How can parents teach kids to think critically, tell truth from falsehood, and navigate an online world filled with AI-generated content and misinformation?

In this episode of Where Parents Talk, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Matthew Johnson, Director of Education at MediaSmarts, about practical ways parents can build digital media literacy at home.

Discover how to talk to your kids about honesty, praise effort over results, and foster open communication in a digital age where AI, deepfakes, and disinformation are shaping childhood experiences.

Johnson shares practical strategies for parents to engage in ongoing conversations with their kids about their media consumption, ensuring that they feel comfortable discussing any issues that arise.

He also provides actionable techniques for discerning credible information, such as using curated sources and leveraging technology effectively. As families navigate this rapidly changing landscape, fostering critical thinking and emotional intelligence will be key to ensuring that children thrive both online and offline.

Takeaways:

• The importance of effective communication with your children about their media usage cannot be overstated—fostering open dialogue is key.
• Understanding the rapidly evolving nature of AI and its implications on academic honesty is crucial for today's parents and teens.
• Teaching kids about consent and relationships in the digital age helps them navigate the complexities of social media interactions safely.
• Promoting discipline in device usage and encouraging kids to focus on effort rather than just outcomes can significantly affect their emotional health.
• Parents should actively engage with their children's media lives, creating an environment where discussing experiences with digital content is normalized.
• A healthy balance between skepticism and trust in information sources is essential for developing critical thinking skills in young adults.

Links referenced in this episode:

• whereparentstalk.com
• tineye.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• MediaSmarts

This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.

You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.