Scrolling 2 Death

What happens when your child chats with an AI “friend”? You might think it’s harmless fun—but new research shows otherwise. In this gripping conversation, Sarah from The Heat Initiative uncovers disturbing findings about Character AI and its impact on teens. The evidence is chilling: AI bots are exposing kids to sexual grooming, violent content, and other dangers at an alarming rate.Find the full report here, created by Heat Initiative and Parents Together.We also dive into the legal gray zone of AI using celebrity likenesses, the urgent need for regulation, and—most importantly—what parents can do right now to protect their kids. Sarah makes it clear: awareness is power, and collective action is our only way forward.If you’ve ever wondered how safe these new AI tools really are for your child, this episode is the wake-up call you can’t afford to miss.

The digital age has brought incredible conveniences for modern parents—but along with them come some unintended consequences. If screens are your go-to for tantrums or boredom, you may be interfering with your child’s ability to regulate emotions and develop essential coping skills.With over two decades of experience in education, Shona Schwartz has emerged as a crucial voice addressing technology's impact on children's development. In this episode, she invites parents to start by looking inward. The first steps?Monitor your own screen habitsEmbrace the discomfort of parenting—tantrums, boredom, and messiness are part of the process.Next, Shona emphasizes the importance of creating a personalized family blueprint—a values-based agreement that guides screen habits at home. She provides age-specific guidelines for children ages 0–6, 6–12, and teens, helping parents make informed choices tailored to their child’s developmental stage. Her three keys to making these plans work?  Communication. Connection. Consistency.In this episode, Nicki of Scrolling 2 Death and Shona offer practical tips and insights for parents navigating the challenges of raising kids in a digital world. Whether you're just beginning to rethink your family’s screen habits or looking for new strategies, this conversation is a must-listen.Purchase Shona's book here: Always On: A Guide to the (Dis)Connected Generation.Visit Shona's Substack here: Always On Substack

By now, most people have heard of the “Anxious Generation” — but Laura Morton is expanding Jonathan Haidt’s narrative. As the creator of the award-winning documentary Anxious Nation, Laura believes it’s not just youth who are struggling — it’s all of us.A little anxiety is natural – even helpful for performance – but we’re seeing a sharp rise in the chronic, debilitating kind. In 2019, as a single mom to her own anxious teen, Laura set out to uncover the root causes of America's mental health struggles – and its impact on families. One powerful takeaway from her research: anxiety is energy. And that energy can be redirected — into creativity, passion, and purpose. We can reclaim our power, and we can teach our kids to do the same.In this episode of Scrolling 2 Death, host Nicki sits down with Laura to unpack the anxiety epidemic from every angle — including technology’s growing role. Whether you're a parent trying to support your child or someone managing anxiety yourself, this conversation offers key insights, hard-earned wisdom, and tools for navigating today’s anxious nation.Watch The Anxious Nation here.

“This is the first generation in a millennium to be worse off than their parents.”Neuroscientist, educator, and author Jared Cooney Horvath issues a powerful warning: the rapid rise of technology in education is contributing to a sharp decline in intelligence across key metrics—including IQ, memory, critical thinking, creativity, and more. For generations, we've seen steady progress in IQ from one cohort to the next. That upward trajectory ends with Gen Z. The data traces the downturn back to the early/mid 2000s, when technology was first introduced in classrooms. Currently the Director of LME Global, Jared brings cutting-edge brain and behavioral science directly to educators and students. He’s not surprised by the decline, given how the brain is wired to learn. His stance is clear: we’re not meant to learn everything through screens. While screens have a role in teaching digital skills like typing or Excel, they are not a tool for deep learning.When it comes to AI, Jared is equally blunt. Used after expertise is developed, AI can be powerful. But using it in place of learning is a dangerous shortcut—one that the government and EdTech platforms seem all too ready to promote.In this thought-provoking conversation, Nicki of Scrolling 2 Death and Jared unpack the science of learning, the data that challenges the EdTech narrative, and a roadmap for parents and schools to reclaim control. It’s a must-listen for anyone concerned about the future of learning or the success of our children.

In this eye-opening episode of Scrolling 2 Death, host Nicki Petrossi sits down with Titania Jordan of Bark Technologies to unpack the high-stakes decision many parents face: what should your child’s first phone be? From the hidden risks of iPhones to the powerful parental controls offered by alternatives like the Bark phone, they dive into the pressures, misconceptions, and cultural norms driving families toward unsafe choices. Why do so many parents give in to the iPhone hype—and what’s really at stake when they do? This candid conversation exposes how Apple prioritizes privacy over child safety, how peer pressure fuels early tech adoption, and why it’s time for a new standard in kids’ digital wellbeing. If you're a parent wondering what phone is truly safest for your child, this episode is your guide.March 2024 Episode: Safer for kids? iPhone or Bark PhoneThis episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies.‍‍Learn about the Bark Phone.‍Learn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids.  *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFF‍Learn about the Bark Watch.

We’ve talked about the devastating impact of social media and how tech companies’ “profit over people” mindset has harmed countless families. This powerful new documentary, Can’t Look Away, delivers the wake-up call the world needs: the time for industry reform is now.In this episode of Scrolling 2 Death, host Nicki speaks with Can’t Look Away directors, Matthew O’Neill and Perri Peltz, about what drove them to make the film, what impacted them most, and what they learned. “We thought the dangers of social media were already well known,” they say. “But what we discovered was far worse than we imagined. That’s when we knew this story had to be told."Matthew and Perri also share practical advice for parents on how to help keep kids safe online—insights gained from their deep dive into the world of youth social media use.Based on Olivia Carville’s investigative reporting for Bloomberg, Can’t Look Away follows the Social Media Victims Law Center in its fight for justice on behalf of families devastated by social media’s dark side.Watch the film here.

Dr. Mary Pulido, Executive Director of World Childhood Foundation USA, joins Scrolling 2 Death to talk about the evolving fight against child sexual abuse in the digital age.There was a time when parents only worried about their children’s safety while they were out. But now, even at home, danger can reach them through screens. Social media, gaming platforms and chatrooms have become hunting grounds for predators. Even more disturbing, a recent survey revealed that online algorithms are actually creating predators by serving them illicit content before they even seek it out.Tech companies have the power to remove this harmful content, but they continue to avoid accountability. As new threats like AI and deep fakes emerge, it’s more important than ever for parents to take action through education, vigilance, and open communication.Tune in to hear Mary and Nicki of Scrolling 2 Death dive deeper. This episode is a must-listen for anyone raising kids in the digital world.

Over 1,500 parents spoke up — and the results are in. In this episode, Scrolling 2 Death host Nicki Petrossi breaks down brand-new national survey data that reveals what parents really think about technology, screen time, and AI in K–12 schools. From overwhelming concerns about excessive screen use and digital safety to a stunning 91% of parents saying they don’t want their kids using AI at school, the findings are impossible to ignore. Nicki covers it all: data privacy, inappropriate content on school-issued devices, and the growing disconnect between parent values and EdTech policy. If you’ve ever felt powerless watching your child glued to a Chromebook or iPad— this episode will inform, empower, and equip you to start changing the conversation at your school.Full survey summary + email template for school outreach available here.

Why are kids using so much tech at school?A hint: the year was 2020.It started when COVID shut the world down and EdTech became an emergency measure. One-to-one devices kept learning going while schools were closed. It was necessary. But the pandemic ended- and the screens stayed.At first, digital learning seemed full of promise. In a tech-driven world, it felt like the future. But now, the harms are becoming harder to ignore.British actress and children’s advocate, Sophie Winkleman, noticed how agitated her kids became after hours of screen-based learning. She gave them permission to read books instead. Her instinct was right – and the research backs her up: too much screen time in schools is harming students’ focus, memory, and academic performance. Sweden has become the first country to reverse its digital-first education policy– replacing screens with printed textbooks and handwriting, especially for young learners. Sophie hopes more countries will follow.In this episode of Scrolling 2 Death, Sophie joins Nicki to explore the data behind screen harm and why parents need to start asking schools tough questions: Is EdTech really helping our kids learn? Or is it putting them in danger?

Jenna Poste, a former tech executive, was once at the forefront of innovation at Blackberry, helping to build products during the rise of the “always on” movement – a time that felt brimming with excitement and productivity. However, as engagement metrics and data collection became the true engines of tech growth, Big Tech extended its reach beyond businesses and into childhood. The consequences are now all too clear: addiction, isolation, anxiety, depression, and more.With deep insight into how these platforms are designed, Jenna has made a deliberate choice to keep her young children offline and prioritize real-world connections. As a co-founder of the Nova Scotia chapter of Unplugged Canada, she’s advocating for healthier childhoods by delaying smartphone use and encouraging mindful technology habits–for kids and parents alike. “If I am on my phone in front of them, I tell them why…like, ‘I’m looking up a recipe for dinner or answering an important work call’.”In this episode, Jenna and Nicki of Scrolling 2 Death share their perspectives on raising kids in a hyper-connected world, why they chose a different path, and how families can reclaim balance in their lives.About Jenna PosteJenna Poste is a tech executive, mom of two and co-founder of the Nova Scotia chapter of Unplugged Canada—a national parent-led movement working to raise awareness about the impacts of smartphones and social media on kids' mental health and development and advocating for parents to delay.With nearly two decades of experience in the tech industry, Jenna has built products at BlackBerry, led safety initiatives in social media and developed tools focused on well-being. Today, she's using that experience to advocate for healthier childhoods - delaying smartphones, promoting real-world connection, and pushing for policy change across Canada.

The Big Tech Gut Check is a weekly update for parents on all things social media and Big Tech. Updates for this week: Meta AI Wants to Access Your Camera Roll, Analyze Pics You Haven't UploadedLeaked Documents Show Meta is Training Chatbots to Message You First, Remember Chats, Keep You TalkingFormer Facebook CEO says Site Should be Banned for ChildrenMIT Study Shows Weakened Cognitive Capacity with AI UseANGELQ: A Kid-Safe Web BrowserPARENT SURVEY: AI and EdTech in SchoolUtah Sues Snapchat for Harming ChildrenSnapchat Sues Utah Over Age Verification LawTHORN: State of Sextortion in 2025Rolling Stone: Inside Snapchat's Teen Opioid Crisis

Don’t feel guilty—get angry. And then turn that anger into action.In this powerful episode, law professor and Unwired author Gaia Bernstein joins Nicki from Scrolling 2 Death to talk about the growing crisis of tech addiction—and how it’s impacting our kids. Gaia studied law and technology in the early 2000s, a time marked by great optimism about the promise of global connectivity.  As social media gained traction, Gaia grew suspicious. She began raising alarms in 2017, long before most people realized the toll constant screen time and social media would take on mental health. Today, those warnings have become reality: teen depression has doubled, and suicide rates among young girls have quadrupled.Now, instead of fixing the problem, Big Tech is pushing even more addictive tools, like AI chatbots, into our kids’ lives.Gaia wants to remind parents that we’re not powerless and we’re not to blame. Real change won’t come from Silicon Valley. It starts with us: parents, educators, and communities acting from the ground up. Tune in to hear why the time to act is now—and how you can help protect the next generation.

Summer’s here—and that means more sunshine, more free time… and a lot more screen time. In this episode, Nicki Petrossi sits down with Titania Jordan to talk about the ups, downs, and everything-in-between of parenting through summer break. They swap stories, explore why boredom is actually a gift, and share practical ways to help kids unplug, get outside, and build independence. From setting healthy tech boundaries to using kid-friendly tools that actually work, this is a real talk on how to survive—and enjoy—summer with your kids (without letting devices take over).This episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies.Learn about the Bark Phone.Learn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids.  *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFFLearn about the Bark Watch.

What happens when a Big Tech insider turns child advocate and parent educator? In this powerful conversation, Sarah Gallagher Trombley — former Snapchat executive — joins Nicki Petrossi to pull back the curtain on the hidden dangers kids face on social media. From Snapchat to TikTok, YouTube to Instagram, no platform is safe. Sarah shares the uncomfortable truth about what parental controls can’t fix, why smart devices are riskier than most parents realize, and how platforms are failing our kids. If you're a parent, this episode has the facts you can't afford to miss.Sarah Gallagher Trombley is digital parenting author, speaker and thought leader. Her mission is to help parents navigate the digital world with and for their kids by providing insight, advice and practical tips. Sarah helps parents with the “how” - how to manage parental controls, social media, choosing devices, video games & more.Sarah has reached thousands of parents through her popular newsletter, Thoughts From A Digital Mom, as well as through speaking events and social accounts. She has two award winning on-demand courses for parents: Tweens and Tech: How to Deal with Group Chat, Social Media and Devices and All About Apple: How To Set Up Parental Controls For Any Apple Device.Sarah currently holds a strategic advisor role on the Board of Wait Until 8th.Connect with Sarah on her website and Substack.

Lavanya Gupta, CEO and Founder of Silana Learning and a former Meta employee, is raising awareness about the hidden dangers of tech. With insight into the inner workings of Big Tech, she made the deliberate choice to keep her young daughters offline. But when the pandemic hit and remote learning became a necessity, she realized the inescapable - and often harmful - role that digital platforms can play, even in the classroom.Many parents assume that school-approved apps are safe, but Lavanya warns otherwise. Her top concern? Data privacy. “Schools are consenting on behalf of parents without considering long-term consequences,” she says. Invited by her children’s school to help shape tech policies, she found her mission: empowering parents to protect their kids online.Lavanya shares practical strategies for digital safety, rates apps based on the strength of their parental controls, and offers guidance on age-appropriate media use - all backed by research and real-world insights.Don’t miss this conversation with Nicki from Scrolling 2 Death and Lavanya Gupta - packed with tips, best practices, and must-know advice to keep your kids safe online.Hindenburg Research Report

The Big Tech Gut Check is a super quick, weekly update on all things social media and Big Tech.‍Social Media & Big Tech highlights for this week:Snapchat Launches on Apple WatchSnapchat Partners with McDonalds to Promote Snapchat+Sign the Petition to Urge McDonalds to End Partnership with SnapchatTeenage girls’ TikTok skincare regimes offer little to no benefit, research showsNew Study by AngelQ Uncovers: Technology is stealing precious moments from familiesWSJ: Apple's Role in the Teen Sextortion Epidemic (and interview with Sarah Gardner of Heat Initiative)New Screen Time Study Links to Mental Health Struggles (and highlights gaming as especially problematic)‍Parent Resource: Why you can't have InstagramDownload AngelQ in the App Store.

We often hear the most extreme stories - eating disorders, overdoses, suicides – linked to social media.  But in reality, many kids are struggling in silence, even while appearing to be okay. Gabriela Nguyen, a recent Harvard graduate and founder of Appstinence, is working to shed light on this issue.  Raised in the Silicon Valley during the rise of social media, Gabriela was hooked from a young age. Her father, shaped by his experiences during the Vietnam War, warned her of the power of media to manipulate and control. His words stuck – especially when he asked, “I understand that you want to take hundreds of selfies for Snapchat, but do you want to want that?  She soon realized how social media was distorting her sense of self.It took six years to fully quit, a testament to how addictive these platforms are, but now she’s given up social media and doesn’t even use a smartphone.  Every part of her life has improved - and she wants others to know they can step away too.Tune in as Nicki from Scrolling 2 Death and Gabriela discuss how Appstinence, a Gen Z–led initiative, is helping people understand the subtle harms of social media and how to take steps towards a healthier digital life.

Sextortion scams targeting teen boys are on the rise — and they’re happening through platforms parents trust, like Instagram, Snapchat and even Apple’s iMessage. In this eye-opening conversation, Scrolling 2 Death host Nicki Petrossi and Sarah Gardner of Heat Initiative expose the devastating impact of these scams and the chilling truth about Apple’s inaction.Why hasn’t Apple built better protections? Why are predators thriving in their ecosystem? Why is Apple ignoring the CSAM stored in iCloud? And what can parents do right now to safeguard their children? This is a must-listen for anyone who believes Big Tech should be held accountable for child safety.Wall Street Journal: 'Sextortion' Scams Involving Apple Messages Ended in Tragedy for These BoysAbout Sarah GardnerSarah Gardner is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Heat Initiative. Prior to launching Heat’s campaign to hold Apple accountable, Sarah spent 10 years at Thorn, an organization that builds technology to combat online child sexual abuse, where she was integral to its growth from a small, start-up effort to a multi-million dollar nonprofit. As Vice President of External Affairs, she helped develop a plan to eliminate child sexual abuse material from the internet which spurred a $63M investment in the organization through the TED Audacious Prize. Sarah also worked at Free the Slaves, an organization empowering local organizations to end modern forms of slavery.

"I’m convinced they hate us," says Luke Richey, co-founder of Gravity Jack, referring to gaming giants like Roblox and Fortnite - companies he believes knowingly endanger children for profit. His wife and co-founder, Jennifer Richey, adds that 63% of human trafficking involving Gen A and Gen Z now originates through gaming platforms. In 2023 alone, Roblox reported over 13,000 child exploitation incidents - a figure they admit is likely just the tip of the iceberg.Maybe it’s not hate, but indifference that leads kids to trafficking and suicide feels like total disregard for human life.Luke, one of the pioneers of augmented reality for Pokémon Go, recalls how early AR games helped lower suicide rates as kids went outside and connected in real life. But instead of building on that positive impact, many gaming companies adopted Big Tech’s “engagement at all costs” model, prioritizing time spent and revenue over safety.Now, we're left with games and chat platforms rife with violence, profanity, and harm.It’s a grim reality that Gravity Jack is determined to change. As Jennifer and Luke build safer alternatives, they offer three key guidelines for parents:No chat is safe without live, active moderation (something they’re actively developing). If a game is “freemium” with in-app purchases, it’s likely predatory.Play the game yourself before letting your child in.Resource: Family Gaming DatabaseIn this episode, we dive into virtual reality, AI's role in gaming, and more. Don’t miss this vital conversation with Jennifer, Luke, and Nicki from Scrolling 2 Death.Connect with Jen & Luke at Gravity Jack.About Jen & LukeJennifer Richey is a tech entrepreneur, strategist, and co-founder of Gravity Jack, where she helps brands like Ford, Intel, and NASA create cutting-edge augmented and virtual reality experiences. With over a decade of leadership in emerging technologies, Jennifer is passionate about innovation, storytelling, and building solutions that connect people in new ways. She also holds multiple patents in the AR space.Outside of work, Jennifer is a wife, mom, and proud grandma to three amazing grandchildren. She believes the best innovations come from a life filled with family, adventure, and a bit of fearless creativity.Luke Richey is a veteran entrepreneur, technologist, and innovator.He began coding at 14, including early work with NASA, and went on to co-found multiple successful startups, including OpenEye (acquired by Alarm.com). As co-founder of Gravity Jack, he helped pioneer augmented reality and AI applications for Fortune 500 companies and major game brands like Pokémon GO and World of Tanks. With over two decades of experience and multiple exits, Luke now focuses on building new technologies that connect and empower the next generation.

In this powerful conversation, Nicki Petrossi and Rick Lane dive into the latest legislative moves to make the internet safer for kids. They break down the Take It Down Act, a critical step in fighting back against non-consensual explicit content and AI deepfakes. But the work isn't done. Parents must continue the pressure to pass additional bills like The DEFIANCE Act, NO FAKES Act and the Kids Online Safety Act.Nicki and Rick stress the vital role of parents, communities, and advocates in pushing these protections forward. They also tackle the growing threats posed by AI, highlighting how new tech can be exploited in harmful ways if left unchecked.The conversation wraps with a clear and urgent message: Parents need to stay alert, get involved, and be a powerful force in shaping a safer digital world for their kids.Contact your Representative in the House and your Senator.*Tell them you support the NO FAKES Act and DEFIANCE Act. *Tell them you do not support the moratorium on AI regulation that was included in the budget reconciliation bill.Letter from 40 Attorneys General Opposing moratorium on AI regulation.