Parenting in a Tech World

Kids and tech collided in big ways in 2025 — from viral slang taking over classrooms to major online safety laws reshaping the internet. We’re breaking down the moments that mattered and what they mean for your kid’s digital world.Discussed in this episode:Australia's social media ban and how our friends from Parenting in a Tech World, the Facebook group, are feeling about itJonathan Haidt's The Anxious GenerationKids Online Safety ActAll things SLANG:Algospeak6-7 trendBark's slang guideBark's emoji guideBark's sexual slang guideOur predictions for 2026 ????More about the Disney/Sora announcement and AI sycophancy

Sexual abuse prevention expert and safety educator Kimberly King shares how parents can have meaningful conversations about body safety and boundaries with their kids. We also dive into her resources for families and the podcast she created to empower moms and protect kids.Make sure to get your own copies of I Said No! and Body Safety for Young Children: Empowering Caring Adults.Connect with Kimberly on Instagram!Additional resources:Body Boss Bootcamp for kids9 Red Flags to Spot GroomingBook a Family Safety Consultation with Kimberly

Jenny McCarthy is a New York Times bestselling author, actress, and television host known for her humor, honesty, and passion for family life. A proud mom herself, she’s been a longtime advocate for open conversations about parenting, health, and the challenges of raising kids today. In this episode, Jenny joins us to talk about technology, connection, and what it really means to protect and empower kids in the digital age.

What if online safety lessons actually worked? In this episode, you’ll go behind the scenes with Bark’s Connected Communities team to see how they’re helping 4th- and 5th-graders build healthy tech habits that last.Learn more about the Connected Communities program and bring it to your school!

Before your kids power on their new holiday devices, set them up for safe, responsible use. We’ll cover the simple steps and settings that make a big difference.Join the Parenting in a Tech World Facebook group to connect with other like-minded parents: https://info.bark.us/join-pitwCheck out all of our tech guides when setting up new tech for your kids! https://www.bark.us/tech-guides/