Unplug and Plug In is for parents--we'll explore your relationship with technology as well as how to help your child develop a healthy relationship with tech, screen time and most importantly with you.
Lisa Honold, the host, is a parenting coach devoted to keeping kids safe online. She is founder and director of the Center for Online Safety and national public speaker on digital wellness, cyber safety and peaceful parenting. https://centerforonlinesafety.com
In bi-weekly episodes, parents will hear Lisa's thoughts as well as interviews with scientists, experts, educators, doctors, therapists, specialists and Moms in a search to find a healthy balance with technology.
Join us to discover how you can unplug from distractions and plug into what matters!
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Check latest episodes from Unplug and Plug In podcast
What teens need parents to know about social media with special guest Lauren Honold
2022/06/20
Show notesWouldn't it be fascinating to be able to talk to a teenager who could describe what it's really like to grow up with social media?
That's exactly what I get to do today - talk with a teen and ask lots of questions! This is one of my favorite episodes because my guest is insightful, funny, and has a lot to say to parents about what's really going on with teens and phones. Best of all, she's my daughter and we go deep into her digital world. This is a must listen to episode!
Our TopicThe teen perspective on Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok and what parents need to know
Here's some of what we cover:If Instagram was a person, what would it look like?
How teens decide when to use Snapchat vs Instagram.
Which social media platform does the most damage to teens? (I was surprised by this one!)
What should parents be concerned about with social media
Our sponsorOur sponsor today is the https://my.captivate.fm/www.centerforonlinesafety.com (Center for Online Safety). Their mission is to keep kids safe online and they offer training for parents and schools to protect kids from cyberbullying, predators, pornography and other inappropriate content.
Take action today: The Five Circles of SafetyOur https://www.centerforonlinesafety.com/blog (articles on parenting) for online safety are excellent. Start here with the actions parents should take to keep kids safe online - https://www.centerforonlinesafety.com/blog/5circles (The Five Circles of Online Safety.) The actions spell out FAMILY and don't let the five sections overwhelm you. Just start with one action today and your efforts will build over time.
Next StepsFollow the Unplug and Plug In podcast for parents to get future episodes delivered to your device. It's free!
Please rate and review our podcast with five stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ to help other parents benefit from this topic.
Top 3 Online Safety Questions from Parents - How do I Keep My Kids Safe Online?
2022/01/25
Today our topic is your questions about protecting your kids on the internet! I'll be answering some of the most popular questions parents have about keeping kids safe online.
Topic: Common Questions about Parenting and Protecting Kids OnlineWouldn't it be interesting to learn what other parents are worried about, what they want to know about online safety and their kids?
Today, I've put together a list of questions that parents send in to me, or ask me at events all the time so that you can hear- you're not alone! Everyone has questions.
My child is obsessed with _____ (fill in the blank-some game or app). They're sneaking time, they're begging for five more minutes, we're arguing constantly, they're driving me crazy! What can I do?
I know I need an internet filter at my house but where do I find a strong filter that keeps out most of the garbage?
What about all the school technology - the Chromebooks that are coming home from school? The distractions that my child sees online? How do I help my child stay on track at school? How do I know the devices coming home from school are safe?
⭐Plus - a Bonus Question!⭐
Where do I start with online safety for my family?
(Full transcript available)
TakeawayThere is a lot competing for a parent's attention. What's important is to take tiny steps toward online safety, start early and ask lots of questions along the way.
Our sponsorOur sponsor today is the https://my.captivate.fm/www.centerforonlinesafety.com (Center for Online Safety). Their mission is to keep kids safe online and they offer training for parents and schools to protect kids from cyberbullying, predators, pornography and other inappropriate content.
Important Links and ResourcesInternet filters https://www.netgear.com/home/services/smart-parental-controls/ (Netgear routers) like the Orbi and Nighthawk + a subscription to Netgear’s Smart Parental Controls Premium ($70 per year) offer strong parental controls, screen time limits, website history reports and content filtering.
https://support.bark.us/hc/en-us/articles/360050415791-What-is-Bark-Home-or-In-Home-Controls- (Bark Home) (one time cost of $79) is a device that plugs into your existing router at home and adds parental controls. When you combine https://www.bark.us/learn/bark-home/ (Bark Home) with a https://www.bark.us/signup?ref=PS3PQDKandrt=parent (Bark for Families monitoring )subscription ($11 per month), you get a strong system for filtering and monitoring screen time, at home and on the go. ***BARK includes monitor + filter.**
Conversation starters and questions to ask your child's schoolHere are https://www.centerforonlinesafety.com/blog/school-partnership (the topics to discuss) with your child's school, so you understand what they are doing to protect their students.
Need help talking with your school? Contact the https://www.centerforonlinesafety.com/contact (Center for Online Safety.)
Five Actions to take today: The Five Circles of SafetyHere ishttps://www.centerforonlinesafety.com/blog/circles-of-safety ( an article )on the five things parents can do today to protect their kids online. The actions spell out FAMILY and they're mentioned briefly in this episode.
Next StepsFollow the Unplug and Plug In podcast for parents to get future episodes delivered to your device. It's free!
Please rate and review our podcast with five stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ to help other parents benefit from this topic.
Suggest future topics or share your story by calling our hotline! Leave me a voicemail at 415 737 5472 and I promise I’ll listen.
The Unintended Consequences of Smart Phones on Early Childhood with guest Hillary Wilkinson of Healthy Screen Habits
2022/01/11
Wouldn't it be interesting to learn what a baby born today in our world sees and decides is important as they watch us adults grab our phones to work, play, connect and everything else!
My guest this week gives us a look through a baby and a child's eyes, and it is truly eye opening.
Hillary Wilkinson's BioHillary is Director of Programs at https://www.healthyscreenhabits.org/ (Healthy Screen Habits) and host of the the https://www.healthyscreenhabits.org/Podcast#ListenHERE (Healthy Screen Habits podcast. )
She holds a Master's of Education and teaching credential from University of California at Santa Barbara. Before becoming a mom she enjoyed a career in primary education. Her background in motivational research and developmentally appropriate practice lead to many enjoyable years of working with the "under-tween" set.
Hillary passionately believes in the power of parent education. Her philosophy of approaching children with humor, empathy and love are pillars upon which she parents, instructs, and tries to cope with life!
She enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 kids with their variety of animals in beautiful Santa Rosa Valley, CA.
Topic: The unintended consequences of technology on babies and childrens' early yearsOur sponsorOur sponsor today is the https://my.captivate.fm/www.centerforonlinesafety.com (Center for Online Safety). The Center for Online Safety shares the tools that make families stronger, safer and communicate better with each other. Their mission is to keep kids safer online and they offer training for parents and schools to protect kids from cyberbullying, predators, pornography and other inappropriate content.
Unplug and plug in segmentWhat are you plugging into this week? What are you choosing to unplug from? Our guest shares her thoughts.
Next StepsFollow the Unplug and Plug In podcast for parents so you can get future episodes delivered to your device. It's free!
Please leave a 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating so our podcast will be seen by other parents.
Suggest future topics or share your story by calling our hotline! Leave me a voicemail at 415 737 5472 and I promise I’ll listen.
What "The Social Dilemma" teaches us about algorithms, Big Tech and their broken business model. Guest Julia Hoppock.
2021/12/02
Today our topic is social media platforms and the movie that got us talking about harmful algorithms, "The Social Dilemma". Special guest Julia Hoppock joins me with her perspective as the Partnerships Director for The Social Dilemma impact campaign
More about Julia HoppockJulia is a filmmaker and campaign strategist with 15 years of storytelling experience in documentary film, journalism, and the non-profit sector. She has spent her career finding, pitching, writing, and producing stories that connect audiences to the issues that impact their lives. Prior to Exposure Labs, Julia worked at The Pew Charitable Trusts, where she ran film and advocacy campaigns to advance environmental conservation, public health, and other public policy issues.
Topic: Social media platforms and "The Social Dilemma"We covered a lot of ground in this episode. Here are some highlights:
What parents need to know about algorithms and how they work in social media accounts
The business model for social media companies and why it's harmful to all of us
What it feels like to grow up surrounded by social media - a Gen Z's perspective
The Facebook Files and whistleblower Frances Haugen's contributions to this discussion
The UK's Age-Appropriate Design Code and how we can leverage it in the US
Links to learn more about this topicYou can watch https://www.netflix.com/title/81254224 ("The Social Dilemma" on Netflix.)
To learn more about ways to take action and access resources from The Social Dilemma, https://www.thesocialdilemma.com/take-action/ (go here.)
To access the free 40 minute educator version of the film and resources including discussion guides, https://www.thesocialdilemma.com/educators/ (go here. )
To learn more about the UK's Age-Appropriate Design Code, https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/guide-to-data-protection/ico-codes-of-practice/age-appropriate-design-code/ (go here.)
Here are links to learn more about 2021 Senate Hearings on the https://www.centerforonlinesafety.com/blog/facebook-is-imploding-what-you-need-to-know-about-teen-safety (Facebook whistleblower), https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-facebook-files-11631713039 (Facebook/Instagram Files )and https://www.centerforonlinesafety.com/blog/senate-hearing-recap-protecting-kids-online-tiktok-snapchat-youtube (TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube. )
Unplug and plug in segmentWhat are you plugging into this week? What are you choosing to unplug from? Our guest shares her thoughts.
Next StepsWatch "The Social Dilemma"!
Talk to your tweens and teens about mental health and the harmful effects of social media. Need help? https://educate.centerforonlinesafety.com/social-media-and-teens (Here's our workshop.)
Follow the Unplug and Plug In podcast for parents to get future episodes delivered to your device. It's free!
Please rate and review our podcast to help other parents benefit from this topic
Suggest future topics or share your story by calling our hotline! Leave me a voicemail at 415 737 5472 and I promise I’ll listen.
What are the best non-tech gifts for kids? (Get your free gift list here!)
2021/11/23
Today our topic is gifts! Specifically gifts that don't need batteries or a screen to play, non-technology gifts that kids will enjoy, and they're all kid-approved.
Topic: The Best Non-Tech Gifts for Kids on your ListYou know what kids want? Our time and attention.
We're making gift giving easy this year, whether you're a parent, auntie, grandparent or friend. We're breaking non-tech gifts into categories and talking you through a few ideas, so you can get creative.
Get your FREE 100+ gift list https://celebrate-you.ck.page/5c2f3cb1bb (here.)
We've done the heavy lifting on thinking this through, compiling parent recommendations for gifting experiences and adventures, educational (and fun) gifts, gifts to inspire artistic adventures, gifts that inspire imaginative play...
Conversation starterIt's Thanksgiving this week in the U.S. and it's a time to pause and be grateful.
When you're gathered at the dinner table, this conversation starter is great for the whole family:
What’s the best gift you’ve given someone?
How about the best gift you’ve received?
How did it feel to give or receive such a great gift?
Unplug and plug in segmentWhat are you plugging into this week? What are you choosing to unplug from? Our host shares her thoughts.
Next StepsFollow the Unplug and Plug In podcast to get future episodes delivered to your device. It's free!
Pleasehttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unplug-and-plug-in/id1561352061 ( rate and review) our podcast to help other parents benefit from this topic
Suggest future topics or share your story by calling our hotline! Leave me a voicemail at 415 737 5472 and I promise I’ll listen.
Don't forget to pick up your https://celebrate-you.ck.page/5c2f3cb1bb ( free gift list here) for the kids in your life
Teaching kids about consent and healthy relationships with guest Christy Keating
2021/11/04
Today we're talking about teaching kids about consent. Online and off. I'm joined by guest expert Christy Keating who guides parents through the do's and don'ts of this tricky topic.
What's the big deal with consent?
Read this https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/21/health/consent-conversations-kids-wellness/index.html (recent CNN article). Consent is really about teaching a child what healthy boundaries feel like and that they have a choice in matters relating to their bodies and their minds. Consent is necessary in healthy relationships.
Guest Expert Christy Keating's BioChristy Keating is the owner ofhttps://www.theheartfulparent.com/ ( The Heartful Parent Collective, )which includes Savvy Parents Safe Kids and The Heartful Parent, and The Heartful Parent Academy.
As a licensed attorney, Christy spent nearly twenty years as felony prosecutor in the King County Prosecutor's Office in Seattle, where she spent the latter part of her career specializing in the prosecution of sexually violent predators. Immersed in the world of sexual assault and child sexual abuse, Christy developed a deep understanding and expertise in predatory tactics and abuse/assault prevention strategies. She now enjoys educating parents, caregivers, educators, and other professionals so as to help stop these problems before they happen, rather than addressing them after the fact.
In addition to being a licensed attorney, Christy is a Certified Parent Coach® through the Parent Coach Institute (credentialed through Seattle Pacific University), a Certified Positive Discipline Instructor, a Certified Gottman Educator, and has completed the Professionals Intensive through Hand in Hand Parenting. She is also a long-time leader and speaker at the Program for Early Parent Support in Seattle, and a public speaker and group facilitator with more than 20 years of experience. Christy is energized by helping parents find more love, joy, and connection in their families and with their children by helping them discover newfound energy in their parenting, develop an appreciation for what they have and who they are, and create sustainable ways to achieve their vision or dream for their family.
Christy lives in the greater Seattle area with her husband of almost 15 years, their two amazing daughters, and a small bevy of animals.
Her free gift will help you understand consent and teach it to your kids. You can https://www.theheartfulparent.com/consent (access it here.)
Next StepsFollow the Unplug and Plug In podcast for parents to get future episodes delivered to your device. It's free!
Please rate and review our podcast to help other parents benefit from this topic
Suggest future topics or share your story by calling our hotline! Leave me a voicemail at 415 737 5472 and I promise I’ll listen.
"Sharenting": are you oversharing about your child? Guest Leah Plunkett explains
2021/10/15
Today our topic is sharenting and we're talking about adults who overshare online about their kids and the damage it can cause.
We're joined by expert Leah Plunkett who has literally written the book on sharenting, and she'll explain how our current over-sharenting crisis is undermining our kids—and how we can make choices that restore their privacy and freedom to play and grow.
Guest Expert Leah Plunkett's Biohttps://leahplunkett.com (Leah Plunkett )is an author, lawyer, and mom of two young kids. Leah's book from MIT Press—SHARENTHOOD: Why We Should Think Before We Talk About Our Kids Online—joined works by Margaret Atwood and Stephen King on Wired's list of "must-read" books for fall 2019 and was named a "best self-help book for men" in 2019 by Fatherly. The New Yorker praised SHARENTHOOD for offering "gripping moments" where Leah envisions "scenarios that seem both far-fetched and, when you think more deeply about the direction of technological innovation, a bit inevitable" for how our tech choices impact our kids, now and in the future.
Leah, an honors graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School, brings her cutting-edge legal expertise and her background as an improv comedian to her work. After Leah talked with actor Dax Shephard on his podcast, Armchair Expert, Dax said of Leah: she's a "fascinating woman and also very funny." We hope you agree!
Connect with Leah on https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-plunkett-lawprof/ (LinkedIn.)
Unplug and plug in segmentWhat are you plugging into this week? What are you choosing to unplug from? Our guest shares her thoughts.
Next StepsFollow the Unplug and Plug In podcast for parents to get future episodes delivered to your device. It's free!
Please rate and review our podcast to help other parents benefit from this topic
Suggest future topics or share your story by calling our hotline! Leave me a voicemail at 415 737 5472 and I promise I’ll listen.
Teen health harmed by Instagram, says Facebook's own data. What parents can do to help kids on social media.
2021/10/10
Episode summaryAfter the explosive revelations about Facebook/Instagram's harmful algorithms, it's time to talk about teen safety--mentally and physically--online.
This episode covers what parents can do with the information surfacing from Facebook's whistleblower and internal reports that show teens are harmed by Instagram.
Conversation starter: talking with teens on how to set up Instagram to be a healthier experience
Unplug and Plug In: What are you plugging into this week? What are you choosing to unplug from? Our host shares her thoughts.
Important linkshttps://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day (World Mental Health Day) (World Health Organization)
https://fairplay.salsalabs.org/noinstagramforkids/index.html (Petition to end "Instagram for Kids" )platform by Facebook
Article with the https://www.centerforonlinesafety.com/blog/facebook-is-imploding-what-you-need-to-know-about-teen-safety (Facebook news )from the last few weeks
https://fairplayforkids.org/research-on-instagram-and-teens-summaries-from-the-facebook-files/ (Fairplay summary )of the Facebook Files related to teen health and Instagram
Article on https://www.centerforonlinesafety.com/blog/how-to-reset-instagram-for-a-healthier-experience (Resetting Instagram) for a healthier experience
Watch the movie (free in October) https://youtu.be/7mqR_e2seeM (The Social Dilemma)
https://educate.centerforonlinesafety.com/social-media-and-teens/buy (Sign up )for the masterclass for parentsTeen Health and Social Media (replay available). https://educate.centerforonlinesafety.com/social-media-and-teens (Learn more here.)
Next StepsFollow the Unplug and Plug In podcast for parents to get future episodes delivered to your device. It's free!
Please rate and review our podcast to help other parents benefit from this topic
Suggest future topics or share your story by calling our hotline! Leave me a voicemail at 415 737 5472 and I promise I’ll listen.
Parenting kids and their technology for online safety | Ep. #1
2021/09/06
Keeping kids safe online is a challenging topic we'll explore in the parenting podcast "Unplug & Plug In".
Trailer: Introducing Unplug and Plug In
2021/03/25
Welcome to the Unplug and Plug In podcast for parents where we explore your relationship with technology, as well as how to help your child develop a healthy relationship with tech, screens and most importantly YOU. Every show I can promise you two things: you’ll get a conversation starter to try with your kids and we’ll go deep in unplugging from distractions and plugging into things that matter.
Hosted by Lisa Honold, founder and director of the Center for Online Safety and our mission is to keep kids safe online.