Protecting Kids from Social Media: Challenges, Strategies, and Grassroots Solutions with Mark Hurst

Join us for a thought-provoking exploration of the significant impact social media and big tech have on our youth, as we welcome back Mark Hurst from the Techtonic Radio Show. Listen in as we unravel the urgent concerns raised by experts like the US Surgeon General and NYU Professor Jonathan Haidt about the alarming rise in mood disorders, anxiety, and depression among adolescents linked to platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. We emphasize the importance of recognizing the documented harms of these technologies and discuss our responsibility as adults to create safer environments for young minds. With Mark's insights, we highlight the need for awareness and proactive measures to protect our children from these pervasive influences.

Discover the transformative journey of young members of the Luddite Club, who have chosen to disconnect from exploitative technology and embrace real-life activities like reading, sewing, and art. We explore how stepping away from social media opens up time for more fulfilling hobbies and face-to-face interactions, while also examining the business models of major platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram. With a focus on understanding how these companies profit from targeting young users, we discuss the impact on privacy and the significant usage of these platforms by teenagers. Join us as we shed light on the importance of balancing technology use in today's society and the role of community-driven initiatives in fostering resilience against big tech.

In this episode, we tackle the pressing issue of government inaction in regulating tech giants and the consequences for young people. We express skepticism about meaningful intervention, given the overwhelming influence of trillion-dollar companies, and highlight the power of grassroots action in resisting their pervasive reach. Drawing inspiration from the Luddite Club, we underscore the importance of collective action and community conversations in shaping a more mindful future. Additionally, we share practical strategies for parents to minimize the role of technology in children's lives, from implementing parental controls to promoting healthier tech habits. Join us as we empower individuals to take a stand and protect our youth, emphasizing that the responsibility lies with us to create a safer, more conscious environment for future generations.

Find Mark @:
Podcast: Techtonic on WFMU with Mark Hurst 
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Additional Resources:
Fareedah S. Shaheed - Internet Safety Expert Protecting Kids Online 

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