With the prevalence of cyber bullying and the alarming rate of suicide, especially in young teenagers, it is important that we all become more aware of the detrimental effects of social media. Although bullying has been an issue for all generations, the youth of today are dealing with a different type of bullying that can feel almost impossible to escape from. Avoiding where the bully might hang out, or running to the safety of your home doesn’t work anymore because the bullies can be found all over the devices so many of us are attached to.

In this episode, Tony talks to Kim Karr about the very important work she is doing to combat cyber bullying and educating others on how to be a “digital first responder.” Kim Karr is a co-founder of the non-profit called #ICANHELP where she shows students and adults how to use Digital4Good. #ICANHELP is an effective, outcome-based program, and has received recognition from Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees and major tech companies like Google, Twitter + Facebook. #ICANHELP celebrates youth innovation, empowers digital changemakers and promotes digital safety. Kim has presented the #ICANHELP program to over 470,000 students, has impacted 12.5 million, and has been instrumental in taking down a thousand negative social media sites.

Kim shares why she started her non-profit after 13 years of teaching and why it is so important for everyone to learn how to use social media for good and uplifting others, instead of tearing each other down. So many people don’t know how to respectfully disagree with others or even filter the type of content they are taking in every day. Kim also shares how to talk to youth about using social media in a safer and more productive manner.

Key highlights:

• How Kim got involved in her mission of teaching others how to use social media appropriately
• We need to focus on people first and realize their behavior can be an indication of something being wrong
• The shift that is happening of people wanting realness online
• The stats of cyberbullying and how depression and anxiety have increased dramatically during COVID
• 50% of kids are addicted to a device and ADHD is rising
• Suicide has increased 200% for 10-14-year-olds in recent years
• We’re not in a mental health crisis, we’re in a mental management crisis
• Tony’s experience with a bully growing up
• How to be a digital-first responder
• What should parents look for to keep their kids safe?
• We all need to learn how to manage our social media use
• Freedom of speech shouldn't apply to hurting other people for no reason
• How Tony forms his opinions based on research and not a knee-jerk reaction
• Kim’s thoughts on “cancel culture”
• The algorithm is real - people just see what they want to see and get brainwashed
• How Tony identifies in politics
• Polarizing content gets attention and people fall into the trap - you have to be careful with what you consume
• Not controlling your emotions is a sign of weakness
• What Kim’s nonprofit helps with
• Kim’s “Digital For Good” event and how you can get involved to get visibility for your brand

For resources and links mentioned in this episode, visit: 365driven.com/episode269