In this powerful episode with Jess Leslie, Director of Online Protection Programs at ChildFund International, we uncover the unsettling truth about digital childhoods—and what it means when a child says, “There are a lot of people here today,” while playing a game. Jess shares how a career in combating gender-based violence and child exploitation led her to the frontlines of online safety, where the threats are invisible but deeply real. Key highlights include:

• Jess’s journey from tackling human trafficking to leading child online protection across 24 countries
• Why screen time limits aren’t enough—and the deeper conversations families need to be having
• The importance of trust-building over rule-setting when guiding children online
• Insights into how trauma and digital risks intersect in today’s childhoods
• How ChildFund is driving global change through education, policy, and platform accountability
• Practical tips for parents: from asking the right questions to creating safe digital spaces at home

Let’s empower families and reshape the digital landscape, together.

In this insightful conversation with Cyberlite co-founder Nina Bual, we explore the critical landscape of children's online safety across the globe. Nina shares personal experiences as both a tech entrepreneur and mother of 3, revealing how even cyber experts face challenges protecting their own children online. Key highlights include:

• Nina's journey founding Cyberlite, which now provides accessible cyber safety education in 16 countries
• The six core online risks all children face, from cyberbullying to digital identity management
• Why accessibility in online safety education is crucial, with 95% of Cyberlite's resources available for free
• Practical advice for parents navigating gaming platforms and AI risks
• The importance of open communication rather than device confiscation when addressing online issues
• Nina's vision for "safety by design" - where technology defaults to child-safe settings rather than adult ones

Let’s empower families and reshape the digital landscape, together.

1. Why most online grooming happens with people kids already know

Debbie breaks the myth of “stranger danger” online and explains why trusted adults can be the real threat in digital spaces.

2. What good digital parenting looks like today
From avoiding surveillance-style monitoring to asking curious, open-ended questions, Debbie outlines practical ways to raise safe and confident digital citizens.

3. The emotional toll of being constantly online
The episode explores how online exclusion and social dynamics, like not being added to a WhatsApp group, can deeply affect children’s mental health.

4. How schools and parents can work together to create safer online environments
Debbie shares stories from working with educators, emphasizing the importance of aligned policies and consistent boundaries for adults interacting with students online.

5. Where AI fits into the conversation around child safety
While AI can detect harmful content, Debbie explains how it’s also being used to create abuse, making regulation, awareness, and ethical tech design more urgent than ever.

Let’s empower families and reshape the digital landscape, together.