In this episode of Doing Tech Right, Kerry Gallagher and Larry Magid explore how conversational AI can feel human, why that can be both useful and risky, and what it means for children, families, and educators.

They discuss the importance of verifying AI-generated information, helping young people use AI to support rather than replace learning, and the growing concerns around AI deepfakes and “nudification,” especially targeting girls.

Drawing on recent audience questions from a California event on women and girls’ online safety, they offer practical advice for parents, schools, and young people on responding to emerging risks while keeping the focus on resilience, media literacy, and informed, not fear-based, decisions. 

00:00 Welcome to Doing Tech
00:29 In Person Again
01:19 Before AI Era
01:46 Why AI Feels Human
04:07 Verify Before You Trust
06:18 Kids Using AI for School
07:58 Smart Homework Examples
09:35 Deepfakes Targeting Girls
11:18 What Is Nudification
13:22 If It Happens Tell Someone
14:21 Building Trusted Adults Network
15:23 From Deepfakes to Sextortion
16:15 Sextortion First Steps
16:30 You Are Not To Blame
17:45 Law Enforcement Perspective
18:59 School Response Playbook
20:46 Handling The Classmate
22:10 Accountability And Motives
24:06 Talking About Deepfakes
26:54 Parenting Without Fear
28:46 Resilience And Wrap Up

Larry is joined by Trisha Prabhu, who created the Rethink app at 13 to prompt users to pause before posting potentially harmful words.

Now in law school, Prabhu leads Rethink Citizens, a nonprofit focused on K–12 education and empowerment through a youth incubator for ideas to improve the internet, training students to deliver social media safety workshops for parents, and digital literacy education.

They discuss digital parenting strategies for young children, the limits and drawbacks of social media bans versus common-sense regulation, and how AI shifts risks toward deepfakes, truth and democracy concerns, and platform liability. They also address young-adult issues like harassment, reliance on social media for connection, online activism, and building resilience after harm.

Larry hosts Amanda Lenhart to discuss her newest study for the Joan Ganz Cooney Center, where kids and parents used playful activities to surface challenges and brainstorm solutions for managing technology at home.

Lenhart explains a key takeaway: digital parenting is cyclical—families repeatedly research, adopt, “unbox,” and then continually manage devices as children mature and new tools arrive—creating exhaustion but also building experience parents can reuse. They compare tech safety to car safety (airbags, seat belts, car seats), arguing for stronger safety-by-design defaults alongside optional fine-grained controls.

They discuss shifting risks, moral panics, rapid tech change, platform incentives, social media age bans, and the importance of respectful, ongoing conversations focused on maturity signals, balance, and scaffolding kids toward independent digital adulthood.

00:00 Welcome to Doing Tech
00:29 Meet Amanda Lenhart
01:05 Inside the Cooney Study
01:40 Playful Co Design Methods
03:18 Why Younger Kids Matter
06:27 Joan Ganz Cooney Center
07:25 Parenting Tech Cycle
11:29 Exhausted Parents Burden
14:01 Safety by Design Defaults
16:38 How Tech Has Changed
17:49 Perjuvenile and Risk Fears
19:14 Media Narratives vs Data
21:34 Meta Verdict Turning Point
22:22 Why Change Fails Inside Big Tech
25:20 Tech Change Outpaces Research
26:41 Parent Talks Not Lectures
27:48 Maturity Signals For Devices
 29:37 Holding The Line With Teens
32:15 Bans And Digital Adulthood
33:26 Australia Under 16 Ban
35:26 Youth Pushback And Analog Trends
38:40 From Attention To Attachment AI
43:04 Parent Advice Balance Over Bans
45:31 Neurodivergent Kids And Gaming Wins
46:35 Closing Thoughts And Optimism

This week Larry Magid interviews Shea Gardner, director of policy and research for LGBT Tech, about LGBTQ+ experiences online and the organization’s policy work.

Gardner shares that LGBTQ+ people rely on digital spaces for community and resources but face worse socioeconomic outcomes and persistent online hate that reflects worsening real-world hostility; annual polling shows LGBTQ+ users report severe harassment yet still often feel safer online than offline.

They discuss how youth-safety legislation, bans, and mandated parental controls can unintentionally censor or endanger youth who need online lifelines, emphasizing education and digital literacy.

Gardner describes LGBT Tech’s approach to being “at the table” in policy debates and shares practical safety tips like blocking keywords and an upcoming resource compiling moderation tools across platforms. 

00:00 Welcome to Doing Tech Right
00:30 Meet Shea Gardner
01:23 What LGBT Tech Does
02:55 Online Harassment Today
04:55 Youth Safety Laws Risks
05:37 Parental Controls Tradeoffs
09:26 Policy Work and Inclusion
10:59 Staying Safe on Platforms
13:08 2026 Priorities and AI
16:42 How AI Can Exclude
18:43 Romance Chatbots Debate
23:34 AI as Mental Health Lifeline
26:26 Wrap Up and Credits

In honor of Safer Internet Day on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, this special podcast episode features ConnectSafely’s education director, Kerry Gallagher, in conversation with Mikki Wilson, the National PTA's Connected National Ambassador. 

They’re joined by members of both organizations’ youth advisory councils, along with parents, for a thoughtful discussion on online safety and digital wellbeing.

In this episode of Doing Tech Right, host Larry Magid interviews Ovee, a high school student and founder of the nonprofit 'Tech Me Kid.' The organization connects tech-savvy teens with senior citizens in need of technology assistance.

Ovee discusses the importance of digital literacy for seniors, the wide spectrum of tech abilities among older adults, and the significance of cybersecurity. She also shares her experiences as part of Snap's Youth Advisory Council, addressing online safety and the rapid pace of technological change.

Listen in to learn more about this innovative intergenerational program making a global impact.

00:00 Introduction to Doing Tech Right
00:29 Meet Ovee: Founder of Tech ME Kid 
01:11 Bridging the Tech Gap for Seniors
03:42 Challenges and Solutions in Tech Education for Seniors
04:38 The Role of Cybersecurity and AI
05:42 Training Teen Volunteers
08:41 The Rapid Pace of Technological Change
17:43 Snap's Youth Advisory Council
22:03 Global Reach of Tech Me Kid
 23:02 Final Thoughts on Online Safety
23:57 Credits and Closing Remarks

Understanding and Combatting Online Financial Scams Targeting Teens | With Vicki Shotbolt

In this episode, we speak with Vicki Shotbolt, Founder and CEO of the UK-based organization Parent Zone.

Vicki discusses the pressing issues surrounding online financial scams targeting British teens and young people. We delve into various forms of digital financial complexities, including skin gambling, identity theft, and money muling.

Vicki also provides practical advice for parents and young people on recognizing and recovering from scams. The conversation emphasizes the importance of financial literacy, open communication, and proactive measures to safeguard young people in the digital world.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:44 Financial Scams and Literacy Among Teens
02:47 Gambling and Skin Gambling Explained
06:01 Scams Beyond Gambling
15:08 Parental Guidance and Financial Education
22:59 Final Thoughts and Encourageme

In this episode of Doing Tech Right, host Larry Magid converses with Katelynn Nguyen, a high school senior and advocate for digital wellbeing, about the pressing issues of online trafficking, and sextortion.

Katelynn, a member of Snapchat's Teen Council and founder of Truth Unchained, shares her personal experiences and insights into combating gender-based violence and promoting safe online practices.

They discuss the common misconceptions about trafficking, the nuances of sextortion, and the importance of educating youth on digital risks. The episode also highlights the delicate balance between creating awareness and instilling fear, emphasizing the necessity of candid conversations on these critical topics.

00:00 Introduction to Doing Tech Right
00:28 Meet Katelynn: Youth Advocate
01:14 Katelynn's Personal Story and Motivation
02:25 Understanding Gender-Based Online Violence
03:12 The Reality of Human Trafficking in the U.S.
03:39 Misconceptions About Trafficking
05:26 The Subtlety of Trafficking and Manipulation
08:28 Grooming and Sextortion: A Closer Look
17:30 The Risks and Realities of Sexting
22:08 Balancing Awareness and Fear
25:38 The Importance of Youth Voices
27:03 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Larry Magid hosts Imran Ahmed, founder and CEO of the Center for Combating Digital Hate, on the 'Doing Tech Right' podcast. They discuss the prevalence and amplification of hate on social media platforms, the algorithms that drive engagement through controversial content, and the impacts of online hate and conspiracy theories on children.

Imran shares insights into how social media algorithms target vulnerable users and the urgent need for regulatory reform. He emphasizes the importance of parental involvement in children's online experiences and supports measures like the Kids Online Safety Act to protect young users.

00:00 Introduction to Doing Tech Right
00:29 A Timely Episode on Digital Hate
01:47 Interview with Imran Ahmed
02:02 The Business of Hate on Social Media
03:50 The Evolution of Free Speech Perspectives
11:56 The Impact of Hate Speech on Children
15:13 The Role of Algorithms in Spreading Harmful Content
19:31 The Need for Systemic Reform
25:52 Protecting Kids Online
28:31 Conclusion and Credits

Larry Magid hosts Erin Williamson, Chief Program & Strategy Officer at Love146, to discuss child trafficking, exploitation, and the role of trauma-informed care, prevention, and education.

They delve into the distinction between online and offline predators, effective parental strategies, and the portrayal of trafficking in media versus reality. The episode also covers the impact of online rumors, proactive communication with children, and the importance of resilience and open dialogue in preventing exploitation.

00:00 Introduction to Doing Tech Right
00:29 Meet Erin Williamson: Advocate Against Child Trafficking
01:10 Understanding Child Trafficking and Exploitation
03:34 Online Predators and Child Safety
05:45 Teaching Kids About Online Safety
07:39 Sex Trafficking vs. Other Exploitations
08:52 Recognizing Signs of Exploitation
17:44 Debunking Internet Rumors and Conspiracies
21:08 Resources and Hotlines for Help
23:20 Addressing Sextortion and Its Impact
27:23 Empowering Children and Moving Forward
29:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts