The ConnectSafely Report with Larry Magid

ConnectSafely Eduction Director Kerry Gallagher on Looksmaxxing. A manosphere term that “refers to the practice of maximizing your physical attractiveness — methodically, relentlessly, and by any means necessary.” Teen boys see videos from creators arguing that physical appearance is the only way to measure a person’s value, pushing a mix of strategies that range from moisturizing skin to limb len...

Advice on how to identify "pink slime" so-called news sites that mix facts with propaganda

There are already some fake news stories about the war with Iran including a video of a of ship being bombed that was actually a clip from a video game and exagerated videos of destruction in Israel. 

A teenage panelist at ConnectSafely's Safer Internet Day event expressed concerns about how AI can harm teenage girls and others whose images can be manipulated in ways that take away their autonomy. 

ConnectSafely Education Director Kerry Gallagher has advice for parents worried about the impact of social media on their teen's self image. 

ConnectSafely and the National PTA have produced a one-hour webinar and podcat to help parents navigatge screens with children and teens

A “zero-day attack” is when a vulnerability is known — potentially by hackers — before it has been fixed, and that recently occurred with Windows. Microsoft has updated the software to address these recent vulnerabilities, but it’s up to users to update their systems.

Tuesday is Safer Internet Day when ConnectSafely and National PTA will hold a webinar while encouraging families around the country to have their own conversations about online safety.

An increasing number of young people, including some young children, are using generative AI, which is why parents and educators should provide some guidance on how to use it safety and appropriately. 

Teens and young adults are likely to get their news through social media which makes it more important than ever to 'consider the source.'

This year Turning Point USA will sponor an alternative Super Bowl Half Time show, which is safe to watch,  but there are reports that scammers may try to lure people to fake sites.

Even people who are very smart can sometimes be fooled by AI-generated media.

The statistics on teen gambling are startling. Here's some advice for parents.

Looking down at a phone, tablet or even computer screen can cause a condition known as "tech neck," the strain and stress placed on the neck and upper spine from looking down at devices for prolonged periods. ConnectSafely education director Kerry Gallagher has advice on how to avoid it. 

Millions were impacted by the recent Verizon outage which wasn't the first nor the last time a major carrier stops working. Here's some advice if it happens again.

These accounts, which require a parent or guardian’s approval, allow teens to request rides and order food while keeping parents informed and in control.

Uber now offers teen accounts so teens can order food or request rides while parents control the budget and get updates on the teen's whereabout during the ride. The accounts also offer safety features and more experienced drivers. 

The majority of teens are using AI and some are relying on them for companionship and emotional support.

Kids sometimes don't tell their parents about negative online experiences in fear of punishment which is why it's important for parents to emphasize that safety comes first.

ConnectSafely Education Director Kerry Gallagher reports on how generative AI can encourage eating disorders among young people.

ConnectSafely CEO Larry Magid weighs in on Australia's law that bans teens under 16 from social media, hoping that US law makers don't follow suit. 

It's very common for teens to spend many hours a week playing video games, partly because many of those games are engineered to keep them playing longer.

ConnectSafely is offering grants of up to $1,000 to help educators and community organizations organize local events to celebrate Safer Internet Day in the second week of February.

Tech Me Kid is a teen run non-profit that provides free tech support for seniors around the world.

If you're looking at your phone during holiday gatherings you're not focusing on your friends and family, but if you put your phone into "do not disturb" mode, at least you won't be tempted by notifications.