Finally watched #Adolescence on @netflix.com . I'd honestly thought details would be worse based on what e/one told me abt it. But that's what happens when you research online cultural symbols,slang & radicalization of young boys in spare time It deserves all of the Emmys it won, that's for sure

When your kids see violent images, when you worry they're getting radicalized, when you need help focusing, and when middle school is too much: what parents need to know in kids media for September 15th. https://outthinkmedia.com/2025/09/15/how-youtube-affects-your-daily-life-september-2025/

New on Patreon - a #MediaHistory mini-sode on #Gamergate and targeted harassment campaigns. I got to interview my good friend Books Schwartz, who revealed the very real damage it did to careers and psyches in the gaming industry. It's only for Patrons right now, but I have a free tier (sshhhh):

In brighter news, Hank Green dropped a secret project: an app called "Focus Friend." Besides how adorable the illustrations by Honey B Games are..... https://outthinkmedia.com/2025/09/09/a-good-app-to-help-kids-self-regulate-by-hank-green/

A friend told me to watch #UnknownNumber on @netflix.com I've read the lengthy article on the story and I don't think I can listen to that perpetrator's voice. Working through it.

I watched the Roblox Developer Conference to see what they’re doing about child predators I was watching @KreekCraft on Friday when the Roblox Developer Conference began, which started airing at 1 pm ET. Follow the Bluesky & Threads accounts to get real-time updates on Roblox safety. BACKGROUND on…

I'd like to expand who I follow on Patreon, especially if you're in the #YouTubers and Creator spaces. Give me your link!

Roblox CEO just announced at the top of their Developer Conference #RDC2025 a number of Safety & Civility measures, most of which are nothing compared to what they called the "BIG NEWS": /1

On this day in 1845, the first issue of Scientific American magazine was published. According to its editors, it is the oldest continuously published magazine in the U.S. and has run articles by more than 200 Nobel laureates. #SciSky #History #OTD

Psychonauts 2, Stardew Valley, and Viewfinder announced as September Playstation Plays monthly games: www.ign.com/articles/son...

#Roblox News "The State of Louisiana filed a lawsuit against Roblox on August 14, 2025, alleging that the Company fails to protect children from predators on its gaming platform. /1

My 11-year-old was complaining about kids who tease others for having knock-off "cool" shoes. She asked, rhetorically, why they do that, then answered her own question, saying: "People make themselves feel rich by making other people feel poor." As a mom and a sociologist, I couldn't be more proud.

"If we want to protect children, we should be fighting for privacy laws, protecting encryption, and learning from Bluesky's model, where they allow third party algorithmic feeds and moderation tools."

105 years ago today, the 19th Amendment was adopted into the U.S. Constitution, granting women the right to vote. We celebrate the women who paved the way and uplift those who continue to inspire change and break ceilings every day. 💪 #WomensEqualityDay

Back to School Books for Parents: Monsters to Menopause: I am under no delusion that Back to School means we have more time to read, but I can’t keep quiet about these books for parents. Here are the books I’ve been recommending in family consultations a lot recently /1

As I cleaned out my files, I rediscovered this really lovely 2021 National Geographic article "Talking to Kids about advertising," where they used our Gatorade story as the introduction. https://outthinkmedia.com/2025/08/23/break-the-fourth-wall-of-advertising-for-your-kids/

Have you heard more about Roblox and its predators lately? That's thanks primarily to the YouTuber Schlep (real name Michael) and his tireless work over the years to find dangerous players on Roblox. Here's how parents can spot red flags in a Roblox game. https://outthinkmedia.com/2025/08/23/8598/

This is an old article about Roblox so I'll update it later, but you might find it handy if you're following news about the platform predators. outthinkmedia.com/2022/12/31/p...

Kids Learn Consent: The Cat in the Hat Ever wonder why “The Cat in the Hat” feels icky?

Back to School Books for Parents: Monsters to Menopause I am under no delusion that Back to School means we have more time to read, but I can't keep quiet about these books for parents. https://outthinkmedia.com/2025/08/15/back-to-school-books-for-parents-monsters-to-menopause/

What’s a React Video and Why is my Kid Obsessed with Them? In recent years, creators will often post React videos but forget the main ingredient--a reaction. Those videos run so rampant that many have been accused of plagiarism.

We mourn the passing of astronaut Jim Lovell, whose leadership during Apollo 13 made him a symbol of courage and resilience. Portrayed by Tom Hanks in the Oscar-nominated Apollo 13, his story inspired millions. 🕊️ #RIP #SagAftraMember since 1975 www.cbsnews.com/news/jim-lov...

It is the birthday in 1848 of Susie King Taylor, the nurse who became the first Black woman to self-publish her memoir in the U.S. She lived a remarkable life. #BookSky #Writer #History #BOTD

Finally put down brief(er) thoughts on the latest #KidsMediaNews on the Topics include how D.A.R.E. was not what you think it was, AI Slop, talking to kids about AI, book bans, our next public #TamingoftheScreens at #MakerFaireOrlando....

Care.com: I contributed Digital Literacy tips for families I always enjoy reading Meg St-Esprit's work, and contributing is an honor! Here she lays out an excellent roadmap for the different ways to approach Digital Literacy.

Digital Literacy in Your Classroom What does Shakespeare have to do with Digital Literacy? By coaching and modeling Digital Literacy skills outside of the internet, children and caregivers connect the dots in more familiar scenarios. Empowering children to understand even a short scene in…

Fortnite Follow-Up: Fortnite is certainly a hot topic among families, and I hear people try to describe this thing that happens....this ethereal idea that Dr. Emily Edlynn, PhD, pinpoints exactly: The Fortnite Creep. https://outthinkmedia.com/2025/07/23/fortnite-follow-up/

We've avoided Ali-A for a bit in our house, but every once in a while, he creeps back in. That's because he posts excellent and educational YouTube videos about Fortnite. However.... https://outthinkmedia.com/2023/12/23/youtube-review-al-a-is-great-at-fortnite-but-avoid-his-react-channels/

I don't like to fearmonger, but every time I look at an app or software my kids want to download, it's a potential scam.

I realized that a lot of parents might need a primer on the different sub cultures of #Influencers. I guess the onloy way to start is to start, so here goes (and tbc): /1

I missed a seminar because....I assumed it was virtual 😜. Oops.

How the hell are we supposed to parent in 2025? or, What is Evil? What the hell are we doing here? How do you parent through an onslaught of horrible news? How do we prepare our kids to face whatever the future holds for them? And where can we find community and hope?

Best quote for parents struggling with an AI powered toy:

How I evaluate & review YouTube Creators I purposely add nuance into my reviews, but when it comes to Rivera and other pranksters, it's hard. That's why I took a strong look at my system for reviews, to ensure I give… https://outthinkmedia.com/2025/05/31/how-i-evaluate-review-youtube-creators/

I want you to take some quiet moments to read or listen these special encouragements on parenting from trusted mental health professionals. https://outthinkmedia.com/2025/07/03/no-perfect-parenting/

One of my kid's 1st teachers told all the parents: "I'll only believe 50% of what they tell me happens at home if you only believe 50% of what they tell you about school." We all laughed because we knew exactly what she meant.

What do my kids need to know about AI? or "Mattel, I have questions." What if I was that new mother, over a decade ago, desperately searching for answers as to how to be a "good" mother? I would have been tempted. Hear from Dr. Dana Suskind, leading child development expert at the Univ. of Chicago

I am interviewing an expert on AI and child development on Thursday - what questions do you have regarding this announcement between OpenAI and Mattel? Context in comments. corporate.mattel.com/news/mattel-... #AI #OpenAI #BrainDevelopment #OutThinkMediaHistory

With Anne Frank's birthday and also the anniversary of The Diary of Anne Frank being published on June 26th, I investigate a new road into how we learn history: memoir. https://outthinkmedia.com/2025/06/12/the-role-of-memoir-and-anne-frank-in-how-we-teach-history/

Witchy Wednesday #1: The Wicked Witch got the shaft Given the WICKED: for Good trailer caused such excitement, we're revisiting our own coverage of the Wicked Witch of the West- two years ago, I explored the concepts of evil and good in relation to pop culture and parenting.

"It's my deep belief that education is fundamentally subversive. If people learn to think for themselves, then they can analyze the world around them and they can also imagine other possibilities." - Sara M. Evans, Regents Professor Emerita, University of Minnesota www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnKu...

Something new! A calendar of important holidays and dialogue starters for families this month-- download & choose the monthly deep dive: outthinkmedia.com/2025/06/02/o... #PrideMonth #AnneFrank #19thAmendment #Juneteenth

Please enjoy a special Out Think Media calendar -- Here you can see which topics I'm covering in YouTube, Kids Media news, and online safety. Vote for the monthly deep dive YOU need the most. https://outthinkmedia.com/2025/06/02/outthink-june-with-our-free-calendar/

Seeking podcast guests interested or w/experience in dialoguing about these topics for ages 6-11 and their families. Guests can be either fans or experts: *Creating audiobooks *D&D with family/movie *UGCs /spec. Rocket Money *19th amendment *Anne Frank /power of primary sources /

Starting a Social Action Club for international HS students o give them context of #Homeslessness as a term and to prepare them for potentially studying in the US.

What’s digital literacy & what does Shakespeare have to do with it? With The Taming of the Screens premiering last weekend, it's time to sit down and explain how Shakespeare ties into digital literacy. Thanks to everyone who joined us at the Orlando Kids Fringe Festival for activity tables and at…

What's your favorite Shakespeare line? Let us know and we'll write it in chalk @orlandofringe #kidsfringefestival

Why Darth Vader’s union is mad at Epic Games Did you know that your favorite voiceover and mocap video game actors have been on strike since July? Mere weeks after the SAG/AFTRA strike for film/tv/streaming made a deal, the Interactive Media industry was on deck. Their fight is essentially 1)…

I don't even have to keep alerts for MrBeast on--I can tell when he's back in the news from how many people read "How the MrBeast cheating controversy can teach kids that editing can change the story: www.patreon.com/posts/mrbeas... story

On my way to #OrlandoKidsFringe it's our second year with an activity table and we have our first Taming of the Screens workshop for families today! Come see us and tons of other great shows between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.