The ConnectSafely Report with Larry Magid: Recent Episodes
ConnectSafely
A twice-weekly report from ConnectSafely in partnership with CBS News Radio, produced by the nonprofit internet safety organization, ConnectSafely.org and hosted by former CBS News Technology Analyst Larry Magid. The report will cover a wide range of topics including security and scams, cyberbullying, election security meddling and social media.
Larry Magid explains that while video games do not correlate with real-world violence, parents should be vigilant about the toxic and harassing behaviors, such as bullying and racism, present in live in-game chat features.
Larry Magid provides practical steps on how to handle non-consensual AI-generated explicit images, including saving evidence, reporting the content to platforms, contacting authorities, and seeking support from trusted adults.
Tech leaders and employees from major AI companies—including OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, and Meta—are asking governments to establish measures to slow down AI development if technology advances faster than it can be safely managed.
Dr. Cynthia Miller-Idriss discusses youth exposure to harmful online content, explaining that while many young people reject extremist material, individuals experiencing isolation, emotional dysregulation, or trauma remain particularly vulnerable.
Larry talks about his visit to TrustCon, a conference in San Francisco that gathered nearly 1,400 trust and safety professionals from tech, academia, non-profits, and government.
Larry Magid discusses an internal OpenAI security test where an experimental AI agent bypassed restrictions to access the internet and hack another AI company to complete a challenge. While benign and contained in a test environment, the event underscores the critical need for rigorous safety testing, strong safeguards, regulation, and independent oversight as AI systems advance.
Host Larry Magid speaks with Dr. Karen Boyd, author of "Amplifying Good Work: A Book About AI", to examine cybersecurity, privacy concerns, and hacking risks associated with mainstream AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini.
ConnectSafely Education Director Kerry Gallagher discusses "teen takeovers," which are sudden, massive physical gatherings of teenagers organized rapidly through social media.
Data brokers know a lot about you and aren't shy about sharing that info with the paying public (and even for free). But there are ways to get your information out of their systems.
Only parents can decide when it's time for children to go online but, when it is time, parents should help them develop the skills they need to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.
A new report shows that more than 60% of online teens have used AI chatbots, which exposes them to risks
There is nothing new about scam calls, but AI has made them more convincing and harder to detect.
Even if your child is as young as 9 and doesn't have a device, it's not too early to talk about online safety.
Be very careful before making non cancelable reservations or transactions. You may not be able to get your money back if you make a mistake.
Teens are using Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok in different ways but research finds that most teens self-report that it has no positive or negative impact on mental health though there are issues regarding bullying and harassment.
Online gambling is for adults only but an increasing number of kids are doing it. ConnectSafely Educatin Director Kerry Gallagher advises parents on conversations they can have with their teens,
There needs to be a balance between helping parents protect their kids and avoiding overly complex parental control tools.
A 2026 study published in Social Science & Medicine found that boys and men in the U.S. and Canada who frequently engaged with fitness-focused social media were significantly more likely to report intentions to use steroids.
AI systems may act like humans but they aren’t people nor are they databases filled with verified information. They’re software designed to generate humanlike responses by predicting likely word patterns based on vast amounts of data. And that can be a problem.
A report from Sesame Workshop's Joan Ganz Cooney Center finds that parents are on a "tech family cycle" that can be exhausting. Larry Magid speaks with its author, Amanda Lenhart
AI generated influencers can lead to teens spending money and experiencing low self-esteem
AI has entered the lives of most teens but teens and parents have different attitudes towards its impact.
Even though there are a lot of scams, some offers are legitimate. It may be OK to send money, but only after you do some research.
The jury verdicts against Meta and Google show that social media can harm teens, but unlike dangerous substances, social media involves protected speech
Uber has introduced teen accounts that give teens some independence while keeping parents informed and in control
A pair of jury verdicts is holding Meta and Google responsible for harms to children, but -- despite risks -- social media isn't all bad. Many young people benefit from it.
People worry about storing their information online but Google Drive users encryption that's similar to what banks and health organizations use to protect their data.
Although misinformation isn’t nearly as horrific as the loss of human life, it’s nevertheless harmful. It can inflame tensions, be used as propaganda and erode trust in legitimate news. In some cases, it can put people in danger if it causes them to make and act on dangerous decisions.
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 lengthening surgery, and cruelly tearing down others who do not meet the physical attractiveness standard set by the trend. The most popular looksmaxxing creator is called Clavicular, who is creating a following with its own culture and vocabular
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.
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.
Roblox is rolling out a system to estimate the age of users to prevent kids from exchanging messages with adults they don't know.
ConnectSafely education director Kerry Gallagher says that education related screen time for kids is not the same as entertainment. But even online entertainment has a place as long as there is balance.
Snap, which owns Snapchat is now getting safety advice from young people and it's paying off for the company and their young advisors.We speak with Snap's head of global safelty, Jacqueline Beauchere
A report from the American Psychological Association looked how how technology is changing how young people approach friendships
A report from the American Psychological Association looked at how technology is changing how young people approach friendships. ConnectSafely's education director Kerry Gallagher weighs in.
Snap, which owns Snapchat, is now getting safety advice from young people and it's paying off for the company and their young advisors.
You may not have heard of "skins" but they're used as currency by minors who gamble online.
Online games are fun and productive outlets for people of all ages, including children and teens. But they can also be outlets for hate speech.
Research shows that AI is very popular among students, teachers and parents but there are risks.
Meta is adding parental supervision tools to help families guide how teens use AI virtual "characters" that often have a unique personality.
OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, is launching a service that lets you use AI to create and share videos. There are some safeguards but things could go wrong, said ConnectSafely Education Director Kerry Gallagher.
Sextortion is a horrible crime, and being a victim can feel devastating, but it's not the end of the world.
If you have a teen at home, chances are they're not getting enough sleep, and that may also apply to the adults in the family. That's why experts recommend that parents model good sleep hygiene for their kids.
In the aftermath of the Charlie Kirk murder, we've had a bit of a national conversation about hate speech and free speech. Imran Ahmed, CEO of the Center for Combating Digital Hate, says that hate speech gets a leg up on social media.
If you have a teen at home, chances are they're not getting enough sleep and that may also apply to the adults in the family. That's why ConnectSafely Education Director Kerry Gallagher recommends that parents model good sleep hygiene for their kids.
In the aftermath of the Charlie Kirk murder we've had a bit of a national conversation about hate speech and free speech. Imran Ahmed, CEO of the Center for Combating Digital Hate says that hate speech gets a leg up on social media.
ConnectSafely's Larry Magid is taking a break from Facebook in the wake of Charlie Kirk's murder after finding his feed filled with speculation, finger-pointing and misinformation.
Extended Reality, or XR, can be fun and educational but there are risks for kids that parents need to manage, said ConnectSafely Education Director, Kerry Gallagher.
ConnectSafely Education Director, Kerry Gallagher, reports on research showing that obsessive gaming disorder may be more of a symptom rather than a cause of mental health issues among children and teens.
Security experts recommend that you have strong and unique passwords for all your accounts, but it's an almost impossible task to remember them all. The good news is that most browsers and major platforms includign iOS and Android have password managers built-in. The bad news is that they're not perfect. You still have to write them down.
Roblox will soon employ the use of age estimation technology or government ID to estimate the age of all users.
When using services like Venmo and Paypal, it's easy to make a mistake and send it to the wrong person. Here are some precautions you can takie.
Instagram recently introduced a new feature called Instagram Map, designed to let you share your last active location with friends and, despite reports to the contrary there are safeguards to protect user privacy and safety.
A recent MIT study found that generative AI can actually boost brain power—but only if it’s used at the right stage. When people first wrote on their own and then revised with AI, they showed stronger brain activity and better recall. But starting with AI led to weaker engagement and memory. ConnectSafely Education Director Kerry Gallagher said that it shows that generatve can be used in educatoin if thoughtfully designed and used at the right stages of the learning process
..Larry speaks with ConnectSafely Education Director Kerry Gallagher who says that getting a child their first phone or tablet should be less about what device they get and more about the behaviors and structures around that device.
.Larry Magid speaks with ConnectSafely Education Director Kerry Gallagher about considerations for a child's first device. "They don't need all of the features at once right away. They don't need necessarily the ability to write e-mail, the ability to get on social media, the ability to watch YouTube, the ability to do research
A high percentage of Americans say they often get scam emails, texts or phone calls and many have lost money to them, according to Pew Resarch
As kids go back to school, parents and caregivers need to understand school tech policies, review some basic safety tips and know that kids are likely to use generative AI.
You can now share your location on Instagram which can be fun but can also be dangerous. Make sure you or your teen know the risks and how to avoid them.
Seventy-two percent of teens have tried AI companions, and over half (52%) use them regularly—interacting with them at least a few times a month. But there is good news about how they use these services
The United Kingdom is now fully enforcing its Online Safety Act, which was passed by Parliament in 2023. The law, which calls for shielding all users from illegal content with special protections for children including the use of age assurance tools. Some US states have enacted laws with similar goals and the US Senate has passed the less ambitious Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), which has not yet passed the House.
Recent research from the Cyberbullying Research Center shows that cyberbullying is on the rise
If a child or teen in your life is impacted by an online scam, don't blame the victim. Let them know you have their back.
The American Psychological Association has recommendations regarding the impact of AI on adolescent well-being.
Teens need 8 to 10 hours of sleep a night but most aren't getting it. ConnectSafely's education director has suggestions
The UN's Internet Governance Forum shined an international spotlight on AI regulation. Some argued for strict rules while others warned against overregulation. Some regulations do make sense but not if they try to micromanage the technology.
Sharing you location via your phone can be very helpful, but there are also some risks.
Discuss AI chatbots with your kids. It may seem obvious that they’re not human, but it’s easy to subconsciously treat them as if they are.
Parental controls, including the ones that come standard on phones and PCs, can be useful, but they can’t replace regular conversations with your kids.
Using a good password manager can enable you to use unique and strong passwords for each of your sites and apps.
Are your apps listening to your conversations? Probably not, but they have other ways to know a lot about you.
ConnectSafely education director Kerry Gallagher shares tips on how parents can help their teens (and themselves) take much-needed short tech breaks.
Apple is rolling out new tools to help parents keep their kids safe online. With this fall’s software update, parents will get more control over their child’s or teen’s use of an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
There's a new law that makes non-consensual sharing of intimate images a federal crime, but it won't eliminate the crime. You still need to know what to do if you're a victim.
The "One Big Beautiful" budget bill has a clause that would remove states' ability to enact or enforce AI regulations.
ConnectSafely Education Director Kerry Gallagher reports on some fascinating research on the relationship between where students put their phones and how well they do on tests
A study from the Family Online Safety Institute finds that 89% of kids say they feel comfortable turning to their parents if something online makes them feel unsafe. And 83% of parents agree. Less than half of parents use parental controls on devices like phones, tablet and laptops, even though those who do report lower screen time and greater peace of mind.
Listening to music can enhance your happiness, creativity and productivity but not while you're trying to concentrate
Boston Children's Hospital Digital Wellness Lab has articulated the five M's of digital Wellness: Model, Mentor, Monitor, Mastery and Meaning.
A Pew Research survey finds that many teens do worry about the impact of social media on mental health.
A phone with a dead battery can impact your safety in an emergency. Here's how to keep yours running all day.
Worried about how your kids are using tech? Most devices and services offer parental management tools.
ConnectSafely Youth Advisor Trish Prabhu says checking your phone occasionally around others isn't automatically rude — but context matters. She recommends being upfront about why you're doing it and making sure it doesn't become a habit that pulls you away from the people you're with.
We all have to deal with online scams, but immigrants at or near the border are especially vulnerable says Austin, TX-based immigration attorney Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch
Lots of kids and teens are using the popular Roblox gaming platform and parents have access to controls to limit who they can chat with, what types of games they can play and how much time they can spend on the platform.
.ConnectSafely Youth Advisor Trisha Prabhu has advice for kids and parents on things you can do instead of looking at your phone
Google is rolling out Wallet for kids. If your child has an Android phone, you’ll soon be able to enable them to make payments and access loyalty cards and passes, such as boarding passes and event tickets.
ConnectSafely education director Kerry Gallagher on talking with teens about virtual companions.
A substantial percentage of teens have engaged in online gambling and sports betting, which exposes them to advertising for even more gambling sites.
The upcoming RSA security conference will include plenty of talk about AI in the context of global geopolitical changes and events.said Acohido, editor of The Last Watchdog on Privacy & Security.
Dr. Anil Rama, who runs the Sleep and Brain Clinic in Saratoga, Calif on why tech use before bedtime can interfere with sleep.
California Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, the author of the state's Age Appropriate Design Code, likens legislation to protect kids online with laws that protect them in the physical world.
In addition to other parent management and child safety tools, Apple has added the ability for parents to inform app developers of a child's age range to ensure more age appropriate content.
Be careful what you wish for. There can be unintended consequences from what seem to be good policy changes.
ConnectSafely's Education Director Kerry Gallagher has advice about how parents can help teens deal with online mistakes.
California Assembly Member Ash Kalra, who represents parts of Silicon Valley, isn't shy about criticizing tech companies, even when execs from those companies are in the audience.
At ConnectSafely's Safer Internet Day conference, some of the adults proposed parental controls or restrictions on teen social media. But one teen speaker had a different perspective.
California's Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond, says that AI has a very productive use in his state's classrooms.
At ConnectSafely's Safer Internet Day conference, some of the adults proposed parental controls or restrictions on teen social media. But high school junior Aleeza Siddique had a different perspective.
California's Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond, says that AI has a very productive use in his state's classrooms.
Just like adults, many teens have seen and shared false informatoin online. ConnectSafely Education Director Kerry Gallagher said "teens face signifciant challenges with distingushying between real and fake information online."
Tuesday is Safer Internet Day which is recognized in more than 100 countries and coordinated in the US by ConnectSafely.
The Chinese AI DeepSeek is less than candid about some of China's problems and is not a good place to reveal personal information.
TikTok went offline last weekend but quickly returned, at least for now, thanks to a presidential moratorium.
ConnectSafely's Education Director Kerry Gallagher has conversation starters for questions you might ask your teenage social media users.
Roblox VP Tami Bhaumik has advise about empowering young people on social media by giving them agency to help protect themselves online.
ConnectSafely Youth Advisor Trisha Prabhu has advice on New Years resolutions to improve your relationship with your technology.
The Los Angeles area fires are yet another reminder of the importrance of off-premise cloud backup. Lives and structures are the first priority but precious photos and important documents can also be destroyed by fires, earthquakes and other disasters.
Catherine Teitelbaum, the head of trust and safety for Amazon Kids is also a former educator and a parent with some good advice for other parents.
Dr. Hina Talib, a pediatrician and board certified adolescent specialist says that social media doesn't just have risks but also has advantages that can benefit teens.
Here's advise for parents whose kids are getting connect tech gifts this holiday season
Australia has passed a law that would ban kids under 16 from social media with heavy fines to companies that violate the law. But there are questions about its impact on teen free speech and whehter it might drive kids into darker places online.
If your child or teen comes to you with a problem encountered online, it's important to have a conversation and not overreact.
Nudify apps use AI to enable removing clothing from a fully clothed person, causing emotional harm to victims, including minors.
Pediatrician Dr. Hina Talib says that social media can play a role in teen mental health, but it's far from the only factor.
A new survey has some surprising results on teen and parent attitudes towards online concerns.
Bluesky is a fast growing social media platform and a lot of that growth has to do with dissatisfaction of Elon Musk's X, formerly known as Twitter.
Many teens feel pressure to excel, and while some blame social media, others argue that it can help reduce some pressures.
Teens spend a lot of time online, but it's not just time that should concern parents as much as what they do online.
A survey finds that Gen Z boys use social media to enhance personal relationships with people they know.
A report finds that many students don't understand the difference between types of media such as news, opinion, advertising and even propaganda.
Many people were happy with the election results, but many others weren't. Even though it's over, there could still be some angry reactions between family and friends.
Shadowbanning isn't exactly censorship, but it does limit who can see your content. It happens on social media, sometimes for good reasons, but creators often don't know why it's happening to them.
A study from Pew Research finds that many parents and teens say it's harder to be a teen now then 20 years ago. ConnectSafely education director Kerry Gallagher weighs in
Online gambling, including sports betting, is becoming very popular but it's not for kids or even some adults.
Generative AI is making it easier to create exploitative nude and sexualized deepfake videos and images.
Speakers at the Generative AI Summit at Oxford University generally agree that regulation is necessary, but some urge against over-regulation.
As the election draws closer, we're going to see a lot more disinformation and misinformation and it's up to us to verify it before we share it.
A conference in a rural part of Oregon focused on how AI can be used in regional settings.
Teens are sometimes reluctant to seek help when they encounter problems online, but there are things parents can do to help.
A pediatrician has advice about screen time and background TV when infants are present.
PlayStation and other gaming consoles have parental controls to enable parents to limit who children can communicate with and when they can use the console.
Many states have banned cell phones in schools or are considering doing so. While this might help promote mental health and reduce cyberbullying, the evidence is mixed.
ConnectSafely Youth Advisor Trisha Prabhu suggests that maybe it's time to start using your phone for the purpose it was originally intended for by actually speaking with friends and family.
Google is making it easier to remove non-consensual sexually explicit fake images from search results.
Autonomous robotaxis are already on the roads of some cities and, unlike Tesla's Full Self Driving, they almost never have serious problems.
Smartwatches are very popular, but they can collect some very personal information, so they're not for everyone.
As summer comes to an end, consider gradually adjusting your child's sleep schedule so their circadian rhythms are in sync with their school schedule.
The Family Online Safety Institute's Summer Challenge features safety advocate Elizabeth Molovidov and her son Maximillian.
By a vote of 91 to 3, the Senate passed the Kids Online Safety Act. It will face challenges in the House and oppositiion from some groups, including the ACLU.
That giant outage that grounded flights and disrupted computer networks around the world might have had less impact if we had a more diverse software and service infrastructure
California is about to join several other states by enacting a law that would limit or ban smartphones or schools. It's well intentioned but not necessarily a great idea
ConnectSafely Youth Advisor and ReThink CItizens CEOTrisha Prabhu on positive trends in social media.
Google will soon let all users with a Google account acess reports on their personal information on the dark web.
A leading security firm is warning about phishing attacks aimed at obtaining Apple IDs, passwords and user informatoin.
We have had some progress when it comes to media literacy thanks in part to the work of the National Association for Media Literacy Education
A survey from the Human Rights Campaign and the University of Connecticut found that nearly all LGBTQ+ youth go onlikne but most f them encounter negative content.
ConnectSafely Youth Advisor and blogger Trisha Prabhu says that members of LGBTQ+ Community are underrepresented in the the workforce, which impacts users as well as workers.
Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy has called for a warning label on social media platforms, but ConnectSafely CEO Larry Magid thinks it's a bad idea.
A ConnectSafely animated video explains generative AI to parents, including benefits, risks and how to talk with your teen about how they're using it.
Even if you become a victim of a sexualized deep fake, there are things you can do to get it taken down. And, even though it can be traumatic, you will recover says ConnectSafely Youth Advisor, Trish Prabhu.
ConnectSafely Education Director Kerry Gallagher explains the difference beween misinformation and disinformation and the need for media literacy.
Dr. Logan Schnieder, a sleep doctor and Clinical Lead for Sleep Health, Google Health.says that it's important to put the data from your sleep tracker into context to avoid "orthosomnia," poor sleep resulting from a quest for perfect sleep.
80% of teens say that harrassment is a problem with video games, according to a recent Pew survey. But video games, says ConnectSafely education director Kerry Gallagher also help bring teens closer to their friends.
Some people worry that ChatGPT can be used to create content and misrepresent it as if it's your own, but ConnectSafely Youth Advisory Trishia Prabhu says it can be used to help structure your own thoughts.
There has been an increase in mental health issues among teens and some blame social media but there are other explanations for these issues and the research shows that the connection between tech use and wellness is more complex and nuanced than some people claim.
During the course of a one hour class, 20 students got 190 notifcations from their phone. ConnectSafely education director Kerry Gallagher suggests that parents ask their kids to think about how their phones may be distracting them.
Larry speaks with News Literacy Project's Peter Adams about the election and misinformation
Advice from ConnectSafely education director Kerry Gallagher about talking with your kids about cyberbullying
Advice from ConnectSafely education directory Kerry Gallagher on how to avoid being a victim of catfishing.-- when a person uses false information and images to create a fake identity online with the intention to trick, harass, or scam another person
Kids will soon be out of school for the summer, but that doesn't necessarily mean lots more screentime. Advice from ConnectSafely CEO Larry Magid and youth advisor Trisha Prabhu
There are worries about the safety of self-driving cars, including Tesla's so-called Full Self Driving. But they have come a long way and are moving towards being a safe way to travel.
TikTok is in the news because of a potential ban, but when it comes to teen safety, it's on par with its competitors.
ConnectSafely education director Kerry Gallagher on the dangers of hack attacks from plugging devices into public USB chargers or leaving your Bluetooth on when it's not in use.
Neuralink technology already makes it possible to implant chips in the human brain to monitor or help patients use their brains to manipulate objects. It has great potential but it's not without risk.
ConnectSafely blogger and youth advisor Trisha Prabhu says that it depends on the type of AI, the type of job and your timeline.
ConnectSafely education director Kerry Gallagher says that too many children and teens have an onlne gambling problem
Your and your children's smartphones can be intrusive but there are ways to turn off notifications and other interuptions, at least for a little while.
Our phones, along with TV and radio, can be an almost constant source of disturbing news, says psychologist and Emerson College professor Dr. Jessie Quintero Johnson. But it can also help mobilize us to try to do something.
The FCC is investigating Amazon and other retailers for selling cell phone jamming devices, which can prevent calls to 9-1-1
Some people share intimate information with generative AI systems which is why we need assurances of anonymity and confidentiality
There are fun ways to teach children about how to use passwords, said ConnectSafely Education Director Kerry Gallagher.
A lot of parents don't think they're tech savvy enough to advise their kids about how to stay safe online, but knowledge of real world safety applies online too, said Meta Global Director of Youth Safety Policy, Nicole Lopez.
Beware of fake malware warnings but do install legitimate anti-malware apps on your computer
Parents, says ConnectSafely Youth Advisor Trisha Prabhu, should avoid "sharenting" by limiting what they post about their kids
Here's advice from ConnectSafely Educatiion Director Kerry Gallagher on how to talk wih kids about online mistakes in advance or after they happen.
A Silicon Valley Urban Debate League tournament demonstrated how students can learn to argue both sides of an issue which can be good for democracy by helping them understand how to respect the other side and reach a comprimise.
Pediatrician and head of the Boston Children's Hospital Digital Wellness Labs on why ome kids' learning improved during the pandemic
We hear from ConnectSafely education director Kerry Gallagher about how to help teens, including boys, cope with body issues stemming from what they see online.
Tuesday is Safer Internet Day where schools, community groups and families are encouraged to talk about how they can use technology in a safer manner
In a rare show of unity, senators from both major parties grilled and criticized social media executives around child safety. Some senators said that victims should be able to sue these companies if family members were harmed, but that could drive companies to pre-screen what users post
There's growing concern about the risks of Generative AI, but they don't change the fact that young people also have to worry about cyberbullying, onlne wellness, inappropriate content and other online risks, says ConnectSafely's Youth Advisor Trisha Prabhu.
A new update to the iOS operating system requires theives to go through extra identify checks to log in if they grab your phone from a location you don't often frequent. It's not supposed to bother you if you're at home or work.
Watch what you enter into a Generative AI chatbox. Expert says it's not a good idea to share highly personal and confidential information
We hear a lot of doom and gloom scenarios about Generative AI, social media and other aspects of tech. But it's not new. We've been panicing over tech for centuries.
Larry's new prescription glasses look pretty cool but they're also "smart." Meta Ray-Ban glasses have an LED to warn bystanders when he's taking a picture or video but don't seem to have any mechanism to warn his wife when he's listening audio when she's trying to talk with him.
There is plenty of violent, sexual and controversial content on TV and in movies, which can be problematic for teenage viewers. But by watching it together, parents can help teens process what they see, said ConnectSafely education director Kerry Gallagher.
Online hate speech isn't just a matter of free speech. It can contribute to real world violence. How it should be handled by services remains contraversial but everyone can help by not sharing it and not accepting it.
You're kids have unwrapped their holiday tech gifts. Now it's time to talk about using them safely.
ConnectSafely Education Director Kerry Gallagher has advince on how to manage your and your teen's "FOMO" or Fear of Missing Out.
UCLA professor Leonard Kleinrock, one of the very early pioneers of what became the internet, says that one reason for the negative issues associated with todays internet is commercialization. "This is a money machine."
A virtual reality experienced, developed by Columbia University professor Courtney Cogburn, helps people understand the impact of racism.
Many blame the internet and social media for the increase in teen mental health issues, but the chief scientist of the American Psychological assocation says that other factors are at play.
Generative AI is great but -- for kids and adults -- a litlle bit of critical thinking goes a long way
If you're giving your child or teen a phone or other connected device this holiday season, talk witht hem about safe and approrpatie use
ConnectSafely is providing grants up to $1,000 to educators and non-profit community groups to present a Safer Internet Day program in February of next year. The deadline is Dec 15th this year.
Despite all the angst we hear about in the media, a survey conducted on behalf of the Family Online Safety Institute found that both parents and teens were cautiously optimistic when it comes to Generative AI.
Now that we're entering election season, expect to hear a lot of emotional appeals. There's a tendency to think about such information based on our emotions but, says ConnectSafely education director Kerry Gallagher, we have the capacity to think critically.
President Biden issued an executive order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence based on some guiding principles.
ConnectSafely's education director, Kerry Gallagher, has some conversation starters for families seeking to understand the advantages and risks of generative AI
A recent report found that influencers, journalists and activits are frustrated by the harm done by social media companies' reporting mechanisms and lack of response
Meta is allowing preteens to use its Quest virtual reality headsets but only with parental approval and supervision
A new book, In Light of All Darkness, by Kim Cross chronicles the search, tragic death and aftermath of the 1993 kidnapping of Polly Klass, including how we have improved the way we search for missing children.
ConnectSafely Education Director Kerry Gallagher writes about how online distractions can become inspirations for good and University of Florida professor Andrew Selepak talks about how Facebook can be used to raise money for a cause.
Airforce Major Josephy Haughney was manager of ARPANET, the military network that evolved into the internet when he expressed concerns about potential harms that could come from the network he helped manage.
Internet pioneer Vint Cerf pleased at much of the initial content that came out once the internet was made available to ordinary people but, like the rest of us, he has concerns about what's happening now.
Apple's new iOS operating system for iPhones and IPads has important child safety features along with safety information provided by ConnectSafely
Meta, formerly Facebook, has an independent board that can make binding decisions about content, including the ability to overrule staff decisions,
A new flaw that affects Chrome, Edge and other major browser has experts recommending you do an update.
There's no question that tech has created challenges when it comes to wellness, but there are plenty of apps that can help improve our well-being, including those that encourage us to get outside.
Deleting that cache on your internet browser can improve its performance and reduce both privacy and security risks.
Venmo is a great way to send money to others, perhaps to split a restaurant bill but, by default it shares your transactions with others. In this ConnectSafely Report, ConnectSafely Youth Advisor Trishia Prabhu talks about how to turn that off
Seeing sexually explicit or violent images can be disturbing for some adults and inappropriate at work or for children. Google isn't banning them but it is, by default, blurring them with the option to view them, unless you're using a filter to block them completely.
ConnectSafely's 22-year-old Youth Advisor and blogger Trisha Prabhu gave her phone to her mom for a day and lived to tell about it.
Whether you buy that laptop or tablet for your student or get one from the school, this is the time to think about what tech you need, how your student will use it and what policies are in place regarding appropriate use and privacy.
Online scams are costing Americans billions. Seniors and especially vulnerable but so are young people. We hear from a cybersecurity expert, interviewed by CBS Sunday Morning Correspondant David Pogue.
There are well known risks of generative AI but Meta's decision to make its new LLAMA 2 version of its large language model open source means that others can examine and improve upon the code, which is likely to make it safer.
It may be time to look at the privacy features, policies and settings of the apps on your phone and to delete any apps that you're not using.
Zepeto, an app that allows teens to interact as avatars, has developed numerous tools to help keep teens safe on the platform. We hear from Elyse Lee, Head of Global Policy and Engagement
Allowing family or even close friends to track each other online can bring peace of mind but do periodically review who can track you,
Meta’s new Threads service is the second biggest challenge to Twitter. The biggest challenge is the antics of its owner, Elon Musk.
Speaking at the Family Online Safety Institute European Forum, Áine Lynch, CEO of Ireland's National Parents Council pointed out that digital wellness is more than just feeling good while you're online but also how it makes you feel when you're not online.
ConnectSafely Education Director Kerry Gallagher says that teens crave autonomy so it's important for parents to get them to buy into family digital rules.
There are cases where people have been warned about life threatening conditions by an alert from their smart phone or fitness device.
ConnectSafely youth advisor weighs-in on how to handle the delicate situation of being cyberbullied by a relative.
The Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce has a flyer on sextortion -- a sexual exploitation crime that mostly victimizes boys
We hear a lot about tech and teen mental health. One way to help is to promote emotional intelligence
If you get a text from a stranger that appears to be the wrong number, it could be a scam or a spammer trying to verify if you're a real person.
Without reaching any conclusions, the US Surgeon General's advisory questions whether kids can be harmed by social media
Criminals are using AI to clone the voice of the supposed kidnapping victim to make the call even more convincing.
Your host was a victim of a virtual kidnapping scam. No one was in actual danger and no ransom was paid, but it was still frightening,.
TikTok's Tracy Elizabeth, who is also a parent, has some general advise for parents about kids use of any apps.
A six country survey, from Supachat parent company Snap, of thousands of teens and adults found that more young adults have online safety concerns than teens
Google's Nest Hub, Pixel Watch and Fitbit trackers have features designed to monitor your sleep and make recommendations on changes to promote better sleep
Many people blame mental health issues on the internet and social media. But there are other factors and there are healthy ways to use social media. Some say that social media is like tobacco, but it may be more like chocolate --potentially beneficial when used appropriately.
More than a thousand tech leaders and researches, including Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and Tesla CEO Elon Musk have called for a pause on sophisticated AI development to consider safety protocols.
Mozilla, the nonprofit behind the Firebox browser, is investing $30 million in trustworthy AI.
While chatbots like ChatGPT can be used by students to create content that isn't there own, an educator who knows their student can tell, said ConnectSafely Education Director and Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning at St. John’s Prep Kerry Gallager. Gallagher recommends that educators teach responsible use of AI
If you're part of a family with an Amazon Echo device, consider using voice models so it knows who's talking to it and give age-appropriate responses
Humans aren't the only ones who can pass on misinformation. Machines -- especially those using AI -- can do so as well.
We speak with Dana Miller of the National Criminal Training Justice Center about how teenage boys can be impacted by sextortion: exchanging nude or sexually explicit image with someone they think is a female and being asked to pay money to keep the images from being distributed.
We speak with Meta's Director of Youth Policy Nicole Lopez about Meta's hidden words feature that helps blocks offensive content on Instagram and Facebook
The National Center for Missing & Exploited, with the help of Meta, has released Take it Down, an online tool that enables young people to request that a nude or sexually explicit image of them be removed from online sites and apps.
TikTok now defaults teens to 60 minutes a day. They can override that default, but if they do, they'll be prompted when they hit 100 minutes. The service is now giving parents the ability to set screen limits and view app time usage if they're using Family Pairing, which requires the teen to opt-in.
Calahan Walsh from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children says that some people groom children online are known to the child so it's not about "stranger danger" but how that person is acting.
Dr. Sameer Hinduja, co-director of the Cyberbullying Research Center talks about the importance of open communications and not blaming or punishing your children if they come to you with a problem they encounter onliine
ConnectSafely's Youth Advisor Trisha Prabhu, who is the creator of the ReThink Words App, says that taking a moment to pause before you say something -- perhaps even a joke that could be taken the wrong way -- goes a long way towards making the internet a kinder and more civil place.
Utah's SB 152 would require parents to provide their government-issued ID and physical address in order for their child or teenager to access social media. The bill bans teens under 18 and even bans minors from being online between 10:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m., empowering the government to usurp the rights of parents to supervise and manage teens’ screen time.
The deadly beating of Tyre Nichols by Memphis police officers is one of many horrific events that young people have been exposed to on TV and on the internet. In this ConnectSafely Report for CBS News Radio, we speak with Dr. Mitchell Prinstein, Chief Science Officer of the American Psychological Association.
This Tuesday, February 7th is Safer Internet Day where school students, families and folks at work can talk about how to make the internet a safer and better place. ConnectSafely has resources, including videos, lesson plans and discussion topics as Larry Magid reports in this ConnectSafely Report for CBS News Radio.
Both the ACLU and the ADL have been very critical of Donald Trump but, when it comes to Meta's decision to re-instate Trump, the organizations disagree. ADL leans towards combatting hate speech while the ACLU is a strong component of free speech, even if they don't like the speaker.
Search engines like Google can lead you to some great medical information, but sometimes it's either wrong or unnecessarily scary. That's where a doctor's advice is crucial
That Blue Twitter checkmark used to mean that a person was who they said they were but you can now buy one for $8 a month. Still, there's a way to know if the person got that mark because they were deemed notable or if they just paid for i
The free Crisis Text Line provides help for anyone in crisis via text messaging or WhatsApp
A parent and educator talks about how parents can help a teen come to their own conclusion about spending too much time online
If you’re using a computer with a very old operating system or even a recent version that’s in need of an update, you’re taking an unnecessary risk. The same goes for internet browsers and, for that matter, all your PC software and mobile apps.
ConnectSafely's Parents Guide to Twitch offers advice on how to more safely use the streaming platfor.
Elon Musk took an unscientific poll and nearly 60% said he should resign as CEO. But, assuming he does, will his replacement make Twitter any less chaotic?
In preparation for giving his own speech, in VR, at a metaverse safety council, Larry speaks with XRSI founder Kavya Pearlman about the mind altering life changes that this technology might bring.
ConnectSafely's Larry Magid, who served on Twitter's Trust and Safety Council, says that it was a big mistake to shut out a group of experts with a broad range of opinions on trust, safety and free speech.
ConnectSafely offering grants of up to $1,000 to schools and nonprofit for local Safer Internet Day programs.
Life Stories, which is part of a subscription package from GoodTrust that also includes tools for estate planning, digital protection (including a digital vault and password manager) and a digital executor that will close or preserve online accounts after one dies.
Most catfishing attacks aren't as tragic as the one that resulted in three deaths in Southern California but they can be dangerous to your emotional and financial health.
Tami Bhaumik, Vice President, Civility and Partnerships at Roblox, talks about how technology will enable people to express their feelings of sadness and happiness, which could make life in the metaverse more civil.
If you see a product on Amazon that's very hard to find or is much less expensive than you'd expect, check to see who's selling and where it's being shipped from. Not everything you buy on Amazon actually comes from Amazon itself.
There is a lot of talk about screen time for kids and teens but experts say that what they're doing online is often more important than how long they're doing it.
There are things you can do if your Facebook account is hacked or someone sets up an account in your name.
Three new surveys reach similar conclusions about teens, parents and social media. Things aren't nearly as bad as some pundits claim but they're far from perfect.
Privacy expert Dr. Shamel Addas shares 5 questions you should ask before giving any company or organization your personal information.
TikTok and Meta have laid off thousands of employees and while it's not clear how many were in trust and safety, there is the danger that these sites will be become less pleasant and less safe to use.
New Twitter owner Elon Musk's plan to charge $8 a month for that blue verification badge could have a positive safety impact but it could also lead to impersonation
Major home automation manufacturers are supporting a new standard called Matter which lets devices work together and adds trust and safety standards
As Meta doubles down on virtual reality and more people jump in, it's important to avoid bumping not things and taking breaks
October is cyberbullying month and here are some tips if you think your child might be bullied.
Elon Musk is once again on the verge of acquiring Twitter which will likely impact how the company moderates speech
The Los Angeles Unified School District has been hit with ransomware that affected some of its systems and potentially leaked student information. Feds say it's part of a nationwide threat against K-12 schools.
Microsoft has released a significant update to Windows 11 that includes some security updates along with other new features.
This segment has advice from ConnectSafely Youth Advocate Trisha Prabhu on what to do while you're talking a break from your phone
Midterm campaign season has arrived and with it will come fake news reports. Everyone has the right to their own opinion, but not their own facts.
Apple has added crash detection to its new Series 8 Watch which can detect a car or light truck crash and alert first responders
According to CNET, a California tech executive sued a spammer in small claims court and wound up with a $1,200 out-of-court settlement
NetSmartz, a project of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, has age-appropriate videos to teach kids of all ages about staying safe online
The recent breach at Plex is a good reminder on how important it is to have strong safe passwords.
Encrypted apps and devices do sometimes make it hard for law enforcement to catch and prosecute criminals but they provide potentially life saving protections to users
Apple has issued another update to its iOS operating system to fix two security flaws that have already been exploited.
A Poynter Institute study finds that 62% of people say their find false or misleading information online weekly. Google is trying to help with new ways to present accurate information.
Snapchat has introduced Family Center to provide parents information on how their teens are using the service. It shows who their in touch with but not what they're saying to each other
A Pew Research study found that women are more concerned about the dangers of AI, especially driverless cara.
Ever wonder if a friend or loved one got home all right? If you're already able to track them on Google Maps, you can now get a notification when they leave or arrive at a specific location
The ConnectSafely Report shares ideas from New York Times columnist Brian X. Chen's column on tech settings you should change right away.
our phone may contain a lot of private and important information so make sure it's secure and know how to restore your data if the phone is lost or stolen.
People who use online tools to arrange abortions or track periods could be leaving breadcrumbs that might get them into trouble.
Informable is an app from the News Literacy Project that tests your ability to distinguish fact from fiction, news from opinion and whether something in an ad. It's more challenging than you might think.
Apple has introduced an "extreme" security measure called Lockdown Mode. It's not for everyone but could be a life saver for some journalists and human rights activists
You know you need strong passwords but it's hard to remember them all. That's where a password manager comes in
The phrase "do as I say, not as I do" doesn't cut it when it comes to be being a good digital role model
Instagram is now employing technology from UK-based Yoti to verify age if a user tries to change their age from under 18 to over 18
TikTok had already implemented the ability to track how much time you use the service during a day but, to enhance well-being, now has a feature to let you track and limit how long you're using it at a single sitting.
Your voice can say a lot about you, including your identity, gender, race and even health conditions.
There has been a lot of speculation and finger pointing around mass shootings, including the role of tech. It may have an impact, but it's not the main culprit.
There are tools that you can use to delete your Google activity or prevent it from being collected
A pair of bills in California would impact how kids use the internet. One is good. The other one raises concerns
Last year the FCC implemented a program to require verification of caller ID but left an international loophole that they just closed. Let's hope it works.
The ACLU and Cleaview AI have reached a settlement that will require the company to stop selling facial recognition data to most private companies.
At its Google IO developers conference, the company announced that it's rolling out a tool to make it easy for people to request removal of personal information like phone number, address and email address from search results
Elon Musk's likely acquisition of Twitter could be a setback for those seeking to avoid harassment and other harms
Google has recently reported a security issue with its Chrome browser which is a reminder to keep Chrome and all other apps up-to-date
Getting rid of your unused apps can improve free up storage space, improve performance and make your phone more secure
While free speech is essential, there are important Twitter moderation policies that can help protect against harassment, bullying, hate speech and violence that Elon Musk should leave in place.
The BeReal photo sharing app doesn't have filters or editing tools and gives you only two minutes to get ready for a picture, making it harder to try to look "perfect."
Sound bites from Google Public Search Liaison Danny Sullivan on how the company uses artificial intelligence to block harmful spam.
Under the best of circumstances, cryptocurrency is risky but beware of scam websites that steal your money
DuckDuckGo, known for its private search engine is has launched a beta browser for Mac with a Windows version to follow. It already has browsers for iOS and Android.
Dozens of apps, downloaded on millions of Android phones may be stealing your personal data.
Most robocalls are against the law. The Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 and subsequent rulings by the FCC ban commercial entities from engaging in this annoying behavior.
Google is adding resources to fight false information including putting a "highly cited" label on original news stories and notices about emerging stories.
We hear a lot about oversharing online, but what about undersharing?. Dani Coke, a successful illustrator and social media influencer says not to let imperfection hold you back.
We live in stressful times and, says Dr. Marc Brackett head of Yale's Center for Emotional Intelligence, we need to be precise about our feelings and try to let go of our fears until we know what the reality is.
Instagram is rolling out parental supervision tools to give parents more visibility into what their kids are doing on the popular service. Instagram head of safety Vaishnavi J explain why teens are the ones to initiate using the tools.
Chances are you kids are seeing images about the war in Ukraine online and on TV and some may be traumatized. A psychiatrist has advice on how to talk with them.
Shaelynn Farnsworth of the News Literacy Project explains the difference between misinformation and disinformation,
Although it’s very unlikely that average Americans will be directly targeted by a Russian cyberattack, it is quite possible to become an indirect victim of an attack against a company, health care organization or government agency we rely on. Here's how to prepare yoursel.
Pediatrician Dr. Michael Rich says that authenticity is key when it comes to the healthy use of social media
Roblox has had its share of problems but no matter what it does to protect its young users, kids, says Roblox VP Tami Baumak, need to develop "spidey sense."
A British woman said that her VR avatar was sexually harassed by a group of male avatars. VR expert Britan Heller weighs in
Amazon Kids safety expert Catherine Teitelbaum says that you should talk with your kids about onlne safety while you're unwrapping new tech devices.
As part of our Safer Internet Day program, ConnectSafely CEO and Youth Advisor Trisha Prabhu talked with author and Cultures of Dignity founder Rosalin Wiseman.
This year's Safer Internet Day is online with interviews from leading experts along with safety executives from the companies that makes the apps that kids use.
Tuesday is Safer Internet Day but this year it's an entire week. ConnectSafely's education director, Kerry Gallagher explains that the goal is to encourage conversations in schools and homes.
Smartwatches and other fitness devices are starting to provide medical information but it's not always accurate and you shouldn't act on it without consulting a doctor.
The Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence has advice for both adults and kids dealing with stress from a return to online work or learning and other COVID related issues.
Oren Segal who runs the ADL's Center on Extremism, says that social media is amplifying the type of hate speech and extremism that led to the January 6th attack on the Capitol.
Expert advises parents to focus on children's feelings -- not their own -- when talking to kids about the events of last January 6th.
An analysis by the Washington Post and Pro-Publica found 650,000 posts that denied the legitimacy of President Biden's election including some that advocated violence.
Security Magazine is out with its top 10 data breaches of 2021 and there are some whoppers
If you're going to make some New Years resolutions, consider some on how you treat yourself and others online.
ConnectSafely education director, Kerry Gallagher, has advice for parents wishing to help their pre-teen get on social media without lying about their age.
Google isn't the only search engine. DuckDuck Go says it doesn't collect any personal information. Other tools include in-private or incognito browsing or using a VPN
t can be very hurtful to be a victim of an online rumor, but there are ways to help cope, said ReThink app creator and ConnectSafely contributor Trisha Prabhu.
Most cable, satellite and online video services offer some type of parental controls that parents can use to customize what content their children can and cannot view.
During a senate hearing, the head of Instagram responded to calls for legislation with a proposal for an industry standards body
Amazon is jumping into the elder-care market with products to enable people to monitor and assist elderly loved-ones. A new service, called Alexa Together, uses Echo smart speakers and displays and optional fall-detection devices to call for help in case of an emergency.
There is a lot of news coverage about what schools are teaching but sometimes its not based on what they are actually teaching. If you're concerned, talk with your kids, go online to look at the curriculum and -- most important -- speak with your child's teacher
December is a time for giving but it's also a time for scamming. Be careful before responding to an online charitable donation request
Parents often complain about how teens are posing in ways that are inauthentic, but sometimes adults are guilty of that as well.
Those memes of mom's drinking wine to cope with their kids may be funny but what happens if your kid sees it later on?
A new Google policy allows kids and parents to request removing of images of minors from Google search.
Newly released documents show that clicking on Facebook's angry emoji emoji increases the visibility of controversial content.
Why Tuesday is an important day of the week for Windows users and why you should keep your operating systems up-to-date
There's been a lot of criticism over the way Facebook moderates content. And while some claim it's "profits over people," decisions are often based on trying to balance competing rights
AB 390 makes it easier to cancel online subscriptions before they start charging you. While it's a California law, it will likely impact consumers in other states.
As a whistleblower reported, Facebook knew about an internal study that about a third of teen girls had negative body images from Instagram. But other research found that Instagram and other social media can help alliviate depression and anxiety.
Algorithms have a big impact on what we see online and how many of us behave. They run on computers, but they are controlled by humans who should be held responsible.
It's easy to accidentally send an email to the wrong person, which can lead to an embarrassing situation.
Sending out an intimate picture without permission is a betrayal and while you may not be able to prevent it, there are steps you can take to reduce its impact.
Apple gives users the power to prevent apps from tracking you. But the Washington Post says that some do so anyway
Rethink app creator and ConnectSafely contributor Trishia Prabhu explains why it's important for so-called bystanders to take action against bullying and cyberbullying
The Wall Street Journal reports that one in three teenage girls has body image issues that are made worse by Instagram. We speak with experts who explain the problem and a partial solution
There are several ways to save proof of COVID-19 vaccination to your smartphone, with some that are easier than others.
Many young people have two Instagram accounts. One is where they post things they want the world to see. Another is for close friends only and not so carefully curated.
TikTok will be suppressing notifications for teens at bedtime, helping them get through the night without distractions. It also offers a way for parents to help manage their teen's account.
Apple is doing the right thing by scanning uploads to iCloud for child sex abuse material (child porn) even though some privacy advocates are concerned
There are plenty of parental control tools but your best bet -- says an expert who is just past her own teen years -- is talking with your kids.
Despite the Delta variant, many people are again using online dating services. They can be great as long as you follow some basic safety advice.
AskTrish is a new TikTok series and blog that answers questions from teens on all aspects of digital safety
A recently discovered flaw in Apple’s operating system for iPhones and iPads, is an urgent reminder of why it’s essential to keep your devices’ operating systems up to date.
Apple tightly controls its app store, but that doesn't stop scams from getting through, according to the Washington Post.
Krebs on Security reports that Microsoft recently fixed 116 vulnerabilities in Windows and related software, including 13 that were critical and some that were already being attacked but it's not just Windows. Mac, iOS and Android users also need to keep their systems up-to-date
Researchers have noted an increase in mental health symptoms among teens but it isn't clear whether they're linked to increased use of tech.
Some people worry about the privacy implications of wearable devices, but the anonymized data is being used for important medical research including dealing with COVID-19.
Virtual private networks can re-route your traffic from your machine through a virtual one, making it harder for websites and anyone in-between to know who you are or what you're doing online
In response to data showing that women are more likely to be abused online, major social media companies have pledged to improve tools to help keep women safe
Appel is fighting proposed regulations on its control of its app store, claiming that it would make apps less secure, especially for children
Microsoft has added an optional kid-friendly mode to its Edge browser with parental controls, safe search and limits on tracking
There was a time when there were too few Apple devices for hackers to bother targeting but -- says Consumer Reports -- that's no longer the case
As this segment shows, it's possible to impersonate nearly anyone through a "deep fake," but Facebook is working on a solution
In honor of Pride Month, ConnectSafely has updated its Parent, Educator & Youth Guide to LGBTQ Cyberbullying whose author says it's a bigger risk for LGBTQ youth than their heterosexual peers.
President Biden has revoked and replaced former President Trump's executive order that would have banned Chinese-owned TikTok and WeChat with an order that examines risks posed by any information service owned by a foreign adversar
A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association says that an iPhone 12 with MagSafe charging technology can interfere with implanted cardiac devices if placed directly in front of the skin within 6 inches of the device.
Twitter is rolling out Twitter Blue in Canada and Australia -- a paid subscription service -- that lets users review, edit or delete tweets before they go live
An option on Google Maps allows users to share their location which is something families should consider so parents (and perhaps partners) can know where their loved-ones are
As a way to promote well-being, Facebook and Instagram are now allowing users to hide likes on their posts
Google's Chrome browser already warns you about compromised passwords, but Google is launching a tool to make it easier to change them.
Researchers cited in the blog Krebs on Security found that criminals are using surrendered cell phone numbers to thwart two-factor authentication and break into users' accounts
Comments on the implications of the recent Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack on national infrastructure secutiy
Parents can now set up supervised YouTube accounts for their preteens. These accounts are far less restrictive than YouTube Kids (mostly for younger children) but parents can manage content and time spent.
Even though COVID is down in the U.S., people are still more stressed than usual. But help is as close as your phone with meditation apps and de-stressing podcasts
The newest version of iOS requires users to opt-in before apps can track their behavior
As summer approaches and more people are vaccinated, families are starting to plan vacations. It's a good time to involve your children. They'll learn research skills and you might learn about some vacation ideas that they -- not you -- discover.
ConnectSafely Reprt host Larry Magid discovered that his new air fryer is a security risk.
Anyone can be a victim of ransomware when a hacker locks you out of your own device and demands money to get back in.
Emerging from isolation as COVID-19 conditions improve in your area can be stressful, but the skills and tools you learned during lock-down can help.
A group is suing Facebook for allegedly lying to Congress and the public about its efforts to hate anti-Muslim hate speech.
Why Google supports International Fact-Checking Day and how to check out the credibility of sites
Amazon offers a lot of content for kids along with a parent dashboard to manage their activity and screen time
Ten years ago, Comcast launched Internet Essentials to provide low-cost internet access to low-income families and is now investing $1 billion to expand the program and reach more people
A Google survey found that parents are thinking less about screen time and more about quality content for kids. The company just launched a website with information on keeping kids both engaged and safe online with resources from Common Sense Media, Family Online Safety Institute, PBC, ConnectSafely and other organizations.
There is good and bad news when it comes to mental health and social media during the pandemic. Depression is up but young people are getting information and support via social media according to a study by Common Sense Media.
Pediatrician Dr. Michael Rich has launched a Digital Wellness Lab at Boston Children's Hospital
To help people pause and reconsider potentially offensive posts, Trisha Prabhu created the ReThink App when she was 13. She's now 20 and still at it.
Like all online services, Roblox has had some issues, but the company uses human moderators and technology and offers parental controls. Still, said their community safety director Laura Higgins, parents need to be involved in their children's online activities.
There is an epidemic of misinformation but the non-partisan non-profit News Literacy Project has resources to help with both youth and adults.
Identity theft is a serious problem but there are ways to help prevent it and recover from it.
Several states are considering bills to punish social media companies that allegedly censor political speech, but there could be unintended saferty consequences
Popular video and image sharing apps Snapchat is helping its users deal with stress and mental health issues
There's a tendency to want to look "perfect" online but, says Instagram's head of safety, authenticity is a better choice.
Every year around Valentine's Day we warn people to avoid online dating scams and have that first meeting in a public place. But this year the pandemic adds another risk which is why The Meet Group has consulted with medical experts
Microsoft is out with its 5th annual Digital Civility Research report based on data from 32 countries. The news is generally good --especially for teens but there are some dark spots, too.
Child abuse images, commonly called "child porn" is s scourge on the internet. Facebook and other tech companies are using technology to detect, block, delete and report it
Safer Internet Day is online this year with videos, conversation starters and lesson plans for parents and educators.
Many Reddit users have been buying up what were inexpensive stocks and vastly inflating their prices. From a financial perspective, it's a dangerous game but it's also a manifestation of the power of the people
Cloning someone's Facebook account and getting their friends to "friend" the fake account is a common but avoidable scam.
Very young children -- some barely out of diapers -- are using tables and other tech devices. ConnectSafely has some recommendations
Vaccine scams: Scammers are taking advantage of the public's interest in COVID-19 vaccines. Don't be a victim
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said that Facebook is suspending Trump's account until at least the end of his term because "the risks of allowing the President to continue to use our service during this period are too great."
The non-profit News Literacy Project is among many who condemned Wednesday's attack on the capitol -- but they take it a step further by advocating news literacy so that people stop acting on false information.
ConnectSafely has some New Years resolutions for the internet and those of us who use it
There is a lot of confusion and misinformation about 'section 230' -- a provision in the Communications Decency Act of 1998 that President Trump wants revoked. Ironically, it doesn't suppress free speech, it promotes it and -- if it were revoked -- it could backfire to soon-to-be private citizen Donald Trump.
If your family is getting a game console for the holidays or spending more time on the one you have, make sure your children know how to protect their privacy and know how to use parental controls if necessary.
Smart watches and fitness bands are popular holiday gift but be aware that your health and fitness data may be stored by the company that made the device.
Smart speakers can affect your privacy and may include content that's inappropriate for young kids. Fortunately, there are tools you can use to protect privacy and children.
There is a report that millions of people have downloaded extensions for the popular Chrome and Edge browsers that can display unwanted ads and jepordize security
A report says that three million people downloaded 28 extensions for Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge browsers that contain malicious code that could display unwanted ads or jeopardize security.
Many families have or will soon get smart speakers or displays. They're great but there are things you want to do to protect your privacy and young children.
In addition to the COVID-19 pandemic, there's an epidemic of misinformation.Whether it's about vaccines, election results, or anything else, do some research before believing and sharing what you see on social media.
Some influencers are paid to promote products and services and a report says that scammers are charging influencers to boost their follower numbers using fake accounts.
Partially because of the pandemic, this should be a banner year for online shopping. It's geneally safe but there are some precautions you should know about.
Some web operators are allowing companies to display spammy and potentially dangerous notifications on your PC or mobile device. Be careful before giving them permission.
President Trump fired that head of the Cybersecurity Security & Infrastscure Security Agency because of his anger of its statement that our election was secure despite the President's claims. But, the agency doesn't just protect elections. It protects hospitals, vaccine makers and more
After being shamed and harassed in the wake of her 1998 affair with President Bill Clinton, Monica Lewinsky, now an anti-bullying activist, says support for bullying victims can make a big difference.
Facebook's Messenger App and Instragam are channeling Mission Impossible with Vanishing Messages
With COVID cases surging around the country, many kids are once again learning from home so this is a good time to talk with your kids about appropriate behavior on Zoom-like apps.
Roblox is a popular gaming platform for young children. They do have chat, but there are automatic filters and parental controls, including the ability to turn it off.
Being careful what you post or send to others is important, even if you delete it later or use a service where messages automatically disappear
That QAnon conspiracy theory about elites kidnapping children is interfering with the work of legitimate child protection organizations
Newsguard, which checks the accuracy of news sites is accusing Facebook of not blocking false information about COVID-19 vaccines.
Child sex abuse images (Americans call it "child porn," can be incredibly harmful and sometimes children are groomed to create their own images and videos according to Internet Watch Foundation CEO Susie Hargreaves.
There are lots of tools to allow parents to filter or monitor their children's online activity but how you use them and how you explain them to your child matters. Features ConnectSafely CEO Larry Magid and ConnectSafely Education Director, Kerry Gallagher.
FIDO Alliane, a tech industry consortium, wants to abolish passwords but there are steps you can take right now.,
The FBI director has warned that Russia will attempt to influence American voters via social media but there are things you can do to make sure you're not susceptible.
President Trump and his allies want to take away legal protection from social media companies from Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act because of alleged bias against conservatives. But there is a difference between censoring free speech and banning hate speech
Larry Magid speaks with parenting expert and author Michelle Borba on how empathy is moving in the wrong direction and what parents can do to model it.
Microsoft is out with a new digital civility report from 32 countries. We talk with their Global Digital Safety Advocate Jacqueline Beauchere
Be aware of who and what can be seen or heard in the background when making video calls. And students should speak with their teachers about when it's OK to turn off the camera and/or microphone.
Not every family has a spare room for student remote learners but a veteran educator offers tricks to create virtual space.
Many students are going back to school remotely but not all families can afford internet access and equipment. But internet service providers and local school may be able to help.