"Kids These Days" features Cameron Kasky, a Parkland, Florida activist, discussing how he uses social media for activism. The podcast explores the challenges young people face online, including cyberbullying. Tech journalist Alexandra Samuel talks about Lil Tay and the role of parents in helping kids navigate the internet. Common Sense Media's Sierra Filucci provides insights from a study on technology's impact on youth. The podcast emphasizes the need for parental guidance and healthy online behavior modeling.
Young people have the power to effect change through social media activism.
Parents should approach social media with curiosity and provide guidance to help children navigate the online world.
Deep dives
The Power of Online Activism: Cameron Casky's Story
In the aftermath of the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Cameron Casky, a student at the school, used social media to speak truth to power. Through platforms like Facebook and Twitter, he mobilized others, organizing marches and encouraging voter registration. Casky's online activism showcases the power young people have to bring about change and highlights the evolving relationship between teens, social media, and their parents.
The Lil Tay Controversy: Parental Influence in Online Fame
The story of Lil Tay, a nine-year-old internet celebrity who boasted about her wealth and lifestyle on social media, raised questions about parental influence and exploitation. While critics blamed the parents for allowing such behavior, Alexandra Samuel argues that rushing to judgment is counterproductive. Samuel suggests that parents should approach social media with curiosity rather than contempt and provide guidance to help children navigate the online world.
Findings from Common Sense Media's Study on Teens and Social Media
Common Sense Media conducted extensive research on teenagers' experiences with social media and mobile devices. The study found that the number of teens using social media multiple times a day has doubled since 2012. However, social media itself did not have a significant impact on teens' well-being or mental health. Sierra Felucci, executive editor at Common Sense Media, emphasizes the importance of parents staying involved in their teens' lives, modeling healthy tech behavior, and understanding the platforms their children use.
The Challenges and Importance of Parenting in the Digital Age
Navigating the digital landscape poses challenges for parents, who not only have to monitor their children's online activities but also model healthy media habits. Manoush Zomorodi, the author of 'Board and Brilliant,' highlights the need for parents to understand the tech and design behind devices and to teach children to use technology purposefully. Zomorodi emphasizes the importance of engagement and conversation with children to prepare them for the digital world.
Today’s teens are the first humans who have spent their entire lives online. Join Veronica Belmont and Manoush Zomorodi as they explore what kids are facing on the interwebs, how they’re using social media for good, how they’re handling cyberbullying, and how parents can keep up.
Parkland, Florida’s Cameron Kasky discusses how he uses social media as a platform for activism; tech journalist Alexandra Samuel talks about Lil Tay and and the the role parents can play as they help their children navigate the internet; and Common Sense Media's Sierra Filucci gives us an exclusive look at data from a new study about technology's impact on our youth.
IRL is an original podcast from Mozilla. For more on the series go to irlpodcast.org.
Cameron Kasky is a co-founder of March For Our Lives. Use your vote. If you live in the U.S., here are are some resources to help you register.
Jeff Kasky is the President of Families vs. Assault Rifles, a political action committee founded by parents of Parkland, Florida Douglas High students working to restrict access to assault rifles.
There are a number of Firefox extensions that can help parents guide their children's internet experiences, such as Parental Control: Family Friendly Filter, which blocks certain websites deemed inappropriate for kids. You can find this extension and more in our Parental Controls collection.
Finally, here’s a short film by Darren Pasemko and Mozilla’s Brett Gaylor demonstrating just how much technology has come into family life.
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