Hello! We're back! Every few weeks, we share the latest digital news that impacts your family, update you on what the Protect Young Eyes team is up to, and end with a quick note from Chris.
We hope our research helps you feel informed and confident, and that our work with schools, churches, and non-profits is motivating.
The latest news:
- AI companions are hijacking adolescence. Common Sense Media reported that 72% of teens are using them. Examples: Character.AI and Replika. Even ChatGPT 5 is starting to feel like a personal friend.
- Mark Zuckerberg does Montesorri. He ran a private school in his home for close friends, keeping screens out of the mix. There's so much to say here (see my note below).
- AI chatbots can lead to psychosis in vulnerable populations. Mental health experts warn about โAI psychosis,โ where heavy chatbot use leads to paranoia, delusions, or intense attachment. Those with autism struggle with over-reliance and are easily manipulated.
- An unredacted Snapchat lawsuit is startling. 96% of "abuse reports" at Snap are "not reviewed by the appโs Trust & Safety Team." Even when young people identify harm, Snap is doing little.
- Parents were asked about YouTube: "We wish it didn't exist." Australian parents shared a common sentiment. YouTube is too hard to control and harms too many kids.
- Character.AI quietly added a social feed. Welcome to synthetic social media. Imagine chatbots posting thoughts and pictures to a feed, and humans interacting with the content. This isn't good.
- YouTube will use AI to separate kids from adults. Due to pressure from the UK and Australia, YouTube will use AI to age-verify. They've had this tech for years, but do little until forced to act.
- A damning piece about Roblox. Jon Haidt's team compiled terrifying screenshots and interactions on games played by millions of kids. Read: It's Not Just a Game Anymore.
- Instagram released a precise-location map. We explained how to turn it off in the app and on the device (shown here on Facebook and Instagram).
What PYE is up to:
|
|
An Apple victory!
In partnership with NCOSE, we wrote and passed legislation forcing Apple to turn on its porn filter for minors in Utah and Alabama. Starting with iOS 26 in the fall, Apple will now default the filter to on for all minor accounts and blur nudity in iMessage, FaceTime, and AirDrop. Google, you're next!
|
|
|
Tackling AI in Education at the White House
Along with Nicki Petrossi (Scrolling 2 Death), Andy Liddell (EdTech Law Center), Jared Hayden (IFS), and Brad Littlejohn (DCI), we shared our concerns about AI harms in the classroom. We are now activating parents to do the same!
|
|
|
Advocating for Better Tech in our Schools
I shared public testimony at the school board meeting where my kids attend. I spoke about a bell-to-bell policy, decreased dependence on Chromebooks, and caution related to AI. They were receptive. You can do it, too!
|
Upcoming speaking:
(PYE Master Calendar)
- Aug 13, Archbishop Chapelle (LA) - students, parents
- Aug 13, Westminster Christian Academy (AL) - students, parents
- Aug 13, Pathways for Permanence (MI) - mental health professionals
- Aug 15, Trinity Lutheran (MI) - teacher prof. development
- Aug 19, Kingsway Christian (WA) - teacher prof. development
- Aug 23, P3:25 Family Connect (TX) - students, parents
- Sept 4, Kansas Lutheran District (KS) - principals
- Sept 8, Northside Christian Academy (SC) - parents
- Sept 8, Red Hill Lutheran (CA) - students, parents
- Sept 8, St. Augustine School (MI) - parents
- Sept 12, St. Augustine School (MI) - teachers
- Sept 12, Stanislaus County Office of Ed (CA) - educators
โEmail Michele to bring us to your community! These Facebook and Instagram posts explain our new talk titles! Updated with the latest AI news and tips for parents.
A note from Chris:
Digital scams are everywhere right now! In the United States, many have received the "you have an unpaid toll" text. And it's creepy good, since in some cases, maybe due to location sharing, it seems like the text is received not long after driving on a toll road.
Then there's the article above about Mark Zuckerberg choosing a low-tech Montessori education. Or the Silicon Valley Waldorf school. Or testimony from Sarah Wynn-Williams about strict tech rules in the homes of tech executives. Or AI companies sponsoring teacher professional development.
It feels like we're being scammed. Big Tech knows what they're doing. Snapchat knows its very design is horrible for young, amazing brains that are supposed to make mistakes. They're just not supposed to be sextorted and harmed so easily.
I was recently on a podcast with Suzanne Philipps, and she asked me to share the ONE thing parents need to know about technology. My answer was simple: "Trust none of it."
Not until you've studied it, used it (for at least 7 days!), set up a kid account, and read our app and device reviews. Out of the box, very, very little of it was made with our awesome kids in mind. Even so-called "AI for education" often has the same incentives as Snapchat.
I'm a science fiction guy, and I see a digital path in front of us. One that's either heading toward Star Wars (mostly benevolent) or The Matrix. Working together with all of you, I'm seeing evidence that the tide is turning! I'm still hopeful we'll get this right, but we must press on. In our homes, our schools, and with our elected officials. And if I get C3-PO, even better.
Parenting with you,
โChris & PYEโ
#delayistheway
P.S. If you're in the USA, Bark is running its best deal of the year on their phone. Perfect for back-to-school!
โ