Cyberwise Chats

We made a lot of mistakes when social media hit — kids were deep in it before most of us even knew what to worry about. Now AI is here, it's moving even faster, and we have a chance to do this differently. In this Cyberwise Chat, Dr. Pamela Rutledge and Diana Graber sit down with special guest Lisa O'Masta, CEO of Learning.com, to talk about what's already happening with AI in kids' lives, why it's a fundamentally different challenge than social media, and what parents and educators can actually do about it right now. No jargon, no fear-mongering — just an honest, practical conversation about raising AI-ready kids.

AI tools are rapidly becoming part of everyday life—from homework help and learning apps to chatbots, image generators, and more. Kids are exploring these tools earlier than ever so in this episode, we walk parents and caregivers through how to create a Family AI Use Agreement—a clear, developmentally informed set of expectations that supports healthy, ethical, and safe habits with AI.

In this Cyberwise Chat, we explore the growing trend of children forming connections with AI companions. With the recent introduction of Google’s Gemini AI chatbot for users under 13, designed to assist with tasks like homework and storytelling , questions arise about the impact of such technology on children’s emotional development and sense of belonging. We’ll delve into current research on the psychological effects of AI interactions, discuss concerns raised by child development experts, and provide parents and teachers with practical tips to navigate this new digital landscape. Whether your child is already engaging with AI or you’re seeking to understand this emerging trend, listen in for insights and guidance on fostering healthy relationships between kids and technology.   Cyberwise: https://www.cyberwise.org/   Cyber Civics: https://www.cybercivics.com/

Are we really protecting young people online, or are we just creating a false sense of security through various bans and restrictions? In this compelling "Cyberwise Chat,” Diana Graber and Dr. Pamela Rutledge chat with two leading experts, Dr. Sydney Sullivan and Dr. Nolan Higdon, who will change how you think about online safety. We explore the current trend toward Digital Protectionism and discuss how policies restricting access may actually be depriving youth of opportunities for learning, growth, and the development skills they will need. And how this is also letting Big Tech off the hook. See all of our Chats here: https://www.cyberwise.org/cyberwisechats

In this Cyberwise Chat, Dr. Pamela Rutledge and Author Diana Graber welcome back special guest Dino Ambrosi, Founder of Project Reboot, a research-backed program aimed at helping students develop healthy digital habits. We discuss the insights Dino has gathered from meeting with students around the world. How are they navigating their relationship with technology today? YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtEHzF0SZXQ

A new year full of new trends awaits our digital kids… Meta (Facebook and Instagram) have ditched fact-checking, TikTok will likely be banned in the US, and Florida has enacted its ban aimed at keeping kids under 14 off of social media. At the same time, AI finds its way into literally every online tool kids will use in 2025 and beyond. How are parents supposed to keep up? In this interactive webinar (yes, you can ask questions!), Dr. Pamela Rutledge and Diana Graber will discuss the latest trends and provide tips on how parents, caregivers, and teachers can best support their digital kids.   Visit us at: https://www.cyberwise.org/cyberwisechats

The use of generative AI (artificial intelligence that can produce new content) to generative nude or nearly-nude depictions of individuals is a troubling and growing trend. A simple Google search reveals dozens of free and easy-to-use “nudification” apps that anyone a use. Already students have used these to generate and share naked images of classmates via group chats and on social media. Such digitally altered images — known as “deepfakes” or “deepnudes” — can have devastating consequences. Learn more by watching this Cyberwise Chat. To see all of our Chats visit: https://www.cyberwise.org/cyberwisechats

There’s increasing concern about rising anxiety levels among youth, and technology often gets the blame. As we navigate a world where technology is an integral part of life, it’s crucial to equip young people with the skills to use it in a balanced and responsible way. This is where digital and media literacy comes into play. In this Cyberwise Chat, we speak with Erin McNeill, the Founder and CEO of Media Literacy Now, to explore the current state of digital and media literacy education. We discuss how fostering these skills can help young people critically evaluate media, make informed decisions, and reduce the negative impacts of technology on mental health.   See all of our Chats: https://www.cyberwise.org/cyberwisechats

With summer upon us, children everywhere are looking forward to keeping connected to their friends by playing online video games. Learn how to safeguard your kids whether they are playing one of the most popular games—Fortnite—or using the best-selling game console—PlayStation 5. For this Chat we spoke with Candela Montero, who is the Senior Director of Ecosystem Integrity at Epic Games, and Catherine Jensen, the VP of Global Consumer Experience at Sony Interactive Entertainment. Listen to learn about their built-in parental controls and more.

Everything your child posts online, or what others post about them, can potentially be seen by anyone and everyone! And we know that this matters. More and more, colleges, prospective employers, and even complete strangers are learning about our children online. While maintaining an appropriate and respectful digital reputation is a big responsibility for young people, it also presents a huge opportunity for them to tell a positive story! In this Cyberwise Chat we’ll talk with Kevin Quinlan, who is the Director of Education of LifeBrand, a company that helps individuals, schools, and businesses create meaningful and positive online reputations.