This podcast episode delves into the critical discourse surrounding the navigation of the digital landscape for LGBTQ children and their parents. We commence by emphasizing the necessity of maintaining open lines of communication, particularly regarding online engagements and the inherent challenges that accompany them. Our esteemed guest, Sarah May, founder and CEO of the Start Effect, provides invaluable insights into fostering a safe and healthy digital presence. We further explore the paramount importance of teaching children about the nuances of sharing personal information online and the significance of establishing boundaries regarding their digital interactions. Ultimately, our discussion underscores the imperative of equipping both parents and children with the tools necessary to navigate the digital world effectively while fostering a supportive and understanding relationship.

Sarah Maynard is here with Heather today to talk about the digital world and your kids. She lays out some of the “shoulds” and “should-nots” of what your children are sharing online and highlights the important fact, that once it is out there, it is never going away. Sarah shares how to have the foundational conversations early on with your children so that when it comes to the harder stuff the digital world has to offer you can approach those together. Join Heather and Sarah as they talk all things digital.

 

Do not miss these highlights:

01:30 – Topic for today: The digital world and your kids

03:30 – The number one thing for parents to know

09:25 – What your kids should/should not be sharing online

13:49 – Once it’s out there, it’s never going away

14:11 – The effect of the digital world on college applications

19:42 – Knowing each app's privacy settings

20:18 – Conversations with kids about what they really want from this app

21:39 – The internet and LGBTQ+

25:13 – Empowering our children to say no or unfollow

26:21 – Positives of taking a break from social media

34:00 – Modelling social media use for our kids

39:00 – Interpersonal relationships

45:55 – New question and answer segment

Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!

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At the heart of my work is a deep commitment to compassion, authenticity, and transformative allyship, especially for those navigating the complexities of parenting LGBTQ+ kids. Through this podcast, speaking, my writing, and the spaces I create, I help people unlearn bias, embrace their full humanity, and foster courageous, compassionate connection.

If you’re in the thick of parenting, allyship, or pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and heart-warming stories, real tools, and grounding support to help you move from fear to fierce, informed action.

Whether you’re listening in, working with me directly, or quietly taking it all in—I see you. And I’m so glad you’re part of this journey.

 

 

About our guest:

Sarah Maynard is the founder and CEO of THE START EFFECT, a digital presence educational consulting company that teaches how to navigate the digital world and manage an online presence in a safe, healthy, and beneficial way.

Sarah is a passionate storyteller and a lifelong learner. She has worked with kids for almost 20 years and she is a children's book writer and illustrator and digital marketing communications strategist.

https://www.thestarteffect.com/challenge.html

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Questions Sarah is Always ready to Answer:

• What should and shouldn't we be sharing online?
• How do I find a balance between being online and unplugged?
• Why do I need an exit strategy online and how to create one?
• What is a digital audit and why is it important?
• What is a digital detox and how do I do one?
• How do I get my kid to talk to me about what they are doing online?
• How do I get my teen to get off their phone?
• What are the positives of my kid being online?
• Why is a ban on digital devices, not the answer when my kid "messes up" online?
• How do I keep my kids safe online?

Links in question and answer segment:

www.hrc.org

www.pflag.org

pewresearch.org

justfacts.votesmart.com

allsides.com

 

Takeaways:

• The podcast emphasizes the importance of open communication between parents and their LGBTQ children, fostering an environment where children feel safe to discuss their online experiences.
• Listeners are encouraged to engage with their children's interests in the digital world, such as playing video games together, to build rapport and trust.
• Parents are advised to educate themselves about the various social media platforms their children use, including understanding privacy settings and safety measures.
• The episode discusses the significance of teaching children about appropriate online behavior, particularly regarding personal information and sharing boundaries.
• It is crucial for parents to model self-regulation regarding screen time, which aids children in developing similar skills as they navigate their own digital lives.
• The conversation highlights the necessity for parents to stay informed on evolving digital trends and potential online dangers, ensuring they can guide their children effectively.

Links referenced in this episode:

• humanrightscampaign.org
• pflag.org
• pewresearch.org
• justfacts.votesmart.com
• allsides.com
• chrysalismama.com

More Human. More Kind. formerly Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen explores connection, courage, and community for every concerned parent, mom, or ally navigating fear, grief, and bigotry with hope, resilience, and empathy. Through open-minded education, inclusive parenting guidance, and advocacy for mental health and safety, we support LGBTQ youth and stand for human rights and social justice. More Human. More Kind. empowers listeners to shift their mindset, embrace activism and allyship, and lead with kindness, healing, and purpose.

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Blubrry - https://create.blubrry.com/resources/about-blubrry/privacy-policy