In this episode of the Entropy podcast, host Francis Gorman speaks with Katie Colgan, an application security professional and advocate for women in tech, about the critical issue of online safety for children. They discuss the various threats children face in the digital world, the importance of parental involvement in cybersecurity, and the challenges of balancing screen time with real-life interactions. Katie shares insights on the potential dangers of child-focused devices and the implications of monitoring children's online activities. The conversation emphasizes the need for open communication between parents and children regarding technology use and the importance of setting boundaries to ensure a safe digital environment.

Takeaways

• Parents should start discussing online safety as soon as children use technology.
• Supervision is crucial as children engage with tech at a young age.
• Understanding the apps children use is essential for parents.
• Monitoring devices can lead to trust issues between parents and children.
• Privacy concerns arise when third-party companies monitor children's data.
• Children's online interactions can expose them to risks from unknown users.
• Balancing screen time with real-life activities is important for children's development.
• Parents need to set boundaries around technology use for their children.
• The decision to step back from a career can be driven by family priorities.
• Empowering children with knowledge about tech is vital for their safety.

Sound Bites

• "Kids are not built to live on their screens."
• "You don't know who works for that company."
• "We are there to help them become functional adults."
• "Tech is wonderful, but it brings problems."
• "It's a conversation about boundaries."
• "You're giving the world access to your child."