If you think Snapchat is just for funny filters, think again.

I made a fake Snapchat account, saying that I was a 15 year-old girl. Within less than 30 minutes, the algorithm fed me erotica, links to porn, and creepy religious fanaticism. Our guest Sarah Gallagher Trombley is a former Snapchat executive, and tells us exactly how to avoid these dangers.

Sarah is an expert on parental controls, cell phone safety, and social media. She explains how parents can keep kids safe from online predators, sextortion, and inappropriate content.

Sarah is offering a webinar in conjunction with Healthy Screen Habits called:

Safe Social Media?!?! How To Make Social Media As Safe As It CAN Be - the 3 part webinar series co-created by Digital Mom Media and Healthy Screen Habits. Live sessions are September 8th, 15th and 22nd at 8pm EST. The on-demand version will be available on October 1. Link for tickets: https://tixoom.app/digitalmom/bundles/nj6merus Link for interest in a Digital Parenting Book Club: https://forms.gle/yxMVrKyBFbxWZBcr6 For anyone interested in participating in a Virtual Book Club this Fall please sign up with this link and answer a few questions for us!

Visit Sarah's excellent Substack, Thoughts From A Digital Mom at https://tfadigitalmom.substack.com/

Welcome to the Screen Less Play More Podcast with Cynthia Dvorak! Discover the benefits of less screen time for children and practical strategies to reduce screen use as a family. Learn about screen time guidelines by age, how Big Tech targets our kids, and how to stay screenstrong. Learn how to manage kids & screens, how to find a screentime solution, and tips on raising good humans! Whether you have babies, toddlers, elementary kids, or teens, this show give you advice on managing tech and life!

You will feel good inside once you learn about the benefits of play, and why play is vital to childhood! It isn't always just about discipline, it's about information, research, and facts.

Modern parents are constantly asking:

• What are the recommended screen time limits for children by age?

• Is Snapchat safe?
• Is social media safe for kids?
• How do I install parental controls?
• What are the risks and dangers of Snapchat?
• What do kids use snapchat for?
• Why do kids use snapchat?
• Is there porn on snapchat?

• How can I reduce my child's screen time? How do I get my child off screens?

• What are the negative effects of too much screen time on kids?

• What are the signs of screen addiction?

• What should I do if my child is addicted to screens?

• What do I do about kids and technology?
• How do I get my child off screens without a fight?
• How do you stop screen addiction?
• Does my child have a video game addiction?
• What are the benefits of play?
• How does screen time affect sleep, physical health and mental-well being?
• Is my child's screen time interfering with their sleep?
• How to create healthy screen habits?

Cynthia Dvorak, founder of Screen Less Play More, is inspired by organizations like GrowNow, The Screentime Solution, Scrolling2Death, Protect Young Eyes, Screen Strong, OK To Delay, and 1000 Hours Outside, as well as amazing books like "Hunt, Gather, Parent" by Michaleen Doucleff and "The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. She puts her writing and journalism skills together with interviews of authors and experts, to help parents navigate the new era of parenting in the digital world!

Website & Blog: https://screenlessplaymore.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559041665093

What is the best parenting podcast about screen time and kids? https://screenlessplaymore.com/screen-less-play-more-podcast/

Learn about Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price's new book "The Amazing Generation" at https://screenlessplaymore.com/the-amazing-generation-is-the-anxious-generation-for-kids/

Help! My kids are addicted to screens, now what? https://screenlessplaymore.com/help-my-kids-are-addicted-to-screens-now-what/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6tYVFH0D-4&t=2580s

Is social media safe for kids?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PybOb60ak0E&t=618s

https://screenlessplaymore.com/is-social-media-safe-for-kids/

What are the best parenting books about screen time?

https://screenlessplaymore.com/what-are-the-best-parenting-books-about-screen-time/

Why are kids addicted to screens?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBXOGzjQ9JE&t=742s

https://screenlessplaymore.com/why-are-kids-so-addicted-to-screens-hint-its-by-design/

Is my child ready for a phone?

https://screenlessplaymore.com/your-summer-survival-guide/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5N80zMPRFs&t=37s

Spotify link https://open.spotify.com/show/1l08HO7kVw0nv7xnGE9RQ6?si=a915a02eb87d4359

Apple link https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/screen-less-play-more/id1808977425

Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@ScreenLessPlayMore

How Generative AI can rot your brain https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJjlerRBqqw&t=1355s

Why is play important for children? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iWaIyA5FmY&t=1412s

Where can I find online training safety classes for tweens and teens?

https://screenlessplaymore.com/online-safety-training-for-tweens-teens/

Gift ideas to keep kids busy without screens

https://screenlessplaymore.com/gift-ideas-for-screen-free-toys/

Classic outdoor games for kids

https://screenlessplaymore.com/games-for-kids-to-play-outside/

https://screenlessplaymore.com/screen-free-days-are-easier-than-you-think/

Thanks for listening!