In this powerful episode with Jess Leslie, Director of Online Protection Programs at ChildFund International, we uncover the unsettling truth about digital childhoods—and what it means when a child says, “There are a lot of people here today,” while playing a game. Jess shares how a career in combating gender-based violence and child exploitation led her to the frontlines of online safety, where the threats are invisible but deeply real. Key highlights include:

• Jess’s journey from tackling human trafficking to leading child online protection across 24 countries
• Why screen time limits aren’t enough—and the deeper conversations families need to be having
• The importance of trust-building over rule-setting when guiding children online
• Insights into how trauma and digital risks intersect in today’s childhoods
• How ChildFund is driving global change through education, policy, and platform accountability
• Practical tips for parents: from asking the right questions to creating safe digital spaces at home

Let’s empower families and reshape the digital landscape, together.