Terms of Service with Clare Duffy Is It Actually Possible to Control Kids’ Screen Time?
Dec 2, 2025
Nikki Petrosi, a former social media executive and host of the Scrolling to Death podcast, advocates for better online safety for kids. She shares insights on the uphill battle of managing screen time, discussing the gaps in parental controls across devices. Nikki emphasizes the importance of communication with children about their online experiences and suggests kid-friendly devices like Bark and Gab. Her message is clear: it's not just about limiting time but understanding content risks and fostering ongoing conversations with kids.
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Whack-A-Mole With Parental Controls
- Steve describes a constant "whack-a-mole" battle keeping his 11- and 14-year-old off apps and devices.
- He says too many controls create loopholes kids quickly find, making monitoring exhausting.
Stopped Posting To Protect Her Child
- Nikki stopped posting her young daughter's videos and quit social media to protect her identity.
- She spent three years off social platforms and felt her personal relationships improved.
Design Incentives Work Against Parents
- Nikki says companies design products to be addictive and make parental controls confusing.
- She argues parents face stress because the industry incentives conflict with child safety.