Doing Tech Right

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

We’re moving from the first season of our podcast, where we asked, “Are We Doing Tech Right?” to a new title: Doing Tech Right. This episode marks a fresh chapter, with a deeper focus on actionable advice and tips that make parenting and educating with technology easier.

Navigating First Devices: Phones, Tablets, and Timing
Larry Magid, CEO of ConnectSafely, is joined by our education director, Kerry Gallagher. They dive into the big question: When is the right time to get your child their first device, and how can you help them stay safe while building those critical thinking skills that will last a lifetime?

Larry speaks with Maya Whitaker of the Bay Area Urban Debate League about how debate fosters critical thinking and respectful dialogue. They discuss how learning to argue both sides of an issue can help students navigate social media, avoid echo chambers, and better understand complex, often divisive topics.

Kate Lincoln Goldfinch, CEO and founding attorney of Lincoln Goldfinch Law, joins us to discuss how technology impacts immigration policy and enforcement.

She shares the challenges and complexities faced by immigrants, particularly under heightened enforcement, technology's role in tracking and detaining individuals based on social media activity, and the spread of misinformation.

Additionally, Kate explores the positive aspects of technology, such as enabling communication and money transfers for immigrants. The episode highlights tensions between free speech and surveillance, as well as the difficulties immigration attorneys face in disseminating accurate information online.

Kate Lincoln Goldfinch, CEO and founding attorney of Lincoln Goldfinch Law, joins us to discuss how technology impacts immigration policy and enforcement.

She shares the challenges and complexities faced by immigrants, particularly under heightened enforcement, technology's role in tracking and detaining individuals based on social media activity, and the spread of misinformation. Additionally, Kate explores the positive aspects of technology, such as enabling communication and money transfers for immigrants.

The episode highlights tensions between free speech and surveillance, as well as the difficulties immigration attorneys face in disseminating accurate information online.