Are Smartphones Harming Children? The Truth About Screen Time | Mary Glasgow - Care Visions Family Talk
03/04/2026 | 1h 2 mins.
Children are growing up on screens earlier than ever — but what is it doing to their development, wellbeing and safety?
In this episode of Care Visions Family Talk, host Lucy Johnston speaks with Mary Glasgow, Chief Executive of Children First, about the real impact of smartphones and social media on children’s lives.
From rising anxiety and sleep issues to exposure to harmful content and online grooming, Mary shares what children and families are experiencing right now — and why this is becoming a public health issue.
The conversation explores: Why screen use is starting younger than ever The link between smartphones and anxiety, low mood and self-esteem What children are actually seeing online (and why it’s worse than adults think) Whether banning social media would help — or create new risks Why delaying devices could make a difference The role of parents, schools and government in keeping children safe This is not about blame. It’s about understanding what’s changed — and what needs to happen next.
#childrenandsmartphones #screentimechildren #socialmediasafety #onlinesafetychildren #parentingdigitalage #childdevelopmentscreens #anxietychildren #smartphonesandkids #maryglasgow #childrenfirstscotland #lucyjohnston #familytalkpodcast #carevisions #socialmediaban #onlinegroomingawareness #childmentalhealth Care Visions Talks is a UK podcast sharing conversations on parenting, fostering, care experience and supporting families. Explore all episodes and resources: https://carevisionsfostering.co.uk/care-visions-family-talk
Listen and follow: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/care-visions-talks/id1819875561
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From Care to Confidence: Mental Health, Trauma & Resilience | Tina Copp | Care Visions Professional Talk
20/03/2026 | 40 mins.
What does it take to rebuild your life after a difficult childhood? In this episode of Care Visions Talks – Professional Talk, Humphrey Hawksley speaks with Tina Copp, who shares her experience of growing up in the care system and how those early challenges shaped her path into education and mental health training.
Now a Mental Health First Aid Instructor, Tina reflects on trauma, resilience, and the moments that can change a young person’s life — from being believed in, to simply being noticed.
This conversation explores: Growing up in care and early life experiences The impact of trauma and instability Mental Health First Aid and early support What professionals should look for and respond to Why connection, belief and opportunity matter A powerful conversation for foster carers, educators, and anyone supporting young people.
Care Visions Talks is a UK podcast sharing conversations on parenting, fostering, care experience and supporting families. Explore all episodes and resources: https://carevisionsfostering.co.uk/care-visions-family-talk
Listen and follow: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/care-visions-talks/id1819875561
Join our mailing list for new episodes, events and updates: https://carevisionsfostering.co.uk/care-visions-family-talk
Subscribe to stay connected with Care Visions Talks.
Children’s Rights, Child Poverty and Online Safety with Bruce Adamson | Care Visions Family Talk
06/03/2026 | 57 mins.
In this episode of Family Talk, Lucy Johnston speaks with Bruce Adamson, human rights lawyer and former Children and Young People’s Commissioner for Scotland. Bruce shares insights from his international work advising governments and organisations on children’s rights. Together they explore the pressures facing children today — including poverty, mental health challenges, online safety and the rapid pace of technological change. The conversation highlights why children’s voices must be heard in decisions that affect them and how communities, carers and policymakers can better support young people. A thoughtful discussion about building a society where every child is respected, supported and able to thrive. Care Visions Talks is a UK podcast sharing conversations on parenting, fostering, care experience and supporting families. Explore all episodes and resources: https://carevisionsfostering.co.uk/care-visions-family-talk
Listen and follow: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/care-visions-talks/id1819875561
Join our mailing list for new episodes, events and updates: https://carevisionsfostering.co.uk/care-visions-family-talk
Subscribe to stay connected with Care Visions Talks.
Male Identity in a Changing World | Dr Andrew G. Thomas | Care Visions Professional Talk
20/02/2026 | 58 mins.
In this episode of Care Visions Talks: Professional Talk, host Humphrey Hawksley is joined by Dr Andrew G. Thomas, PhD for a thoughtful conversation exploring male identity in a rapidly changing social world. Together, they examine how masculinity is evolving, the pressures facing boys and men today, and what this means for families, care systems, education and professional practice.
In this conversation, we explore: • How male identity is shaped by culture and expectation • The challenges facing boys and young men • Masculinity, mental health and emotional expression • Relationships, belonging and purpose • The role of care systems and professionals • Supporting healthier male development
This episode offers valuable insight for parents, carers, educators and professionals supporting boys and young men in today’s society.
Care Visions Talks is a UK podcast sharing conversations on parenting, fostering, care experience and supporting families. Explore all episodes and resources: https://carevisionsfostering.co.uk/care-visions-family-talk
Listen and follow: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/care-visions-talks/id1819875561
Join our mailing list for new episodes, events and updates: https://carevisionsfostering.co.uk/care-visions-family-talk
Subscribe to stay connected with Care Visions Talks.
Fostering Reform in the UK with Children’s Minister Josh MacAlister | Care Visions Family Talk
06/02/2026 | 34 mins.
In this episode of Care Visions Talks: Family Talk, host Lucy Johnston is joined by Children’s Minister Josh MacAlister OBE MP for a timely and in-depth conversation on fostering reform in the UK. Drawing on his leadership of the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care, the Minister outlines a vision to transform a system he believes has become too focused on process rather than people. From the urgent need to recruit 10,000 new foster carers, to removing unnecessary barriers preventing families from stepping forward, this discussion explores what meaningful reform could look like — and why change is needed now. In this episode, we discuss: • The foster carer shortage in the UK • Plans to recruit 10,000 new foster carers • Barriers facing prospective fostering families • Approval processes and bureaucratic challenges • Children being placed far from home • Stability, belonging and community connections • Investment and future reform plans If you care about the future of fostering, children’s social care, and creating stable, loving homes, this is an essential conversation. Care Visions Talks is a UK podcast sharing conversations on parenting, fostering, care experience and supporting families. Explore all episodes and resources: https://carevisionsfostering.co.uk/care-visions-family-talk
Listen and follow: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/care-visions-talks/id1819875561
Care Visions TalksCare Visions Talks is a podcast series that brings together voices from across care, education, health and community support to explore what it really means to care — and to be cared for.The series includes two strands:Care Visions Family Talk has two hosts: Dr Linda de Caestecker and Lucy Johnston.Dr Linda de Caestecker, former Director of Public Health and experienced paediatrician, leads warm, accessible conversations designed for parents, carers and families. Her episodes cover topics such as childhood trauma, fostering, resilience, separation and mental health, with expert guests offering practical guidance and compassionate insight.Lucy Johnston is an award-winning journalist and broadcaster with a long-standing commitment to social affairs, health, and children’s welfare. In her episodes, she shares powerful stories about young people in care and explores the systems that shape their lives. With a background in investigative reporting, Lucy began her career at The Big Issue before moving to The Observer and later The Sunday Express, where she is Health and Social Affairs Editor. Her work has exposed neglect in care homes, failures in mental health services, and injustices faced by vulnerable children and families.Care Visions Professional Talk is hosted by Humphrey Hawksley, award-winning author, broadcaster and former BBC foreign correspondent. These in-depth episodes are created for those working in or studying social care, health, education and related fields. Guests include thought leaders, researchers and practitioners discussing the emotional realities, challenges and evolving practices in work with children, young people and families.Whether you're a parent, a professional, or someone passionate about care and community, Care Visions Talks offers space to listen, reflect and learn.
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