This episode explores the growing risk of AI-generated deepfakes and non-consensual intimate images, and what this means for children and families.

Anna explains how easily realistic images and videos can now be created using widely available apps, often without technical skill, age checks, or safeguards. While much public attention has focused on one platform, the reality is that hundreds of tools already exist that allow people to manipulate images, remove clothing, or generate explicit content of real people without consent.

Crucially, this is not just about adults harming children. Increasingly, these tools are being used in child-on-child abuse, bullying, blackmail, and sextortion. Even creating or requesting these images, whether shared or not, can now constitute a criminal offence.

The episode also highlights a second major risk: AI chatbots. Many children and teenagers are using chatbots as confidants, friends, or emotional support, often without adults realising. Unlike trusted adults, these tools cannot safeguard, escalate concerns, or protect young people. In some cases, they have actively provided harmful or inappropriate advice.

The key message for parents and carers is clear: this is a fast-moving space, and nobody is expected to know everything. What matters most is keeping conversations open, calm, and ongoing so children feel safe to speak up, ask questions, and seek real human support.

Learn more or get support: www.screen-safe.co.uk

Send me an instant voicemail : https://www.speakpipe.com/screensafe

Send me an email : [email protected]

This episode is a little different. Instead of a typical conversation or topic deep dive, I’m sharing the full replay of a recent Online Safety Leadership Briefing I delivered for schools. It was created for headteachers, DSLs, safeguarding leads and governors, and the aim was simple: to give a clear, current picture of what children are really experiencing online in 2025.

You will hear the full session exactly as it was delivered, including the live Q&A at the end. The content is practical, honest and designed to help schools understand the fast moving risks around AI chatbots, deepfakes, gaming platforms, nudify apps, social media trends and online exploitation. It also highlights how these behaviours are showing up in classrooms and pastoral teams every day, along with ideas for improving parent engagement and whole school safeguarding.

Please be aware that this episode includes discussion of sensitive topics including self harm, online grooming, sextortion and harmful content. Nothing graphic is described, but listener discretion is advised.

If you prefer to watch the full video recording, it is available here: https://youtu.be/nVVZ-3afg70

If you work in education or safeguarding, this will give you a strong overview of the issues shaping online safety right now and practical steps you can start to build into your approach.

Learn more or get support: www.screen-safe.co.uk

Send me an instant voicemail : https://www.speakpipe.com/screensafe

Send me an email : [email protected]

What does online safety really look like in 2025?

In this hard-hitting episode, Anna Sarjantson, founder of Screen-Safe, joins Michelle Edmondson on the Talent First podcast to talk openly about the very real risks our children face online — and what we, as adults, must do about it.

They explore the uncomfortable rise of AI-generated boyfriends like Bad Rudy, the rise in sextortion and anonymous group chats, and the role platforms like TikTok and OnlyFans are playing in shaping a child’s digital worldview. But this isn’t a fear-mongering conversation — it’s about awareness, empowerment and action.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, HR leader or carer, this is a powerful, practical listen that will shift your perspective and strengthen your digital toolkit.

🎧 Hit play, take notes — and please, share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Learn more or get support: www.screen-safe.co.uk

Send me an instant voicemail : https://www.speakpipe.com/screensafe

Send me an email : [email protected]

In this short but powerful episode, Anna explores a feeling many parents and carers know too well: digital parenting anxiety. With the rise of social media, gaming, and constant online exposure, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or guilty about getting it “right.” Anna shares a calm, grounded perspective on how to move from fear to confidence, helping you build a stronger connection with your child while keeping the online world in balance.

Learn how to:

• Recognise the signs of digital parenting anxiety
• Stay calm and connected when things go wrong online
• Replace panic with curiosity and conversation
• Set healthy tech habits and model them at home

It’s not about controlling everything - it’s about creating an open door where your child feels safe to talk, no matter what happens online.

Join Anna’s Protect and Connect membership for regular tools, resources, and up-to-date guidance on raising digitally confident kids: screen-safe.co.uk.

Learn more or get support: www.screen-safe.co.uk

Send me an instant voicemail : https://www.speakpipe.com/screensafe

Send me an email : [email protected]

Roblox has become one of the biggest digital playgrounds in children’s lives - but what exactly is it, and how safe is it? In this episode, Anna breaks down what Roblox really is (hint: it’s not just one game), explores why it’s so popular with kids and teens, and looks at both the creative opportunities and online risks parents should be aware of.

You’ll learn what terms like “obby games,” “avatars,” and “private servers” mean, how Robux works, and how to help your child stay safe, balanced, and in control while playing.

A must-listen for any parent wanting to understand the world their child loves - and how to keep it positive, healthy, and screen-safe.

Learn more or get support: www.screen-safe.co.uk

Send me an instant voicemail : https://www.speakpipe.com/screensafe

Send me an email : [email protected]

Chatbots, Companion AI & Kids: What You Need to Know Now

This week I’m diving into a fast-moving issue that’s flown under the radar for many parents: the rise of AI companions, chatbots, and “My AI” tools inside apps like Snapchat, Character AI, and more.

What starts as fun and friendly can quickly spiral into emotionally manipulative, inappropriate, or even dangerous conversations - especially when kids treat these bots like real friends.

I’ll walk you through:

🧠 Why these bots are so appealing to children and teens

🚨 What the real risks are (even if your child says “it’s just a bit of fun”)

📱 How to check out these apps safely and understand what your child might encounter

💬 What kinds of conversations to have at home to build awareness and resilience

This is a must-listen for parents, carers, and educators. Please share this episode widely - the more we know, the more we can protect.

Learn more or get support: www.screen-safe.co.uk

Learn more or get support: www.screen-safe.co.uk

Send me an instant voicemail : https://www.speakpipe.com/screensafe

Send me an email : [email protected]

In this episode, Anna explores the emotional and digital leap that happens when children move from primary to secondary school.

It’s a huge milestone - not just socially and academically, but digitally too.

Suddenly there are phones, group chats, friendship shifts, and pressure to grow up fast. Your child might still enjoy a bedtime cuddle, but feel pushed to act like a teenager in school corridors.

🎒 Anna shares:

• Why the transition can be harder than expected
• The digital pressures many Year 7s are quietly navigating
• Why “not having Snapchat” can feel like social isolation
• Tips for handling online group chats, social media, and the changing dynamic at home
• How to support your child emotionally and digitally without judgement or fear

Whether your child is starting Year 7 or you're preparing for next year, this episode will help you feel more informed, less overwhelmed, and ready to support your child through this massive shift.

🎧 Listen in and feel less alone - because you’re not the only one navigating this.

🧠 Learn more at www.screen-safe.co.uk

📥 Subscribe to Anna’s newsletter and get tools, support, and updates

Learn more or get support: www.screen-safe.co.uk

Send me an instant voicemail : https://www.speakpipe.com/screensafe

Send me an email : [email protected]

In this episode I am joined by PC Paul Evans, of North Yorkshire. He shares his experience of seeing the rise of crime online and ways in which predators target children and teens online. This is happening everywhere, including the 'nice school' and communities out in rural areas. If you have a child who has access to WIFI then this is a must listen.

Learn more or get support: www.screen-safe.co.uk

Send me an instant voicemail : https://www.speakpipe.com/screensafe

Send me an email : [email protected]

September, back to school - it's a BUSY time for parents. How much admin?!?

I hope your child(ren) has settled into their new year ok so far without too many bumps in the road.

It's no wonder online safety can take a back seat in many households due to everything else going on. BUT it's actually a time where the risks can creep up due to a number of factors.

In this episode, I'm going to talk about why this is a particularly common time for more risky behaviours happening and introduce you to my 'Back To School Online Safety Starter Kit' that will help all parents understand what those risks are, where to priorities your focus and most importantly what action to take. 

Launching in the last week of September this will be a great resource, especially if your child is in Years 5 - 8, or recently go their first phone.

Grab the link above to benefit from this early bird off of just £27! Price will increase to £47 in October. 

Hope to see you there

Anna

Thank you for listening. I'd really appreciate it if you could share with anyone else who could find this podcast helpful!

You can follow me on Instagram @screensafeglobal or sign up to receive my newsletter with more tips, tools and support at www.screen-safe.co.uk

Thanks for listening!

Anna

Grab my free PDF & Audio guide for my top 3 essential steps to keep your Child (7 - 12yrs) safe online here: https://screensafe.vipmembervault.com/3tweentips

Follow on Instagram Screen-Safe - Online Safety for Kids & Parents & Schools (@screensafeglobal) | Instagram

Learn more or get support: www.screen-safe.co.uk

Send me an instant voicemail : https://www.speakpipe.com/screensafe

Send me an email : [email protected]

Thank you for listening. I'd really appreciate it if you could share with anyone else who could find this podcast helpful!

You can follow me on Instagram @screensafeglobal or sign up to receive my newsletter with more tips, tools and support at www.screen-safe.co.uk

Thanks for listening!

Anna

Grab my free PDF & Audio guide for my top 3 essential steps to keep your Child (7 - 12yrs) safe online here: https://screensafe.vipmembervault.com/3tweentips

Follow on Instagram Screen-Safe - Online Safety for Kids & Parents & Schools (@screensafeglobal) | Instagram

Learn more or get support: www.screen-safe.co.uk

Send me an instant voicemail : https://www.speakpipe.com/screensafe

Send me an email : [email protected]