Tech Shock - from Parent Zone

Parent Zone

Tech Shock: Everything you always wanted to know about tech and family life.Podcasting from Parent Zone,the media literacy experts, host Vicki Shotbolt explores the upsides and downsides of family life in the digital age. With a range of expert guests she looks at online harms to children ranging from pornography to gambling and at what should be done about them. Incurably optimistic, Vicki also celebrate the many benefits of tech for children and young people, as she considers how best to live in a world in which family life is now inescapably digital.Listen every Monday, subscribe, and give us a five star review.

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3. Digital parenting and monitoring technology

3. Digital parenting and monitoring technology

The use of technology to assist with parenting is something that’s becoming a social norm. It's easy to understand why: parents want to know what their children are doing online, where they are when they're out of sight and what digital content they're being exposed to. Knowing your child is safe is the most fundamental of all parenting priorities. But digital parenting, particularly when it involves monitoring technology, raises questions around children’s rights to privacy. This use of technology may also (somewhat counterintuitively) impact family dynamics and wellbeing in negative ways. Far from supporting conversations it might be making them less constructive. This week Vicki is joined by Ekaterina Hertog and Jun Zhao from the University of Oxford and Netta Weinstein from the University of Reading – co-authors on a recent research paper exploring ‘data-driven parenting’ – to discuss this in more detail, to consider some of the issues surrounding it, and explore the concept of a ‘good digital society’.Talking points:Is digital parenting technology altering – or even replacing – things like communication and open discussion?Does monitoring technology prevent children from learning to self-regulate behaviours and make good decisions? Even with safety as its aim, does digital parenting infringe on a child’s right to privacy or are parents getting the balance right? Tech Shock is a Parent Zone production. Follow Parent Zone on social media for all the latest on our work on helping families to thrive in the digital age. Presented by Vicki Shotbolt. Tech Shock is produced and edited by Tim Malster.wwwTwitterFacebookInstagram

Episodes

3. Digital parenting and monitoring technology

3. Digital parenting and monitoring technology

The use of technology to assist with parenting is something that’s becoming a social norm. It's easy to understand why: parents want to know what their children are doing online, where they are when they're out of sight and what digital content they're being exposed to. Knowing your child is safe is the most fundamental of all parenting priorities. But digital parenting, particularly when it involves monitoring technology, raises questions around children’s rights to privacy. This use of technology may also (somewhat counterintuitively) impact family dynamics and wellbeing in negative ways. Far from supporting conversations it might be making them less constructive. This week Vicki is joined by Ekaterina Hertog and Jun Zhao from the University of Oxford and Netta Weinstein from the University of Reading – co-authors on a recent research paper exploring ‘data-driven parenting’ – to discuss this in more detail, to consider some of the issues surrounding it, and explore the concept of a ‘good digital society’.Talking points:Is digital parenting technology altering – or even replacing – things like communication and open discussion?Does monitoring technology prevent children from learning to self-regulate behaviours and make good decisions? Even with safety as its aim, does digital parenting infringe on a child’s right to privacy or are parents getting the balance right? Tech Shock is a Parent Zone production. Follow Parent Zone on social media for all the latest on our work on helping families to thrive in the digital age. Presented by Vicki Shotbolt. Tech Shock is produced and edited by Tim Malster.wwwTwitterFacebookInstagram

2. Mark Weinstein, privacy, anonymity and surveillance capitalism

2. Mark Weinstein, privacy, anonymity and surveillance capitalism

Surveillance capitalism – the gathering, analysis and use of personal information to influence people and sell things – arguably requires losses in (or infringements on) privacy to work best. At the same time, anonymity online can bring its own risks: it may facilitate trolling as well as the spread of mis- and disinformation. User anonymity might also undermine age restrictions on online platforms and content. In this episode, Vicki is joined by privacy advocate and author Mark Weinstein to discuss this possible conflict between privacy and anonymity, as well as user IDs and user data in the age of AI, and behaviour modelling when it comes to tech use and critical thinking.Talking points:How have privacy infringements changed since the early days of the internet? Are user IDs really the answer to issues surrounding anonymity and privacy? Can children be taught responsible tech use within a culture of restriction and abstinence?Tech Shock is a Parent Zone production. Follow Parent Zone on social media for all the latest on our work on helping families to thrive in the digital age. Presented by Vicki Shotbolt. Tech Shock is produced and edited by Tim Malster.wwwTwitterFacebookInstagram

The Annual Cyber Survey with Adrienne Katz

The Annual Cyber Survey with Adrienne Katz

Tech Shock returns for its 9th season and we invite a range of expert guests to explore the tech landscape post-Online Safety Act – as well as emerging trends and possible harms.Our first guest this season is director of Youthworks Adrienne Katz. She joins Vicki to unpack the findings from Youthwork’s Annual Cyber Survey, which, having run since 2008, aims to capture just what it’s like for young people growing up and living in the online world. Talking points:to what extent can we really attribute a rise in mental health issues to tech use?what role does gender play in how exploratory, risk-taking or media literate young people are online? what factors influence young people’s digital resilience and recovery from harm?Tech Shock is a Parent Zone production. Follow Parent Zone on social media for all the latest on our work on helping families to thrive in the digital age. Presented by Vicki Shotbolt. Tech Shock is produced and edited by Tim Malster.wwwTwitterFacebookInstagram

Smartphone bans: the professional perspective

Smartphone bans: the professional perspective

Just two weeks ago a report from The Education Select Committee recommended that, post-election, the new government consider additional measures around screen time – and smartphone use – for children. Having previously heard from both parents and young people on the topic of a smartphone ban for under-16s, this Tech Shock special now turns its focus onto some expert viewpoints. In this episode, Vicki is joined by a member of the Parent Zone Studio, Riley Mackrory to explore contributions from both education and mobile industry professionals. Talking points:Who could be held accountable – or even criminalised – for not adhering to a smartphone ban? Is there really such a thing as a ‘dumb’ phone? What impact could bans have on households where smartphones are the only route online? Tech Shock is a Parent Zone production. Follow Parent Zone on social media for all the latest on our work on helping families to thrive in the digital age. Presented by Vicki Shotbolt. Tech Shock is produced and edited by Tim Malster.wwwTwitterFacebookInstagram

Smartphone bans: what are young people saying?

Smartphone bans: what are young people saying?

Part two of this Tech Shock special discusses the possibility – and possible impact – of a smartphone ban for under-16s. Having previously heard from parents, this week Vicki is joined by Anna Lindsay from youth-content platform VoiceBox to get a measure of what young people themselves think about the issue. Talking points:Can you build resilience in an ecosystem of bans and prohibitions?Are we consulting young people enough on legislation that impacts them? Could – or should – this process be more collaborative? What do young people feel they would lose if using smartphones were no longer an option?Tech Shock is a Parent Zone production. Follow Parent Zone on social media for all the latest on our work on helping families to thrive in the digital age. Presented by Vicki Shotbolt. Tech Shock is produced and edited by Tim Malster.wwwTwitterFacebookInstagram

9. Bonus episode - The minimal digital living standard

9. Bonus episode - The minimal digital living standard

A minimal digital living standard is a benchmark. It refers to both a level of digital skills and access to tech that can appropriately meet an individual’s basic needs – not just ‘nice-to-haves’. It involves things like communication and connection with others, and the ability to engage with opportunities and digital services adequately and safely. This week, Vicki is joined by Dr Emma Stone, director of evidence and engagement at the Good Things Foundation; professor of Digital Culture at the University of Liverpool, Simeon Yates; and Dr Chloe Blackwell from the Centre for Research in Social Policy at Loughborough University to look at what a minimal digital living standard might look like in practice. Talking points:What goes into constructing a metric like the ‘minimal digital living standard’? Is grasping relative differences between groups the key to understanding digital inclusion and exclusion?How can – or how should – policymakers and organisations begin to use this benchmark in their work?https://mdls.org.uk/publications/Tech Shock is a Parent Zone production. Follow Parent Zone on social media for all the latest on our work on helping families to thrive in the digital age. Presented by Vicki Shotbolt. Tech Shock is produced and edited by Tim Malster.wwwTwitterFacebookInstagram

Smartphone bans for under-16s: the parent perspective

Smartphone bans for under-16s: the parent perspective

Just months after the DfE announced guidance on mobile phone use in schools, the possibility of a smartphone ban for under-16s is being actively discussed.Support for bans like these can, at least initially, be very strong – but also nuanced. In a slight change of format for Tech Shock, Vicki is joined by a member of the Parent Zone Studio, Riley Mackrory to share and discuss the parent perspective; based on contributions we’ve had directly from parents themselves. Talking points:is support for smartphone bans more ‘knee-jerk’ than much needed? are smartphones detrimental to socialising or do they facilitate another form of it? how might such a ban impact user safety, education and the practicality of everyday life? Tech Shock is a Parent Zone production. Follow Parent Zone on social media for all the latest on our work on helping families to thrive in the digital age. Presented by Vicki Shotbolt. Tech Shock is produced and edited by Tim Malster.wwwTwitterFacebookInstagram

7. Season roundup, with VoiceBox

7. Season roundup, with VoiceBox

Natalie Foos, director of the youth content platform VoiceBox joins Vicki to provide some young people’s perspectives on the hot (or tricky) topics from Tech Shock's season 8. Talking points:In a year where half the world could be at the polls, how equipped are young people to avoid disinformation? As social platforms and online games are increasingly built to engage and retain, how autonomous can young users feel online? With tech developments moving so fast, do young people feel like regulation is an impossibility?Tech Shock is a Parent Zone production. Follow Parent Zone on social media for all the latest on our work on helping families to thrive in the digital age. Presented by Vicki Shotbolt. Tech Shock is produced and edited by Tim Malster.wwwTwitterFacebookInstagram

6. The secrets of search

6. The secrets of search

This week Vicki talks to Emma Higham, product management lead on Google's Search Child's Safety Portfolio about some of the exciting new tools they've been working on.Talking pointsEvery family is different so how do tech companies create safety tools that work for everyone?What is LEO and why is it important?How does search think about people looking for information at vulnerable moments?Tech Shock is a Parent Zone production. Follow Parent Zone on social media for all the latest on our work on helping families to thrive in the digital age. Presented by Vicki Shotbolt. Tech Shock is produced and edited by Tim Malster.wwwTwitterFacebookInstagram

5. Young people and the emerging gender divide

5. Young people and the emerging gender divide

From incels to Andrew Tate, young people are increasingly exposed to debates around gender when online. This week, Vicki is joined by Rosie Campbell, professor of politics and director of the Global Institute for Women's Leadership at King's College London to discuss the topic of gender in the digital age. Talking points:What do we really mean when we talk of the ‘gender divide’?How is social media making the topic of gender more polarised, and more profitable (for some)? What’s the relationship between views on gender and who we vote for at the polls?Tech Shock is a Parent Zone production. Follow Parent Zone on social media for all the latest on our work on helping families to thrive in the digital age. Presented by Vicki Shotbolt. Tech Shock is produced and edited by Tim Malster.wwwTwitterFacebookInstagram

4. The debate surrounding screen time, with Pete Etchells

4. The debate surrounding screen time, with Pete Etchells

This week Vicki is joined by Pete Etchells, professor of Psychology and Science Communication at Bath Spa University to discuss the topic of screen time and some of the debate that surrounds it.Talking points:What is ‘screen time’, and how hard is it to accurately measure? Why do we tend to look at tech through a harmful lens, and does this stand in the way of digitally flourishing?Do some policies just help us avoid thinking about children’s tech use?Tech Shock is a Parent Zone production. Follow Parent Zone on social media for all the latest on our work on helping families to thrive in the digital age. Presented by Vicki Shotbolt. Tech Shock is produced and edited by Tim Malster.wwwTwitterFacebookInstagram

3. The ‘wicked problem’ of child financial harms

3. The ‘wicked problem’ of child financial harms

Our 2023 research found that young people aged 13-18 spend over £50m online each week. But this financial autonomy could mean increased exposure to harms like scams, gambling, influencer marketing, and criminal exploitation. This week Vicki is joined by Maya Daver-Massion and Zixuan Fu, part of the security and online safety team at PUBLIC to shed more light on ‘child financial harms’. Talking points: What exactly makes child financial harms such a ‘wicked problem’ to solve?Other sorts of harm are always on the radar. So why are finance-related harms so often overlooked?Is systemic change needed to tackle child financial harms, and, if so, where do we start?Tech Shock is a Parent Zone production. Follow Parent Zone on social media for all the latest on our work on helping families to thrive in the digital age. Presented by Vicki Shotbolt. Tech Shock is produced and edited by Tim Malster.wwwTwitterFacebookInstagram

Vicki talks to Dr. Katie Davis , Associate Professor at the University of Washington about what happens when technology intersects with child development and why good enough parenting really is good enough. How are online platforms designed and what sort of design leads to certain behaviours?When does technology support child development and when does it get in the way?What does AI mean for human agency?Tech Shock is a Parent Zone production. Follow Parent Zone on social media for all the latest on our work on helping families to thrive in the digital age. Presented by Vicki Shotbolt. Tech Shock is produced and edited by Tim Malster.wwwTwitterFacebookInstagram

1. Has media literacy’s time finally come?

1. Has media literacy’s time finally come?

In 2024, the year of many elections, governments across the world are bracing themselves for an onslaught of disinformation. Vicki and Geraldine talk to Professor Julian McDougall of Bournemouth University about whether media literacy is finally poised to break free of its Cinderella status.Talking points:Why do politicians both sneer at media literacy and grab onto it as the answer to online harms?How do you measure the impact of media literacy when success is so often about what doesn’t happen?Much of social media is more emotional than rational. How does any kind of formal education counter that?Tech Shock is a Parent Zone production. Follow Parent Zone on social media for all the latest on our work on helping families to thrive in the digital age. Presented by Vicki Shotbolt. Tech Shock is produced and edited by Tim Malster.wwwTwitterFacebookInstagram

Vicki and Geraldine talk to sharenting expert Claire Bessant about the pros and cons of posting about your children online.Talking points:Are parental influencers who post about their children doing anything different from families down the centuries whose children have worked on the family farm?Is there any point in talking about consent when children are being required to consent to their parents?Even if you’re careful not to post anything about your children in public spaces online, could schools be spreading information about them?Tech Shock is a Parent Zone production. Follow Parent Zone on social media for all the latest on our work on helping families to thrive in the digital age. Presented by Vicki Shotbolt. Tech Shock is produced and edited by Tim Malster.wwwTwitterFacebookInstagram

6. A problem hiding in plain sight?

6. A problem hiding in plain sight?

Vicki and Geraldine discuss Parent Zone’s latest research into financial harms to children online. Is this a category of harms that we’ve simply overlooked? And if so, why?We tend to think children aren’t doing much financially online, but how true is thisWhen children get scammed online, why are they often reluctant to tell anyone?Young people told us that many of them were acting illegally online. Is the internet normalising lawlessness?Tech Shock is a Parent Zone production. Follow Parent Zone on social media for all the latest on our work on helping families to thrive in the digital age. Presented by Vicki Shotbolt. Tech Shock is produced and edited by Tim Malster.wwwTwitterFacebookInstagram

5. The respectable face of the porn industry?

5. The respectable face of the porn industry?

Vicki and Geraldine talk to clinical psychologist Elly Hanson about OnlyFans, which has done such a good marketing job that it's been popping up at child protection conferences. But should it be there? What do we really know about the streaming site that combines porn and prostitution?Talking points:Is OnlyFans changing young people’s sexual scripts?What does the psychological research tell us about the impact of the objectification that’s central to OnlyFans?Young women advertising themselves as ’teens’ are especially popular on the site. Do we have to accept that this is simply male sexuality, or is something else going on?Why are the connections made on OnlyFans never authentic, despite the site pushing the ‘girlfriend experience’?Tech Shock is a Parent Zone production. Follow Parent Zone on social media for all the latest on our work on helping families to thrive in the digital age. Presented by Vicki Shotbolt. Tech Shock is produced and edited by Tim Malster.wwwTwitterFacebookInstagram

4. Money muling

4. Money muling

Vicki and Geraldine talk to Tracey Carpenter of Cifas, the organisation that runs the UK fraud database, about the alarming rise in the numbers of children involved in fraud.Talking points:Why are children susceptible to being recruited as money mules?How does money muling work when children are involved?How should we respond when children are being exploited and at the same time are committing crimes?What are the consequences if a young person is put on the fraud database?Tech Shock is a Parent Zone production. Follow Parent Zone on social media for all the latest on our work on helping families to thrive in the digital age. Presented by Vicki Shotbolt. Tech Shock is produced and edited by Tim Malster.wwwTwitterFacebookInstagram

3. Romancing the bot

3. Romancing the bot

Vicki and Geraldine talk to Natalie Foos, director of Voicebox, about the site’s new report on young people forming relationships with AI chatbots.Talking points:Should you feel jealous if your partner falls in love with an AI?Why were the chatbots Voicebox investigated sending unprompted sexually explicit messages?Can AI bots help with loneliness? Or are they commodifying our most personal and human feelings?Tech Shock is a Parent Zone production. Follow Parent Zone on social media for all the latest on our work on helping families to thrive in the digital age. Presented by Vicki Shotbolt. Tech Shock is produced and edited by Tim Malster.wwwTwitterFacebookInstagram

2. The woman behind the Online Safety Act

2. The woman behind the Online Safety Act

Vicki and Geraldine talk to Lorna Woods, Professor of Internet Law and a chief begetter of the Online Safety Act about how it started with a brie and cranberry sandwich and where it’s gone from there.Talking points:How far has Lorna’s central idea, developed with Will Perrin of Carnegie, survived the turbulent politics of the last five years?Will the Act deal with addictive design and the cumulative impact of pieces of content that, taken individually, might not look that harmful?Is there a lawyer’s answer to the collision of the fundamental rights of children and adults thrown up by the growth of end-to-end encryption, which allows for untraceable sharing of child sexual abuse material? (Spoiler: there is!)Are parents going to be overwhelmed by safety tools - their own and their children’s?Tech Shock is a Parent Zone production. Follow Parent Zone on social media for all the latest on our work on helping families to thrive in the digital age. Presented by Vicki Shotbolt. Tech Shock is produced and edited by Tim Malster.wwwTwitterFacebookInstagram