In this episode, Darren takes a candid look at a challenge many schools and presenters face: low parent turnout for digital literacy and internet safety sessions, even when those very sessions are requested by parents and caregivers themselves.

Despite rising concerns around screen time, sextortion, cyberbullying, online predators, and AI generated content, most parent education nights are sparsely attended. So, what’s going on?

Darren unpacks six of the most common reasons parents give for not showing up, from busy schedules to believing their child is “a good kid”, and challenges each with thoughtful, experience-backed insight. Drawing on over three decades in law enforcement and over 655,000 student interactions through The White Hatter’s programs, Darren explains why education before exposure is key, why filters and monitoring tools aren’t enough, and why good kids can still make risky choices in today’s “onlife” world.

This isn’t a call-out, it’s a call-in. A reminder that meaningful digital parenting requires more than concern. It requires action.

If you’ve ever skipped a parent night thinking, “We’re fine,” or “I already know this stuff,” this is the episode you need to hear. Because when it comes to keeping kids safe online, nothing replaces a parent who’s informed, involved, and ready to meet their child in the digital spaces they already live in.

In this episode of The White Hatter: Parenting in an Online World, we tackle the growing influence of AI chatbots in the lives of youth and teens. From homework help to emotional support and even digital companionship, these tools are no longer just futuristic experiments, they’re quietly becoming part of daily life for many kids. Drawing on peer-reviewed research, real conversations with youth, and national survey data, Darren unpacks how AI chatbots are being used, what risks and benefits they bring, and why parental involvement matters now more than ever.

We explore three main uses, academic support, advice seeking, and emotional connection, and highlight how tools like ChatGPT, My AI on Snapchat, and Character.ai are shaping how youth think, feel, and relate. Most importantly, we offer practical, realistic steps for parents and caregivers to help guide their kids through this evolving tech landscape with curiosity, confidence, and care.

This episode isn’t about fear, it’s about facts. It’s not about banning AI, it’s about building trust and digital literacy. If you’ve ever wondered what role chatbots are playing in your child’s life, this conversation is for you.

In this episode of The White Hatter: Parenting in an Online World, we dive into an issue that’s become more relevant than ever, when harm happens to teens online, where does parental accountability begin, and does it end with tech companies?

Host Darren Laur explores why it’s important to distinguish between blame and accountability in the digital parenting conversation. Drawing from decades of experience and conversations with families, we unpack why placing all the responsibility on platforms and ignoring the role of parents can leave teens more vulnerable.

You’ll hear insights on how to prepare kids with the right skills, boundaries, and support before giving them access to the digital world. We also share practical tips for building trust, setting structure, and having the hard conversations early—before a crisis hits.

This isn’t about guilt. It’s about growth. It’s about being present, not perfect.

In this episode of The White Hatter: Parenting in an Online World, Darren explores one of the most common dilemmas modern parents face: why some well-meaning caregivers choose to allow their children access to technology or social media platforms before they’re age-appropriate—and what that choice might mean in the long run.

From feeling pressure to be the "cool" parent, to being worn down by daily arguments, to believing “my kid is different,” Darren walks listeners through the most common justifications he’s heard from families across North America—and gently challenges each one with insight, research, and real-world examples.

This episode isn’t about judgment. It’s about equipping parents and caregivers with the critical thinking tools needed to make informed decisions in a digital world where child development and online design don’t always align.

In this episode of The White Hatter: Parenting in an Online World, host Darren Laur tackles a rising trend in digital parenting: the push to delay or outright ban youth access to technology. With a focus on facts over fear, Darren challenges the “delay is the way” narrative and questions whether emotional headlines are clouding the judgment of parents, educators, and policymakers.

Drawing from thousands of presentations, current research, and real-world insight, this episode unpacks the flaws in reactionary tech restrictions, the harm of guilt-based messaging, and the unintended consequences of banning technology rather than teaching responsible use. Darren explains why readiness is about maturity, not just age, and offers practical parenting tips to build digital literacy, trust, and resilience.

Listeners will leave with a clearer understanding of why education, not abstinence, is the smarter path forward—and how empowering young people through guided digital engagement prepares them for the “onlife” world they’re already part of.

In this episode of The White Hatter: Parenting in an Online World, titled "When Tragedy Strikes: A Hard Look at Parenting in the Age of Technology", we confront the heartbreaking reality of a 10-year-old girl lured and abducted through platforms like Discord and Roblox. While the predator is solely to blame for the crime, we take a deeper look at the broader systems at play such as Big Tech, weak legislation, and yes, the crucial role of parental oversight. This isn’t about blame, it’s about responsibility. We explore how digital safety depends on a three-part foundation: industry accountability, government regulation, and, most importantly, active, informed parenting. Through straight talk, real examples, and actionable advice, we offer a path forward for families navigating our always-on, always-connected world. If you're ready for an honest conversation that goes beyond headlines, let’s get into it.

In this episode of The White Hatter: Parenting in an Online World, we tackle one of the most debated questions today: Does social media cause mental health issues in youth? Host Darren invites parents, caregivers, and educators to move beyond fear and media headlines to explore what the actual research says. Drawing from over 57 peer-reviewed studies, he breaks down the complexity behind youth mental health and highlights why it's not as simple as blaming screens or smartphones. From confounding factors like family violence and academic stress to the surprising benefits of tech in certain contexts, this episode offers a balanced, evidence-informed perspective on how we can better support kids in today’s onlife world.

Article "Does Technology + Social Media = Mental Health Issues For All Youth? We Need To Reframe the Question!

https://www.thewhitehatter.ca/post/does-technology-social-media-mental-health-issues-for-all-youth-we-need-to-reframe-the-question

In this episode of The White Hatter: Parenting in an Online World, we challenge the tired narrative that teens are addicted, detached, or digitally doomed. Titled “The Resilient Generation: How Teens Are Using Phones and Technology to Build Balance & Healthy Lives”, we explore the real-world ways youth are integrating technology into their lives with creativity, awareness, and purpose. Drawing from our direct experience with over 655,000 teens across North America, and grounded in peer-reviewed research—not panic—we highlight how youth are using tech to learn, connect, create, exercise, advocate, and grow. From education and mental health to entrepreneurship and civic action, this episode reframes the conversation and equips parents, educators, and caregivers with the perspective needed to support—not restrict—the next generation of digital leaders.