Parenting in the digital age is complicated—messy, emotionally intense, often uncertain, and more than ever, essential. In an eye-opening episode of the Screen Guardians podcast, host Katie speaks with her long-time friend, businesswoman, and devoted mother Jenny Taylor, who shares a deeply personal, challenging, and ultimately redemptive story about her family’s experience with tween cyberbullying.

This isn’t just a cautionary tale; it’s a call to action. One that challenges all caregivers to stay informed, stay present, and stay connected as they raise kids in today’s tech-driven world.

In a world that's increasingly dominated by screens, social media, and digital distractions, our children are growing up facing challenges that didn’t exist just a generation ago. At the Kids Digital Health Hub, we're committed to helping families understand these challenges — and most importantly — how to protect and support children as they grow up in a digital world.

In a recent episode of the Screen Guardians podcast, host Katie sat down with Kat Kaplan, a school counselor working primarily with fifth through eighth-grade students, to dig deep into the effects of digital exposure on children’s mental health.

Here’s what we learned from Kat — someone who is truly on the front lines of this growing issue.

Pornography and sex trafficking have a deeper link than many parents realize. With children encountering pornography as early as 10 years old, their vulnerability to online grooming and exploitation increases. This episode will uncover why parents need to be vigilant about internet safety for kids and practical steps you can take today.

---

In today’s hyper-connected world, children have access to the internet at their fingertips—but with this access comes invisible risks that many parents are unprepared for. One of the most alarming issues in our digital age is the link between pornography and sex trafficking. It’s a connection that isn’t just surprising but deeply troubling.

Did you know the average age of first exposure to pornography is just 12 years old? Or that predators and sex traffickers actively exploit this exposure to groom and manipulate children? While pornography might be portrayed as “harmless entertainment,” behind the scenes, it fuels an insidious cycle of exploitation and trafficking—one that impacts women, children, and even entire communities.

For parents, the question isn’t if your child will encounter explicit content online, but when. And as alarming as this may sound, there are concrete ways to prevent these dangers and empower your family.

This episode exposes the often-overlooked connection between pornography and trafficking. We’ll discuss how predators use digital platforms to exploit vulnerabilities, how early exposure to explicit content warps kids’ understanding of relationships, and—most importantly—how you can protect your children in an increasingly digital world. Let’s educate ourselves, stay vigilant, and take action together.

In a world where our children live increasingly online, predators are finding terrifyingly sophisticated ways to exploit them. One of the most alarming threats today is sextortion—a growing cybercrime that preys on young people’s trust and vulnerability, often with devastating consequences.

Imagine this: an innocent teenager unknowingly befriends someone online. What starts as lighthearted conversation escalates into something unimaginable—blackmail involving explicit photos or videos. This isn’t just some distant horror story; it’s happening to thousands of children worldwide, and the numbers are climbing.

In 2023 alone, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received over 26,000 reports of sextortion, a statistic that reflects the urgency of addressing this epidemic. That’s why this isn’t just a podcast episode—it’s a wake-up call.

In this episode, we’ll dive deep into:

• What sextortion is and how it works
• The skyrocketing rise of these cases in recent years
• Practical prevention strategies every parent must know
• What to do if your child has already been targeted

Together, we’ll cut through the fear, get to the facts, and arm you with the tools to safeguard your kids in the unpredictable digital world. If you're ready to take action and learn exactly how to protect your family, let’s get started.

The digital age has presented us with incredible opportunities to connect, learn, and grow — but it hasn’t come without its challenges, especially for parents striving to raise children in a world dominated by technology. As the host of our podcast, Screen Guardians, Katie Longhauser shares a personal, powerful story that gives meaning to our mission: protecting and preserving childhood as we continue to focus on the digital health of children.

Through her heartfelt testimony, Katie reveals how her life experiences have shaped her relentless drive to empower parents, schools, and communities with the tools they need to keep children safe in today’s digital landscape. Her mission is rooted not just in professional expertise, but in deeply personal encounters with trauma, resilience, and ultimately, faith.

Full Shownotes here: https://kidsdigitalhealthhub.com/digital-health-for-children/

In our latest podcast episode, Katie Longhauser—mom and advocate for digital health—sat down with Kevin Crosser, an experienced detective working on the frontlines of internet crimes against children. Together, they explored the unsettling realities of online threats, but more importantly, shared actionable ways parents can step up to protect their children.

Let’s dive into the highlights of this eye-opening conversation, where we uncover not only the dangers of the digital age but also the tools and strategies to safeguard childhood.

https://kidsdigitalhealthhub.com/protecting-childhood-in-a-digital-world/