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B.T.G.S. Daily Reporter Kathleen Ann Masciana is leading a petition advocating for legislation requiring AI chatbots designed for children to include robust parental controls, strict privacy protections, and age-appropriate content. This effort aims to ensure that technology provides a safe and supportive environment for children to learn, explore, and communicate while safeguarding their privacy and well-being. By driving awareness and encouraging public support, the initiative seeks meaningful change to protect all children online. Support this important cause by signing the petition at

In this episode of B.T.G.S. Daily, reporter Kathleen Masciana explores why it’s time to rethink how technology shapes childhood, drawing on insights from social psychologist Jonathan Haidt’s book The Anxious Generation and his article in The Guardian to explain how early smartphone use is linked to rising anxiety and loneliness in kids. She discusses the benefits of a play-based, real-world childhood and suggests waiting until high school before giving kids smartphones, recommending flip phones for staying in touch without constant distractions. Support Kathleen’s cause and help bring back genuine childhood experiences by signing her petition at https://chng.it/7H6ZJcmcp6

Wendy’s review

B.T.G.S. Daily explores New York’s statewide ban on cell phones and internet-enabled devices during K–12 school hours, including lunch and study halls, designed to reduce distractions and improve focus. Reporter Kathleen Masciana, a blind college student at Manhattanville University, navigates device policies set by individual professors, as the university does not ban phones outright. Using assistive technology such as a braille computer, tablet for note-taking, and Google Voice, she stays connected while complying with these rules. The episode highlights social psychologist Jonathan Haidt’s four essential norms for healthier childhoods in the digital age: no smartphones before high school, no social media before age 16, phone-free schools, and encouraging more free, independent play in the real world. Kathleen interviews her former high school technology teacher Ms. Tina Peretti to discuss the impact of these policies on student focus, safety, and well-being. Listen to the B.T.G.S. Daily wherever you get your podcasts. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-b-t-g-s-daily/id1834829855

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