Kids and tech collided in big ways in 2025 — from viral slang taking over classrooms to major online safety laws reshaping the internet. We’re breaking down the moments that mattered and what they mean for your kid’s digital world.Discussed in this episode:* Australia's social media ban (https://raisingchildren.net.au/school-age/media-technology/media/social-media-ban-faqs) and how our friends from Parenting in a Tech World (https://www.facebook.com/groups/parentinggeeks/permalink/1993460504617313), the Facebook group, are feeling about it* Jonathan Haidt's The Anxious Generation* Kids Online Safety Act (https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1748/text)* All things SLANG:Algospeak (https://www.bark.us/blog/algospeak-social-media-moderation/)6-7 trend (https://www.bark.us/blog/6-7-slang/)Bark's slang guide (https://www.bark.us/blog/teen-text-speak-codes-every-parent-should-know/)Bark's emoji guide (https://www.bark.us/blog/emoji-slang-guide/)Bark's sexual slang guide (https://www.bark.us/blog/sexual-slang/)* Our predictions for 2026 (https://www.bark.us/blog/2026-predictions/)????* More about the Disney/Sora announcement (https://openai.com/index/disney-sora-agreement/) and AI sycophancy (https://www.google.com/search?q=ai+sycophancy+&sca_esv=9fc1c8ab75c29480&ei=Yp1FaePwL7Tfp84P2bag-A0&ved=0ahUKEwjjqZLmp8qRAxW078kDHVkbCN8Q4dUDCBE&uact=5&oq=ai+sycophancy+&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiDmFpIHN5Y29waGFuY3kgMgoQABiABBhDGIoFMgUQABiABDIFEAAYgAQyBRAAGIAEMgUQABiABDIFEAAYgAQyBRAAGIAEMgYQABgWGB4yBhAAGBYYHjIGEAAYFhgeSIAZUPgJWOIScAF4AZABAJgBVaAB4wSqAQE4uAEDyAEA-AEBmAIJoAKGBcICChAAGLADGNYEGEfCAgsQABiABBiGAxiKBcICCBAAGIAEGKIEwgIIEAAYogQYiQXCAgUQABjvBZgDAIgGAZAGCJIHATmgB-40sgcBOLgHhAXCBwUwLjYuM8gHGIAIAA&sclient=gws-wiz-serp)

Sexual abuse prevention expert and safety educator Kimberly King shares how parents can have meaningful conversations about body safety and boundaries with their kids. We also dive into her resources for families and the podcast she created to empower moms and protect kids.Make sure to get your own copies of I Said No! and Body Safety for Young Children: Empowering Caring Adults.Connect with Kimberly on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/toughtopicsmom/)!Additional resources:* Body Boss Bootcamp for kids (https://tough-topics-mom.mykajabi.com/body-boss-bootcamp)* 9 Red Flags to Spot Grooming (https://www.kimberlykingbooks.com/post/9-tactics-predators-use-to-groom-kids-red-flag-phrases-every-parent-needs-to-know)* Book a Family Safety Consultation with Kimberly (https://www.calendly.com/toughtopicsmom)

Jenny McCarthy is a New York Times bestselling author, actress, and television host known for her humor, honesty, and passion for family life. A proud mom herself, she’s been a longtime advocate for open conversations about parenting, health, and the challenges of raising kids today. In this episode, Jenny joins us to talk about technology, connection, and what it really means to protect and empower kids in the digital age.

What if online safety lessons actually worked? In this episode, you’ll go behind the scenes with Bark’s Connected Communities team to see how they’re helping 4th- and 5th-graders build healthy tech habits that last.Learn more about the Connected Communities program (https://www.bark.us/learn/barks-connected-communities/) and bring it to your school!

Before your kids power on their new holiday devices, set them up for safe, responsible use. We’ll cover the simple steps and settings that make a big difference.Join the Parenting in a Tech World Facebook group to connect with other like-minded parents: https://info.bark.us/join-pitwCheck out all of our tech guides when setting up new tech for your kids! https://www.bark.us/tech-guides/

Licensed counselor and mom Tessa Stuckey joins us to share a grounded, compassionate look at what it really takes to raise emotionally healthy kids in a hyper-connected world. From how screens affect mental health to having hard conversations, we discuss different ways parents can build digital resilience in kids.Connect with Tessa:* Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/themomtherapist/)* Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/tessastuckeylpc)* Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/themomtherapist)* LinkedIn (http://www.linkedin.com/in/tessastuckeylpc)Visit Tessa's sites:* https://www.tessastuckey.com/* http://www.projectlkup.org/Order Tessa's book: https://www.tessastuckey.com/order-book

Teens are getting creative when it comes to hiding content on their phones. From vault apps that look like calculators to hidden photo folders, it can be hard for parents to know what's really going on. In this episode, we break down why kids use them and how parents can stay informed without breaking trust.Learn more about vault apps: https://www.bark.us/blog/find-hidden-apps/Join Parenting in a Tech World: https://www.facebook.com/groups/119842088645840

This episode was recorded live at Bark Week at the Cliff House in Maine with our CEO, Brian Bason, and CTO, Brandon Hilkert. We looked back on Bark’s journey from a small startup to where we are today, helping protect millions of families across the country.

After losing their son and brother, Jack, to suicide, John and Rick Padilla transformed heartbreak into advocacy. In this moving conversation, they share how their work — from Mountain in My Mind to legal reform — is creating hope and healing for families everywhere.Learn more about Mountain in My Mind (https://www.mountaininmymind.com/) and follow John on social:* Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/mountaininmymind/)* YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@MountainInMyMind)Resources mentioned in this episode:* Childhood 2.0 Documentary (https://www.childhood2movie.com/)* Judi's House (https://judishouse.org/) (for those local to Denver)Connect with Rick via email: richardl.padilla@gmail.com

Raising kids in the digital age isn’t easy, but Sage Haven is making it a little kinder. Founders (and sisters!) Anne and Kate share how their messaging app helps parents guide healthy online conversations while keeping kids safer.Sage Haven is the first messaging app designed to address online bullying head-on with AI moderation that is designed to block harmful messages before they are sent and nudge kids towards kindness. It also allows parents to approve every contact and monitor their child’s messages directly from their own phones, with the support of AI-powered alerts and conversation recaps. Sage Haven is thoughtfully designed for a child’s early messaging years, with built-in flexibility to gradually scale back supervision as they grow and gain independence.Learn more at www.sagehavenforkids.com (http://www.sagehavenforkids.com/) (http://www.sageparents.org/)and www.sageparents.org (http://www.sageparents.org/) and follow Kate and Anne’s journey on the Sage Sisters Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sage-sisters/id1778502058).Links:* Download the Sage Haven app (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sage-haven-safe-messaging/id6737915693)* Get the Sage Parents Free Kids & Tech Guidebook (https://sageparents.org/guidebook/)Follow Anne and Kate on social:* Sage Parents (https://www.instagram.com/sageparents/)* Sage Haven for Kids (https://www.instagram.com/sagehavenforkids/)* Sage Sisters Podcast (https://www.instagram.com/sagesisterspodcast/)* Sage Parents on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567046541576)

Cindy Robinson is an author, researcher, and neurodivergent life coach who works with individuals with ADHD. In this episode, she shares her perspective on parenting, technology, and what it means to raise kids in today’s world.Learn more about Cindy on her website (https://www.cindyrobinsonllc.com/) and give her a follow on Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cindyrobinsonllc)!Don't forget to check out her books:* Bright Girl Lacks Focus (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CXLVLMFL/ref=sr_1_3?crid=34WGDPD7S8TD9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.UIVBAtiaLz-kKzJGABYP0GavU72miggtU4ObTWK44aSrOQrxbeUm6sm5l48Dqe4dpRInXIeLEKTEA4UTONNSa1SB2O4WU-O7r9MKyPxPYkqauQg8cSxpnbGNJaibYeRdPvLwEnkoLMUDNbF8ZPvpJi4ZCOmPNAU2Z17-tno5fuV0anwh1Q6ZxUJY--A9QH2LJY4POsBS8DR_H_zalNmKp377hNTzrdm93QuFZZnhZ9I.aMPCGrvVfr-OQd11vsmq49vtrtEU3b3fyO-mIJZ-R30&dib_tag=se&keywords=bright+girl+lacks+focus&qid=1710036547&sprefix=bright+girl+lacks+focus%2Caps%2C99&sr=8-3)* Maladaptive Daydreams (https://a.co/d/eAvXhii)

Killer Mike shares his perspective on parenting in today’s world, offering advice for helping kids navigate both online and offline life. Listen in as he reflects on timeless approaches to raising confident, resilient children.

Today, we chat with Joshua and Brock from Parent ProTech, who equip parents and educators with expert-backed tools to keep kids safe online. They share practical tips on online safety, AI, and how families can actively guide their child’s digital journey.Learn more about Parent ProTech and connect with the team:* https://www.parentprotech.com/* Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/parentprotech)* YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@parentprotech)* Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/parentprotech)* LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/parentprotech/)Don't forget to sign up (https://www.parentprotech.com/news) for the Parent ProTech newsletter!

Today’s guest is Chris McKenna of Protect Young Eyes, a nonprofit dedicated to creating safer digital spaces for kids. Chris, a longtime friend and partner of Bark, shares insights on online risks and strategies families can use to keep kids safer in the digital world.Links discussed in this episode:* Learn more about Protect Young Eyes (https://www.protectyoungeyes.com/)* Check out the Childhood 2.0 documentary (https://www.childhood2movie.com/)* Sign the #DelayIsTheWay Manifesto (https://www.protectyoungeyes.com/manifesto)Connect with Chris and the PYE team:* Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/protectyoungeyes)* Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/protectyoungeyes/)* YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@ProtectYoungEyes)Don't forget to sign up for their newsletter, The Download, to get important updates!

Kristi Wells and Brittany Dunn of the Safe House Project share the urgent realities of child sex trafficking and how families and communities can support children’s safety.Discussed in this episode:* Learn more about the Safe House Project (https://www.safehouseproject.org/) * Download the Simply Report app on the App Store (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/simply-report/id6741466809) and Google Play (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.safehouse.simplyreport&hl=en_US&pli=1)* Read the 2024 Impact Report (https://www.safehouseproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2024-Annual-Report-Safe-House-Project.pdf)* Donate (https://www.safehouseproject.org/donate/) to the Safe House Project* Learn more about VOCA (https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/victims-crime-act-voca-administrators/welcome)Connect with the Safe House Project:* Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/safehouseproject/)* Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SafeHousePrjct)Don't forget to sign up for the Safe House Project newsletter for important updates!

Sarah Gardner, founder of the Heat Initiative, joins us to discuss how her team is holding Big Tech accountable for child safety failures. From calling out Apple and Meta to mobilizing public pressure, she shares the wins, challenges, and how we can all help bring the heat.Mentioned in this episode:* Learn more about the Heat Initiative: https://heatinitiative.org/* Donate: https://heatinitiative.org/support-us/* Email Apple and demand more from Meta: https://heatinitiative.org/take-action/Connect with the Heat Initiative:* https://www.instagram.com/heatinitiative/* https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKgRtoOP9x1_hJxWvKcDp0Q* https://twitter.com/heatinitiative

Kris Perry, executive director of Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development, joins us to discuss how technology is shaping childhood, and what parents, educators, and policymakers can do to support healthy development.Learn more about Children and Screens: https://www.childrenandscreens.org/ (https://www.childrenandscreens.org/)Resources mentioned in this episode:* International Scientific Congress (https://info.bark.us/cs-scientific-congress)* Monthly expert webinars (https://info.bark.us/cs-webinars)* Screen Deep Podcast (https://info.bark.us/screen-deep)* Parent tip sheets (https://info.bark.us/cs-parent-tips)Don't forget to sign up for the monthly ScreenShots Newsletter (https://www.childrenandscreens.org/newsroom/news/screenshots/) and support Children and Screens via donations.

ChatGPT is showing up in classrooms, homework, and even kids’ casual conversations — but how safe is it? In this episode, Titania and Sam put AI to the test, asking hard-hitting questions to see exactly what kids might encounter. The results? Eye-opening, surprising, and a must-hear for any parent navigating the digital world.

Toni Collier joins us to talk about parenting through the hard stuff in life. Learn how embracing your family's mess can actually help build stronger, more resilient kids. Connect with Toni:* https://www.tonijcollier.com/* https://www.instagram.com/tonijcollier/* https://www.facebook.com/colliertoni* https://youtube.com/@tonijcollierOrder 'Broken Crayons Still Color': https://www.thomasnelson.com/p/brokencrayons/

We're joined by Dr. Zona to learn how parents can get ahead of addiction by starting honest, informed conversations early. From what’s changed since we were kids to practical ways to talk with yours, this is a conversation every caregiver needs to hear.Follow Dr. Zona:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/addictiontokdok/* TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@addictiontokdokResources discussed in this episode:* Song for Charlie Drug Graph: https://www.songforcharlie.org/page/current-data* Song for Charlie, "You Need To Know" video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTSSXlkYhUg* Song for Charlie, "Real Talk About Fake Pills" YouTube playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLApJM_NGL-0P_dBtR3HzHKknnpjmE88Cb&feature=shared* DEA One Pill Can Kill: https://www.dea.gov/onepill* DOPA Good Samaritan Law: https://dopa.ge/good-sam* Bark's Drug Slang Guide: https://www.bark.us/blog/drug-slang-emojis/