The White Hatter - Parenting In An Online World

In this episode, Darren takes a candid look at a challenge many schools and presenters face: low parent turnout for digital literacy and internet safety sessions, even when those very sessions are requested by parents and caregivers themselves.Despite rising concerns around screen time, sextortion, cyberbullying, online predators, and AI generated content, most parent education nights are sparsely attended. So, what’s going on?Darren unpacks six of the most common reasons parents give for not showing up, from busy schedules to believing their child is “a good kid”, and challenges each with thoughtful, experience-backed insight. Drawing on over three decades in law enforcement and over 655,000 student interactions through The White Hatter’s programs, Darren explains why education before exposure is key, why filters and monitoring tools aren’t enough, and why good kids can still make risky choices in today’s “onlife” world.This isn’t a call-out, it’s a call-in. A reminder that meaningful digital parenting requires more than concern. It requires action.If you’ve ever skipped a parent night thinking, “We’re fine,” or “I already know this stuff,” this is the episode you need to hear. Because when it comes to keeping kids safe online, nothing replaces a parent who’s informed, involved, and ready to meet their child in the digital spaces they already live in.

In this episode of The White Hatter: Parenting in an Online World, we tackle the growing influence of AI chatbots in the lives of youth and teens. From homework help to emotional support and even digital companionship, these tools are no longer just futuristic experiments, they’re quietly becoming part of daily life for many kids. Drawing on peer-reviewed research, real conversations with youth, and national survey data, Darren unpacks how AI chatbots are being used, what risks and benefits they bring, and why parental involvement matters now more than ever.We explore three main uses, academic support, advice seeking, and emotional connection, and highlight how tools like ChatGPT, My AI on Snapchat, and Character.ai are shaping how youth think, feel, and relate. Most importantly, we offer practical, realistic steps for parents and caregivers to help guide their kids through this evolving tech landscape with curiosity, confidence, and care.This episode isn’t about fear, it’s about facts. It’s not about banning AI, it’s about building trust and digital literacy. If you’ve ever wondered what role chatbots are playing in your child’s life, this conversation is for you.

In this episode of The White Hatter: Parenting in an Online World, we dive into an issue that’s become more relevant than ever, when harm happens to teens online, where does parental accountability begin, and does it end with tech companies?Host Darren Laur explores why it’s important to distinguish between blame and accountability in the digital parenting conversation. Drawing from decades of experience and conversations with families, we unpack why placing all the responsibility on platforms and ignoring the role of parents can leave teens more vulnerable.You’ll hear insights on how to prepare kids with the right skills, boundaries, and support before giving them access to the digital world. We also share practical tips for building trust, setting structure, and having the hard conversations early—before a crisis hits.This isn’t about guilt. It’s about growth. It’s about being present, not perfect.

In this episode of The White Hatter: Parenting in an Online World, Darren explores one of the most common dilemmas modern parents face: why some well-meaning caregivers choose to allow their children access to technology or social media platforms before they’re age-appropriate—and what that choice might mean in the long run.From feeling pressure to be the "cool" parent, to being worn down by daily arguments, to believing “my kid is different,” Darren walks listeners through the most common justifications he’s heard from families across North America—and gently challenges each one with insight, research, and real-world examples.This episode isn’t about judgment. It’s about equipping parents and caregivers with the critical thinking tools needed to make informed decisions in a digital world where child development and online design don’t always align.

In this episode of The White Hatter: Parenting in an Online World, host Darren Laur tackles a rising trend in digital parenting: the push to delay or outright ban youth access to technology. With a focus on facts over fear, Darren challenges the “delay is the way” narrative and questions whether emotional headlines are clouding the judgment of parents, educators, and policymakers.Drawing from thousands of presentations, current research, and real-world insight, this episode unpacks the flaws in reactionary tech restrictions, the harm of guilt-based messaging, and the unintended consequences of banning technology rather than teaching responsible use. Darren explains why readiness is about maturity, not just age, and offers practical parenting tips to build digital literacy, trust, and resilience.Listeners will leave with a clearer understanding of why education, not abstinence, is the smarter path forward—and how empowering young people through guided digital engagement prepares them for the “onlife” world they’re already part of.

In this episode of The White Hatter: Parenting in an Online World, titled "When Tragedy Strikes: A Hard Look at Parenting in the Age of Technology", we confront the heartbreaking reality of a 10-year-old girl lured and abducted through platforms like Discord and Roblox. While the predator is solely to blame for the crime, we take a deeper look at the broader systems at play such as Big Tech, weak legislation, and yes, the crucial role of parental oversight. This isn’t about blame, it’s about responsibility. We explore how digital safety depends on a three-part foundation: industry accountability, government regulation, and, most importantly, active, informed parenting. Through straight talk, real examples, and actionable advice, we offer a path forward for families navigating our always-on, always-connected world. If you're ready for an honest conversation that goes beyond headlines, let’s get into it.

In this episode of The White Hatter: Parenting in an Online World, we tackle one of the most debated questions today: Does social media cause mental health issues in youth? Host Darren invites parents, caregivers, and educators to move beyond fear and media headlines to explore what the actual research says. Drawing from over 57 peer-reviewed studies, he breaks down the complexity behind youth mental health and highlights why it's not as simple as blaming screens or smartphones. From confounding factors like family violence and academic stress to the surprising benefits of tech in certain contexts, this episode offers a balanced, evidence-informed perspective on how we can better support kids in today’s onlife world.Article "Does Technology + Social Media = Mental Health Issues For All Youth? We Need To Reframe the Question! https://www.thewhitehatter.ca/post/does-technology-social-media-mental-health-issues-for-all-youth-we-need-to-reframe-the-question

In this episode of The White Hatter: Parenting in an Online World, we challenge the tired narrative that teens are addicted, detached, or digitally doomed. Titled “The Resilient Generation: How Teens Are Using Phones and Technology to Build Balance & Healthy Lives”, we explore the real-world ways youth are integrating technology into their lives with creativity, awareness, and purpose. Drawing from our direct experience with over 655,000 teens across North America, and grounded in peer-reviewed research—not panic—we highlight how youth are using tech to learn, connect, create, exercise, advocate, and grow. From education and mental health to entrepreneurship and civic action, this episode reframes the conversation and equips parents, educators, and caregivers with the perspective needed to support—not restrict—the next generation of digital leaders.

In this episode of The White Hatter: Parenting in an Online World, host Darren explains why online safety isn’t about banning apps—it’s about understanding and guiding the person behind the screen. Instead of reacting to every new platform, parents and caregivers are encouraged to focus on timeless values like empathy, critical thinking, and trust-based communication. With a wraparound approach that connects emotional development, mental health, digital hygiene, and online risks, this episode offers practical strategies to raise resilient, informed youth in today’s onlife world.

Welcome to The White Hatter: Parenting in an Online World podcast, where facts replace fear and education empowers action. Hosted by Darren, this episode tackles the common—but misleading—narrative that technology is eroding teens’ people skills. Drawing from thousands of school presentations, real-world youth experiences, and credible peer-reviewed research, we explore how today’s teens aren’t losing social skills—they’re evolving them in response to the realities of a digitally connected “onlife” world. From online gaming and digital friendships to face-to-face leadership and community involvement, teens are still learning empathy, collaboration, and communication—just in new, often misunderstood ways. With practical insights for parents and caregivers, we’ll challenge assumptions, highlight strengths, and offer strategies to support youth in building meaningful relationships both online and offline.

As social media safety experts, advocates, and coaches who present to thousands of parents throughout Canada and the United States, one question we are usually asked is, “What age do you think a child should be gifted a cell phone.”, - this is especially true during the Christmas season when youth are hoping for a phone as a gift under the tree. In this podcast, we are going to provide the information that parents and caregivers need to help you make an informed decision.Resources mentioned:Our Website: www.thewhitehatter.caOur FREE webbook “Parenting In An Online World” https://www.thewhitehatter.ca/book-listIs My Child Ready For Their First Cellphone Article: https://thewhitehatter.ca/smartphones/

When we speak with students, especially those in elementary schools and middle school, about what they want to do as a career when they grow up, the two most common answers we hear are #1 “I want to be an online professional e-gamer” or #2 “I want to be a social media influencer”. On this podcast, we are going to be talking about what is the likelihood of a teen becoming a professional e-gamer or social media influencer, and what do we as parents and caregivers say and do when our kids share with us that this is what they want to do as a full time job as they get older. Resources mentioned:Our Website: www.thewhitehatter.caOur FREE webbook “Parenting In An Online World” https://www.thewhitehatter.ca/book-listDfwchild.com article https://dfwchild.com/how-your-kid-can-become-a-social-media-influencer/

On this podcast we are going to be talking about vaping. Although vaping is not the internet, a social media platform, or app, it definitely plays a role in today’s teen social media culture. Given this fact, and the significant medical contraindications of vaping, we wanted to dedicate this podcast to shed some light on the vaping culture.  Resources mentioned:Our Website: www.thewhitehatter.caOur FREE webbook “Parenting In An Online World” https://www.thewhitehatter.ca/book-listTeens & Vaping Article https://thewhitehatter.ca/vaping/Vaping Interview: https://youtu.be/krg8A2r0clg

There will always be those who will want to harvest our personal information they locate and collect online that will then be weaponized and used to their advantage.  Once this information is gathered, it can be posted publicly as a form of public shaming, or as a weapon to commit a variety of different crimes such as identity theft, mischief, criminal harassment, extortion, and several other crimes. On this month’s podcast, we want to talk about how you and your kids can increase your privacy and make your personal information less visible while online Resources mentioned:Our Website: www.thewhitehatter.caOur FREE webbook “Parenting In An Online World” https://www.thewhitehatter.ca/book-listPrivacy & Security Article https://thewhitehatter.ca/digital-privacy-guide/

During our student presentations over the past year, we have noted an increase in the number of questions from both middle school and high school students about the “Dark Web”. Why is this happening? – we hypothesize that media, in all its forms, is shining a light on this part of the internet which may spark a teen’s curiosity to search it out online.  Given the mystique surrounding the Deep/Dark Web, and the fact that teens are curious about what they can find online, we thought this podcast would be important for parents to shed a light a light on the who, what, where, when, why, and how of the deep/dark web.Resources mentioned:Our Website: www.thewhitehatter.caOur FREE webbook “Parenting In An Online World” https://www.thewhitehatter.ca/book-listVideo: https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/articles/dark-web-explained/

On this podcast episode, we are going to be talking about “cyberbullying” or what we like to call digital peer aggression.  This topic deserves so much attention that in episode #14 we talked about the who, what, where, when, how, and why of cyberbullying, and on this podcast episode we are going to look at what parents and schools can do to cope with this challenge.Resources mentioned:Our Website: www.thewhitehatter.caOur FREE webbook “Parenting In An Online World” https://www.thewhitehatter.ca/book-listInternational Journal Of Bullying Prevention:  https://link.springer.com/journal/42380/volumes-and-issues/2-4 

In this podcast episode, we are going to be talking about “cyberbullying” or what we like to call “digital peer aggression”.  This topic deserves so much attention that we are going to split it up into two podcasts, this week we are going to be talking about the who, what, where, when, how, and why of cyberbullying, and in next week’s podcast we are going to look at what parents and schools can do to cope with this challenge.Resources mentioned:Our Website: www.thewhitehatter.caOur FREE webbook “Parenting In An Online World” https://www.thewhitehatter.ca/book-listCanadian COVID bullying research https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ab.21986  https://healthydebate.ca/2022/07/topic/pandemic-bullying/USA COVID bullying research https://www.edworkingpapers.com/sites/default/files/ai21-436.pdfUniversity of Alberta research cyberbullying & mental health https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/dev-dev0001300.pdfCyberbullying Research Center “Digital Self Harm” https://cyberbullying.org/digital-self-harm-suicide

In this podcast episode, we are going to be talking about Teen Based Digital Relationship Abuse – what is it, and why parents, caregivers, and even teens should be alive to this ever-increasing youth online challenge.Resources mentioned:Our Website: www.thewhitehatter.caOur FREE webbook “Parenting In An Online World” https://www.thewhitehatter.ca/book-listCyberbullying Research Center Report https://cyberbullying.org/digital-dating-abuse.pdfPrevNet/University of Ottawa: https://bit.ly/3w2hVJMBC Society Of Transition Houses Resources https://bcsth.ca/teendigitaldatingviolence/

In this podcast episode, we are going to be talking about parental juvenoia, moral panic, and clickbait – what is it, and why parents and caregivers should be alive to how these topics can create false narratives specific to the emotional, psychological, physical, and social effects of social media and technology.Resources mentioned:Our Website: www.thewhitehatter.caOur FREE webbook “Parenting In An Online World” https://www.thewhitehatter.ca/book-list

On this podcast we are going to talk about Discord – what are Discord servers, voice channels, Nitro, boosts, GDMs, and hubs – it’s easy to see how Discord can be overwhelming to parents and caregivers, so we are going to break it down for you, and share what we believe parents and caregivers need to know about this very popular social platform. Resources mentioned:Our Website: www.thewhitehatter.caOur FREE webbook “Parenting In An Online World” https://www.thewhitehatter.ca/book-listDiscord Safety Page - https://discord.com/safety