility of AI being used by criminals or causing harm on its own. He said today’s AI systems have become far more powerful than he expected and warned that increasingly capable models could eventually behave in ways that conflict with human interests. He also expressed concern that governments and technology companies are not moving quickly enough to establish meaningful safeguards, especially because economic competition is encouraging companies and countries to continue developing AI as quickly as possible.

Rather than calling for AI development to stop completely, Gates is advocating for rules that slow down or manage the most disruptive effects of AI. Among his ideas are taxing AI or robots similarly to human workers to discourage companies from replacing people too quickly and reserving certain jobs for humans. His larger message is that leaders should act now, before widespread unemployment, social disruption and declining public trust make the transition more difficult. For parents and educators, his concerns are especially relevant because he specifically identifies the potential impact of AI on children’s education and social development as an issue that deserves attention. We couldn’t agree more!

Roblox Argues Family Can’t Sue for Child’s Death, Says Girl Waived Her Rights at Age 8

Yahoo News, August 27, 2026

The article focuses on a wrongful-death lawsuit involving Roblox and the family of a Kentucky girl. Roblox is arguing that the family should not be allowed to sue because the girl had agreed to the platform’s Terms of Use when she was just 8 years old. The company says that by repeatedly accepting those terms, she agreed to provisions that limit the ability of users and families to bring certain lawsuits against Roblox. The case raises a larger question about whether a child can legally agree to contractual terms that could later affect the rights of the child or their parents.

The dispute is significant because it comes amid growing scrutiny of Roblox’s responsibility for protecting young users. Multiple lawsuits and government actions have questioned whether Roblox has done enough to protect children from harmful interactions and other online risks. The case also highlights an important issue for parents: children routinely click “I agree” to lengthy Terms of Service without understanding the legal consequences, raising questions about how much responsibility can reasonably be placed on a child for accepting those agreements. The court’s decision could have implications beyond this individual case for how technology companies use Terms of Service when their platforms are heavily used by children. Roblox continues to be the most popular app for students in elementary and middle school, and one that parents often misunderstand as a harmless game.

Data Shows That Bot Web Traffic Has Overtaken Human Web Traffic

NBC News, June 4, 2026

A new report highlighted by NBC News reveals that automated bots and AI-powered agents now generate more internet traffic than humans for the first time in history. According to data from Cloudflare, bots account for roughly 57% of web traffic, while human users make up about 43%. Experts say the rapid growth of AI tools is a major reason for the shift. Unlike humans, who may visit a handful of websites to research a topic or make a purchase, AI agents can scan thousands of sites almost instantly to gather information, compare products, and complete tasks. This milestone arrived much sooner than many industry leaders expected. This makes it imperative for students to understand that what they see online may not always be real.

The article notes that this transformation could significantly change how the internet runs in the future. Many websites rely on advertising revenue generated by human visitors, but bots do not view or click ads the way people do. As AI agents increasingly act on behalf of users, businesses may need to rethink how online content is monetized and distributed. Experts also point to growing concerns about data collection, cybersecurity, and trust online as machine-generated traffic continues to expand. While some view the rise of AI agents as a challenge to the traditional web, others believe it could lead to new models where users have greater control over their data and how it is used.

British Prime Minister Announces Social Media Ban for Kids 16 And Under

ABC News, June 15, 2026

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a proposal to ban children under 16 from using major social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, YouTube, and X. The proposed legislation, which could be debated in Parliament later this year and implemented in 2027, is being presented as one of the strongest youth online safety measures in the world. Starmer said the goal is to “give kids their childhood back” by reducing exposure to harmful content, online predators, cyberbullying, and addictive platform features. The proposal would not apply to messaging apps such as WhatsApp or Signal.

Beyond the age restriction itself, the plan would also introduce more protections for minors, including limits on livestreaming and stranger-to-child communication online. The United Kingdom is following a growing international trend, joining countries such as Australia, France, and others that have adopted or are considering similar restrictions on youth social media access. Supporters argue that stronger government action is needed because technology companies have failed to adequately protect children, while critics question whether such bans can be effectively enforced and warn that young people may simply migrate to less regulated online spaces, like Discord. Many wonder: will the United States be next?

Assume You Will Be Hacked

The Atlantic, June 16, 2026

There are growing concerns that advances in artificial intelligence could dramatically change the cybersecurity landscape, particularly for banks and other financial institutions. The article highlights how new AI systems are becoming increasingly capable of finding software vulnerabilities, analyzing complex computer code, and finding weaknesses far faster than human security researchers. While these capabilities can help organizations strengthen their defenses, experts worry that the same technology could also be used by cybercriminals to discover and exploit vulnerabilities at an unprecedented scale. Financial institutions are especially concerned because many still rely on aging technology infrastructure that could have hidden weaknesses.

The article explains that the threat is not necessarily that AI will suddenly become an autonomous “super hacker,” but rather that it lowers the barriers to sophisticated cyberattacks. Tasks that once needed highly skilled security experts may soon be achievable by less experienced attackers using powerful AI tools. Some experts compare the current moment to earlier technological shifts that transformed cybersecurity, arguing that organizations may have only a short window to strengthen their defenses before attackers gain significant advantages.

Traditional security weaknesses, such as poor password practices, remain responsible for most successful attacks. AI may amplify existing threats rather than create entirely new ones. As a result, experts emphasize that banks and other organizations should focus on strengthening basic cybersecurity practices while also preparing for a future in which AI plays a larger role on both sides of the cybersecurity battle. The consensus is that AI is likely to become both a powerful defensive tool and a powerful weapon for attackers, making cybersecurity preparedness more important than ever.

Meta Lobbies Congress for Protection from Child-Harm Lawsuits

Reuters, June 18, 2026

Meta is lobbying Congress to include legal protections for social media companies in the proposed Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), seeking immunity from lawsuits that claim children were harmed by products such as Instagram. The effort comes as Meta faces thousands of lawsuits from families, school districts, and state governments alleging that its platforms were intentionally designed to be addictive and contributed to mental health problems among young users. According to Reuters, Meta has proposed language that would shield technology companies from many state-law claims related to online harms affecting minors, arguing that a national standard would be more effective than a patchwork of state regulations.

Critics argue that the proposed provision would make it much harder for families and schools to hold social media companies accountable. The lobbying effort comes amid growing legal and political pressure on the tech industry, following several recent court cases in which juries found that social media platforms contributed to harm suffered by young users. Meta and YouTube recently faced multimillion-dollar judgments, while more lawsuits continue to move through state and federal courts. Opponents of Meta’s proposal contend that granting immunity would weaken one of the few remaining tools available to push platforms toward safer designs for children.

The debate highlights a broader struggle over how to protect children online. KOSA has bipartisan support and would require platforms to implement stronger safeguards for minors, including measures addressing addictive design features and other online risks. While Meta says it supports federal standards for child safety, critics view the company’s lobbying effort as an attempt to avoid accountability while facing mounting legal challenges. The outcome of the legislation could significantly shape the future of youth online safety regulation and decide whether families can continue pursuing child-harm claims against major social media companies.

Google’s YouTube Settles Case Over Social Media Harm to Children

The Detroit News, June 23, 2026

Google’s YouTube has reached a confidential settlement with a Florida teenager who alleged that the platform’s design contributed to social media addiction and resulting mental health harms. The lawsuit claimed the teen began using YouTube and other social media platforms at age eight and later experienced problems including sleep disruption, anxiety, and depression. The settlement was reached just weeks before what would have been a major California trial, making YouTube the latest social media company to resolve a youth-harm case before a jury could hear the evidence.

The case is part of a much larger wave of litigation against major technology companies, with thousands of lawsuits filed by children, families, schools, and government entities alleging that platforms were intentionally designed with addictive features such as autoplay, infinite scrolling, and algorithm-driven recommendations. Earlier this year, juries found both Meta and YouTube liable in a landmark youth social media addiction case and awarded millions of dollars in damages to a plaintiff. While YouTube claims that it provides age-appropriate experiences and parental controls and denies wrongdoing, the settlement highlights the growing legal and public scrutiny facing social media companies over their impact on children’s mental health and well-being.

NCOSE’s Dirty Dozen List Names Meta Founder Mark Zuckerberg, Snapchat Among 10 Others

MSN, April 5, 2026

The National Center on Sexual Exploitation released its 2026 “Dirty Dozen” list, which names major companies and individuals it believes contribute to sexual exploitation online. A major highlight this year is the inclusion of Mark Zuckerberg, marking the first time a specific tech leader, not just a company, was named. The group argues that under his leadership, platforms owned by Meta have failed to adequately protect users, especially minors, from harmful content and exploitation.

The article specifically names all 12 entries on the 2026 list. These include Amazon, Android, the Apple App Store, Google Chromebooks, Discord, Snapchat, Steam, Telegram, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), Grok, and Mark Zuckerberg. Many of these platforms were criticized for issues like weak safety protections, exposure to inappropriate content, or being used by bad actors for exploitation.

Overall, the list is meant as a public warning and a call for change. NCOSE argues that these companies and technologies have the power to improve safety but have not done enough so far. The organization hopes that naming them will pressure leaders and platforms to strengthen protections, especially for young users, and reduce the risks associated with social media, apps, and emerging AI tools.

Schools Across America Are Quietly Admitting That Screens in Classrooms Made Students Worse Off and Are Reversing Years of Tech-First Policies

Fortune, April 10, 2026

The Google-driven expansion of Chromebooks and other education technology has become deeply embedded in American schools, largely because the devices are relatively cheap and easy to use. Schools across the U.S. invested heavily, especially during the pandemic, in one-to-one laptop programs, often relying on Chromebooks and tools like Google Classroom. As a result, education now makes up a major share of the Chromebook market, showing how dominant this technology has become in classrooms.

However, the article explains that many schools are now reconsidering this heavy reliance on screens. Districts that spent millions on devices are struggling with costs, maintenance, and the need to replace aging laptops. At the same time, some educators and parents report that reducing screen time and returning to paper-based learning has led to improvements in reading comprehension, test scores, and student well-being. This growing shift suggests that while technology can be useful, schools are realizing it may have been overused and are now trying to find a better balance between digital tools and traditional learning methods.

How Digital Thieves Use Fake Profiles and Invites to Scam Your Friends

The Washington Post, April 11, 2026

Many victims don’t realize they’ve been targeted until their accounts are taken over, their contacts have been stolen, or they become victims of identity theft.

There is a growing online scam where hackers use fake party invitations and cloned social media profiles to trick people into giving away personal information. These scams often start when a person’s email or social media account is hacked. The attacker then sends realistic-looking invitations, sometimes through platforms that resemble real services, to people in the victim’s contact list. Because the message appears to come from someone they trust, recipients are more likely to click on the link, which may lead to a fake login page or download that steals their information.

Once someone falls for the scam, it can spread quickly, almost like a chain reaction. Hackers can access contact lists, create more fake messages, or even impersonate people on platforms like Facebook to ask for money or promote fraudulent schemes. The rise of AI tools has made these scams even more convincing, contributing to billions of dollars in losses each year. Overall, the article emphasizes the importance of being cautious, even with messages that seem to come from friends, and encourages people to verify suspicious invitations through a phone call, before clicking or sharing any personal information.

These Moms Had Daughters Sucked into A Deadly Online School Shooter Community – What They Need You to Know

CNN, April 11, 2026

There are growing concerns among parents about a dangerous online subculture sometimes called the “true crime community.” While true crime content itself is popular and often harmless, the article explains that some online groups go much further, forming spaces where individuals obsess over violent events and, in some cases, glorify perpetrators. These communities can be especially risky for young or vulnerable users, who may be drawn in by a sense of belonging or curiosity about crime stories.

The story highlights how some families only become aware of these communities after serious consequences. In certain cases, teens were influenced by online groups that encouraged harmful thinking or normalized violent behavior. Experts say these spaces can involve peer pressure, manipulation, and exposure to disturbing content, which may negatively affect mental health. The article emphasizes that these groups are often hidden in plain sight, using coded language, memes, or inside references that adults may not immediately recognize.

Overall, the article serves as a warning to parents to stay aware of their children’s online activity and to have open conversations about what they see and experience online. It stresses the importance of digital literacy, monitoring, and creating safe spaces for kids to talk about difficult topics. While not all true crime interest is harmful, the article makes clear that certain online communities can cross a line, making awareness and early intervention especially important.

Los Angeles Becomes First Major School District to Limit Screen Times for Students

People Magazine, April 22, 2026

The Los Angeles Unified School District has become the first major U.S. school district to officially limit student screen time during the school day. In April 2026, the school board passed the policy with a unanimous vote, aiming to set “developmentally appropriate” boundaries on how students use technology in class. The decision reflects a shift after the COVID-19 pandemic, when heavy device use became common for remote learning.

The policy includes restrictions on activities like student use of YouTube and other streaming platforms in classrooms, and it calls for reviewing all classroom technology contracts. Officials emphasized that the goal is not to eliminate technology but to better balance its use with students’ academic, social, and developmental needs. Leaders noted that while devices were once essential for keeping students connected, schools now need clearer limits to ensure technology supports learning rather than distracts from it.

The article also highlights concerns driving the change, including research linking excessive screen time to lower academic performance and health issues such as obesity and reduced cognitive functioning. The new measure builds on earlier actions, like a 2024 cellphone ban, and signals a broader effort to rethink how technology is used in education. Overall, the district hopes the policy will help students benefit from digital tools without harming their well-being or learning outcomes. Time will tell if other districts follow suit.

More Than 1 in 3 Adolescent and Teen Boys Are Gambling—And It Often Starts with Video Games

Parent’s Magazine, February 3, 2026

A new study from Common Sense Media finds that gambling is far more common among U.S. boys ages 11–17 than many parents realize, with about 36% reporting they gambled in the past year. Much of this is not traditional betting, such as sports wagering or card games, but rather gambling-like systems embedded in video games, such as loot boxes and randomized reward mechanics that require real money and mimic slot machine behavior. These features normalize chance-based spending in contexts kids view as harmless gaming, making the line between play and gambling blurry.

The study also highlights several ways boys are exposed to gambling: social media ads, sports broadcasts, peer influence, and algorithms pushing gambling-related content into feeds. A significant majority of boys who see gambling content online are not necessarily seeking it out, instead the content is delivered to them as part of regular scrolling on platforms like YouTube or TikTok. Peer groups were one of the strongest predictors of gambling behavior, with many boys more likely to gamble if their friends do.

Experts warn that starting these habits early, especially while teens’ brains are still developing, can increase the risk of addictive behaviors, anxiety, depression, and negative impacts on school or relationships. Parents are encouraged to talk openly about gambling, set spending limits, monitor in-game purchases, and watch for patterns of frequent gambling rather than isolated instances. The goal is to help students understand the risks and recognize gambling-like mechanics before they escalate into problematic habits.

‘Firearm Influencers’ Are Targeting Kids on Social Media- What Parents Should Know

TODAY, Feb 10, 2026Top of Form

The article explains that many children and teens are encountering firearm content on social media and video platforms, often without their parents knowing, because algorithms can recommend videos and posts related to guns even when kids are not searching for them. This content can include “firearm influencers,” unsafe handling demonstrations, and marketing that frames guns as exciting or desirable, all of which may shape young people’s perceptions of guns and normalize risky behavior. Campaigners and researchers argue that this kind of exposure can reach children quickly after they start using social platforms and that platforms should be more transparent about what kids see and how it is recommended.

The guide part of the article focuses on what parents need to know and do: it urges caregivers to be proactive in understanding the type of gun-related content their children might encounter, to talk openly about it, and to use available tools like parental controls or monitoring features to limit exposure. Experts also suggest that simply forbidding access is not enough, parents should engage with their kids about why certain content can be harmful and help them think critically about online material. As always, we promote open and honest communication between students and parents.

Cell Phones to Be Banned in Michigan Classrooms

Detroit Free Press, February 10, 2026

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed a new statewide law that will ban students from using smartphones during instructional time in K-12 public school classrooms starting in the 2026–27 school year. The legislation, passed with bipartisan support in the legislature, requires every school district to adopt policies that prohibit phone use while class is in session, though students can still bring phones to school and use them between classes or at lunch. Basic “flip phones” and medically necessary devices are exempt, and schools can implement even stricter rules if they choose.

The law is intended to reduce distractions, improve academic focus, and address concerns about high screen time and its effects on student learning and mental health. Local school districts retain control over enforcement details, and the policy includes exceptions for emergency communication and teacher-approved academic uses. Supporters argue the ban will help students engage more in lessons and reduce disruptions, while also aligning Michigan with a growing number of states adopting similar restrictions.

The Surging Online Risk to 13-Year-Olds Most Parents Aren’t Talking About

Newsweek, Feb 13, 2026

A recent national study of more than 3,400 U.S. adolescents ages 13–17 shows that sexting has become widespread, with nearly one-third of teens reporting they have received sexually suggestive images or videos and about one-in-four having sent them. Researchers found that sending explicit content to someone outside a committed relationship greatly increases the risk of harmful outcomes: those teens were over 13 times more likely to have their images shared without consent and nearly five times more likely to face sextortion, which is when someone threatens to distribute the images unless the victim sends more content, money, or complies with other demands. Requests for sexts were also common, with roughly 30 % of teens saying they had been asked to send explicit content, indicating that social pressure often drives these interactions rather than mutual choice.

The study highlighted troubling patterns among diverse groups: boys reported higher rates of sending and receiving sexts than girls, non-heterosexual teens experienced higher involvement and pressure, and younger teens, especially 13-year-olds, were particularly vulnerable to having content shared without permission. Nearly half of teens who had sent explicit images said they were later targeted with sextortion. Experts emphasize that simply telling teens “Don’t sext” is ineffective; instead, education should focus on consent, boundaries, digital privacy, and how to handle risky online situations, helping them navigate digital relationships safely and seek help if something goes wrong. We always discuss sextortion risks and dangers with our secondary students, as the FBI labeled this as the fastest growing crime online.

High School Student Facing More Than 300 Felony Charges for Running a ‘Sextortion’ Scheme That Exploited Minors

People Magazine, February 22, 2026

An 18-year-old senior at Peters Township High School in Pennsylvania has been charged with more than three hundred felony counts in connection with a large-scale sextortion and catfishing operation that targeted minors. Prosecutors allege the student, identified as Zachariah Abraham Meyers, used fake profiles on social media platforms like TikTok and Snapchat, including posing as an adult woman, to contact boys between the ages of about 14 and 17. He reportedly tricked them into sending explicit images and videos and, in some cases, used threats to coerce further material or money by threatening to share the content with family and friends. At least twenty-one victims have been identified so far, and evidence from seized devices linked him directly to the alleged network.

According to authorities, Meyers’ alleged conduct was not limited to obtaining images: in some cases, he is accused of directing victims to produce sexually explicit recordings, including one involving adult men, and of exploiting his access to school environments. He is currently held without bail as investigators continue to analyze devices and determine the full scope of the scheme; the school district has stated that there is no ongoing threat to student safety while cooperating with law enforcement. At Cyber Safety Consulting, we always warn parents to monitor their children’s digital interactions and be vigilant about online enticement and exploitation.

Instagram To Alert Parents When Teens Search for Info on Suicide or Self-Harm

CBS News, February 26, 2026

Meta-owned Instagram announced it will start notifying parents if teenage users repeatedly search for terms related to suicide or self-harm on the platform. These alerts will be sent via email, text, WhatsApp, or an in-app notification, but only if parents are enrolled in Instagram’s parental supervision tools. Instagram said it already blocks such content for teens under eighteen and directs them to helplines and resources when they try to search for harmful terms.

The alerts are designed to give parents an early warning that their teen may be struggling, so they can intervene and offer support or resources for sensitive conversations about mental health. Meta specified that the alert will only trigger after a teen performs multiple related searches within a short timeframe, a threshold it set to reduce unnecessary notifications and avoid overwhelming parents.

This rollout begins next week in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, with plans to expand to other regions later in 2026. The update comes as the company faces ongoing legal scrutiny and trials over how its platforms affect young users’ mental health, including claims about platform design and youth harm. Instagram’s teen safety enhancements also include prior content restrictions for minors and efforts to bolster parental controls.

Kids Who Have Smartphones by Age 12 Have Higher Risk of Depression and Obesity

ABC News, December 1, 2025

A new study published in the journal Pediatrics found that children who own smartphones by age 12 are at significantly higher risk for several health issues compared with peers who do not have devices at that age. Researchers analyzed data from more than 10,500 children in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study, finding that 12-year-olds with smartphones had about a 31% greater risk of depression, a 40% higher chance of obesity, and were more likely to experience insufficient sleep than those without phones. The earlier a child received their first smartphone, the stronger these associations tended to be.

The research also examined children who did not have a smartphone at age 12 but got one by age 13. Even in this group, smartphone use was linked to worse mental health outcomes and ongoing sleep problems after accounting for prior health measures.

While the study shows an association rather than direct causation, experts stress that these findings could help guide parental decisions about when to introduce smartphones and how to set limits. The lead researchers and pediatric authorities suggest thoughtful discussions between families and healthcare providers about device readiness and boundaries, such as restricting phone use during sleep times, to help mitigate potential harm. In fact, at Cyber Safety Consulting, we recommend never allowing smartphones or other smart devices into children’s bedrooms.

Lawmakers Unveil New Bills to Curb Big Tech’s Power and Profit

Time Magazine, December 1, 2025

This article outlines new proposed bills focused on children’s online safety. Representative Jake Auchincloss has introduced a legislative package called the “UnAnxious Generation” aimed at reining in the influence of major social media companies. The trio of bills targets three key aspects of big tech power: legal protections, revenue structures, and children’s online safety. Auchincloss argues that social media firms have become extremely wealthy and powerful, eroding civil discourse and treating young users more like products than people.

The first bill, the Deepfake Liability Act, would revise Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act so that platforms only retain their liability protections if they proactively address harms like deepfake pornography, cyberstalking, and AI-generated abuse. The second bill, the Education Not Endless Scrolling Act, would impose a 50 % tax on digital ad revenue above $2.5 billion for major tech companies, using the proceeds to support education initiatives such as tutoring and local journalism.

The final piece, the Parents Over Platforms Act, is designed to strengthen age verification by requiring app stores to share verified age data with social apps, closing loopholes that currently let underage users bypass restrictions. Together with broader congressional interest in kids’ online safety legislation, these bills reflect growing bipartisan momentum to regulate technology companies more aggressively, particularly to protect young people from potential harms. These bills are steps in the right direction as an increased number of lawmakers are beginning to take notice of children’s online safety. Top of Form

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A Short Social Media Detox Improves Mental Health, A Study Shows. Here’s How to Do It

NPR, December 2, 2025

The article highlights a recent study showing that even a short social media detox can lead to meaningful improvements in young adults’ mental well-being. Researchers tracked participants for two weeks to establish baseline social media use, which was about two hours per day on major platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, and X. Then, they asked most participants (about 80 %) to try a weeklong reduction, cutting their use to 30 minutes a day. By the end of that week, many experienced notable decreases in symptoms of depression and anxiety, along with improvements in sleep quality, suggesting that stepping back from social feeds can quickly reduce psychological stress.

Experts quoted in the article note that these benefits emerged even though overall screen time did not necessarily drop, pointing specifically to social media consumption as the factor tied to mental health improvements. While the study participants were not diagnosed with clinical disorders, those with higher initial symptoms saw the largest gains. The discussion also underscores that reducing social media use might help people break cycles of comparison and emotional strain tied to online interactions, though such detoxes are not a replacement for formal treatment when needed.

Merriam-Webster’s 2025 Word of The Year (“Slop”) Takes Aim at Poor AI Content

CNN, December 15, 2025

Merriam-Webster has chosen “slop” as its Word of the Year for 2025, reflecting the widespread presence of low-quality digital content on the internet, much of it generated by artificial intelligence. The dictionary defines slop in this context as digital content of low quality that is produced usually in quantity by means of AI, including absurd videos, bizarre ads, fake news that looks real, and poorly written AI books. The choice highlights how language evolves with technology and how everyday speech is shaped by online experiences.

Originally a word from the 1700s meaning soft mud, and later food waste or general rubbish, slop has adopted a new meaning in the AI era. Its resurgence reflects public awareness and annoyance with generative AI content that prioritizes volume over substance. The announcement of slop as Word of the Year underscores how pervasive and culturally significant these trends have become in 2025, as people increasingly encounter such content in social media feeds and online advertising.

Merriam-Webster’s selection of slop stood out as a defining term because it encapsulates broader concerns about AI’s impact on creativity, information quality, and digital culture, even inspiring some observers to see it as a kind of cultural pushback against mindless machine-generated content.

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Two families sue Meta over teens’ deaths by suicide, citing ‘sextortion’ scams

NBC News, December 17, 2025

One boy joined Instagram on Sunday and was dead by Tuesday afternoon- his mother says the app is to blame. Two families, one from Pennsylvania and another from Scotland, have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, after their teenage sons died by suicide following “sextortion” scams on Instagram. In these schemes, strangers posing as romantic interests coaxed the boys into sending explicit photos, then extorted them with threats to share the images unless they paid or continued sending content. The families say the platform’s design and lack of adequate protections made it easier for predators to target young users.

The lawsuit claims that Meta failed to implement safety features it knew about or could easily adopt, such as default private settings for teen accounts, and that internal systems like recommendations connected teens with potential predators, contributing to the harm. Legal filings argue that the deaths were a foreseeable result of these design decisions and prioritizing engagement over safety, and they highlight broader concerns about how social media platforms protect minors from online exploitation. Meta says it is working to fight sextortion and assist law enforcement, but it has not conceded the families’ claims. Unfortunately, sextortion cases are on the rise, with the FBI stating that sextortion is the fastest growing online threat for teenagers.

New York State To Require Social Media Platforms to Display Mental Health Warnings

Reuters, December 26, 2025

New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a law requiring social media platforms that use features like infinite scrolling, auto-play, or algorithmically curated feeds to display warning labels about potential mental health risks for young users. The measure aims to alert people, especially minors, that addictive design elements may contribute to anxiety, depression, and other issues, likening the warnings to those found on tobacco or other risky products. It applies to platforms operating partly or wholly in New York.

Under the law, the New York Attorney General can enforce civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation if companies fail to comply, although major platforms such as TikTok, Meta, Snap and Alphabet have not yet publicly responded. The move places New York alongside states like California and Minnesota in adopting social media safety laws and reflects broader concern about the impact of online platforms on children’s mental well-being. Will we see other state legislators follow suit?