In this episode of Into the Digital Future, Dr. Sameer Hinduja, Co-Director of the Cyberbullying Research Center, joins hosts Laura Higgins and Jordan Shapiro to explore the complexities of youth behavior in digital spaces. From the concerning phenomenon of digital self-harm to the role of social media in fostering connection and support, Dr. Hinduja shares his insights on building empathy, resilience, and safer online environments. This thought-provoking discussion offers valuable perspectives for parents, educators, and policymakers navigating the challenges of the digital age.

Join hosts Jordan Shapiro and Laura Higgins in this episode of 'Into the Digital Future', featuring special guest Dr. Erlanger Turner, founder and executive director of Therapy for Black Kids and author of Raising Resilient Black Kids. This episode dives into how intersectionality affects mental health in the digital age, particularly for Black youth. Dr. Turner discusses both the positive and negative impacts of social media, emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing these challenges. The conversation also covers the misuse of mental health terminology, strategies for parents to manage their teens' social media use, and the necessity of inclusive, supportive online spaces. Additionally, Dr. Turner promotes his new book, 'Raising Resilient Black Kids,' offering practical advice for parents and caregivers.

In this episode of 'Into the Digital Future,' hosts Laura Higgins and Jordan Shapiro speak with psychologist and author Dr. Lisa Damour about the complex emotional lives of teenagers and their digital habits. The discussion highlights self-care through technology, the impact of social media algorithms, and strategies for parents to support their teenagers' mental health. Dr. Damour emphasizes the importance of understanding each child's unique needs and provides practical advice for managing risks and encouraging positive digital habits. The conversation covers both the potential harms and benefits of technology, advocating for balanced and informed approaches to adolescent digital interactions.

In this episode of Into the Digital Future, Shuli Gilutz speaks with Jordan Shapiro and Laura Higgins about the Responsible Innovation in Technology for Children (RITEC) initiative, led by The LEGO Group and UNICEF and funded by the LEGO Foundation. They discuss the RITEC-8 framework, developed through research conducted with over 750 children in 18 countries. Shuli discusses the release of the RITEC Design Toolbox, which has been created as a set of tools for design teams to support their integration of these ideas in their work designing digital play. Tune in to learn how well-designed digital play experiences can help foster children’s well-being.

Lucha Sotomayor, distinguished child participation expert and digital rights advocate, joins Laura and Jordan for an impactful conversation on enhancing child safety online. Lucha brings her experiences from her significant role in the United Nations Protection through Online Participation (POP) project, an initiative aimed at utilizing the Internet as a tool for child protection and empowerment. She discusses the intricacies of the project and how it's changing the way we understand children's online experiences. Together, they delve into the current dynamics of online youth participation and the proactive measures being implemented through POP to promote their safety and rights.

Jaspal Sandhu, Executive Vice President at Hopelab, discusses the organization's impactful work in youth mental health and well-being. With a strong focus on equity for LGBTQ+ youth and youth of color, Jaspal delves into the positive possibilities of technology and the importance of involving young people as active partners in shaping solutions within the responsible technology movement.

Our guest for this episode of Into the Digital Future is Dr. Melissa C. Mercado, a lead researcher at the CDC who is working to address the challenges of digital harassment and online safety. With Laura and Jordan, Dr. Mercado delves into the world of online bullying, cyberbullying, and their impact on well-being. Melissa highlights the real-life consequences of online violence and emphasizes leveraging online spaces for positive connections and skill-building.

Laura and Jordan are joined by Amanda Third, Associate Professor at the University of Western Sydney and co-author of the UN's Digital Rights of the Child. Amanda shares her participatory research approach that empowers children as active contributors to data on their digital experiences. As part of the Global Kids Online initiative, she highlights the digital challenges kids face and calls for adult support and effective policies. Tune in to understand how we can create a future where children can imaginatively harness digital technology.