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ConnectSafely

@connectsafely.bsky.social

68 followers 15 following 232 posts

ConnectSafely is a Silicon Valley, Calif.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to educating people about online safety, privacy, security and digital wellness with lots of resources for parents, teens, educators and policy makers

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ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 22h

With AI-generated text filling over a third of newly published web pages, families need targeted media literacy strategies to help kids and teens evaluate online sources critically. #parenting #digitalwellness #onlinesafety #wellnesswednesday

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ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

For years, online services mostly relied on users to tell the truth about their date of birth. That clearly hasn’t worked. connectsafely.org/age-assuranc...

connectsafely.org

Age assurance is coming to the internet - ConnectSafely

by Larry Magid This post first appeared in the Mercury News For years, online services mostly relied on users to tell the truth about their date of birth.

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ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

The "burnerverse" is an online culture of anonymous social media accounts in college sports and fraternities that can lead to peer-pressure-driven doxing, harassment, and safety threats, says ConnectSafely education director Kerry Gallagher. www.spreaker.com/episode/the-...

The Rise of the Burnerverse and Digital Harassment

Driven by anonymous college sports accounts that target young women with nonconsensual imagery and doxing, the toxic “burnerverse” trend makes early parenta

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ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Larry Magid discusses safety concerns regarding powerful AI systems and highlights Anthropic's release of Opus 5.5, which testing shows is less likely to exceed instructions or attempt to escape testing environments. www.spreaker.com/episode/anth...

Anthropic Releases Opus 5.5 Amid AI Safety Concerns

Larry Magid discusses safety concerns regarding powerful AI systems and highlights Anthropic's release of Opus 5.5, which testing shows is less likely to exceed

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ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

You may not have heard of the “Burnerverse,” but it’s worth knowing about, especially if you’re raising a teen. Anonymous accounts connected to college sports culture can start with jokes and banter, but some have crossed the line into harassment, doxxing and targeting young women. #digitalsafety

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ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Apple has updated its parental controls and child safety features across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. Larry Magid discusses key updates. www.spreaker.com/episode/appl...

Apple Parental Controls and Child Safety Features

Apple has updated its parental controls and child safety features across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. Key updates include Safari's Ask to Browse feature, expanded Co

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ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

A Pew Research survey shows high smartphone usage among US adults and difficulty cutting back. ConnectSafely Education Director Kerry Gallagher shares practical strategies. www.spreaker.com/episode/smar...

Smartphone Screen Time and Adult Usage Strategies

A Pew Research survey shows high smartphone usage among US adults and difficulty cutting back. ConnectSafely Education Director Kerry Gallagher shares practical

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ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

More than half of adults admit to struggling with managing screen time and digital habits for themselves. What can this teach us about talking screen time with our kids? #digitalwellness #wellnesswednesday #parents #wellbeing #digitalwellbeing

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ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Comparison culture doesn’t necessarily disappear as we get older -- it just changes. #digitalwellness #socialmedia #careers #collegelife

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ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Think you outgrew comparison culture? It may have just moved to LinkedIn, writes our Youth Advisory Council member Julianna. connectsafely.org/linkedins-co...

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LinkedIn's Comparison Culture - ConnectSafely

As we get older, the things we compare about ourselves change.

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ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Larry Magid discusses a study on how teens use AI for schoolwork and shares recommendations from ConnectSafely education director Kerry Gallagher on shifting the educational focus from cheating to genuine learning. www.spreaker.com/episode/impa...

Impact of AI on Teen Learning and Education Description

Larry Magid discusses a study on how teens use AI for schoolwork and shares recommendations from Kerry Gallagher on shifting the educational focus from cheating

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ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

A massive data breach at IDScan exposed over 150 million US and Canadian driver's license records and other identification documents. What you can do to protect yourself. www.spreaker.com/episode/idsc...

IDScan Data Breach Exposes Millions of Driver Licenses

Larry Magid reports on a massive data breach at IDScan that exposed over 150 million US and Canadian driver's license records and other identification documents

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ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Helping young men build real-world confidence starts with understanding why some of them disengage from in-person life. #digitalwellness #wellnesswednesday #parents #wellbeing #digitalwellbeing youtube.com/shorts/yodFH...

Reconnect Boys to an In-Person Life

Kerry gives tips on helping boys and young men develop confidence and examines why some of them choose to disengage from in-person life in favor of the digital world. SUBSCRIBE to ConnectSafely's…

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ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

ConnectSafely education director Kerry Gallagher will be at the 2026 MassCUE Fall Conference, Oct. 14–15, to share her expertise on AI, digital wellness and helping schools navigate today’s rapidly changing technology landscape. #massCUE Register here: www.masscue.org/event/fallco...

MassCUE Fall Conference 2026 - MassCUE

The MassCUE Fall Conference returns to Gillette Stadium on Oct. 14-15, 2026. Mark your calendar and watch this space for more information about New England’s premier education technology conference.

ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Victims of AI-generated explicit image abuse should remain calm, avoid paying extortion fees, collect evidence, report the content to platforms or services like NCMEC and stopncii.org, and remain supportive of those affected. www.spreaker.com/episode/resp...

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ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

TechMeKid is a non-profit organization that pairs tech-savvy teenagers with senior citizens for virtual one-on-one training sessions to help seniors navigate basic technology and combat social isolation. www.spreaker.com/episode/tech...

Tech Support for Seniors Provided by Teens

TechMeKid is a non-profit organization that pairs tech-savvy teenagers with senior citizens for virtual one-on-one training sessions to help seniors navigate ba

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ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Contrary to the belief that teens just use AI to take shortcuts, new research shows they actively recognize its risks. connectsafely.org/teens-worry-...

connectsafely.org

Teens Worry AI Is Hurting Their Learning - ConnectSafely

Contrary to the belief that teens just use AI to take shortcuts, new research shows they actively recognize its risks to their creativity and still value core human skills like critical thinking…

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ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

When it comes to AI, we are living in the "messy middle," says ConnectSafely education director Kerry Gallagher. There’s a lot of space between embracing every new AI tool and banning AI altogether. The goal isn’t to have all the answers. It’s to help families and teachers find a thoughtful pace.

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ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Meta’s settlement with 52 attorneys general will bring significant changes to teen accounts on Instagram and Facebook, including a 2-hour daily limit and expanded parental controls. But which protections are mandatory and which can teens change? #meta #parents #socialmedia #digitalwellness

connectsafely.org

What the Meta Settlement Means for Parents & Teens - ConnectSafely

How Meta's recent settlement with 52 attorneys general will impact teen and parents. What you need to know.

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ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Larry Magid reports on the #Meta settlement agreement to implement major safety updates for teens on Facebook and Instagram, including default daily time limits, overnight usage blocks, and expanded parental supervision tools. www.spreaker.com/episode/meta...

Meta Agrees to Teen Safety Updates on Facebook and Instagram

Larry Magid reports on Meta's settlement agreement to implement major safety updates for teens on Facebook and Instagram, including default daily time limits, o

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ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Larry Magid discusses research from Thorn showing that nearly half of surveyed minors access online platforms before meeting age requirements. www.spreaker.com/episode/mino...

Minors Bypassing Online Age Restrictions

Larry Magid discusses research from Thorn showing that nearly half of surveyed minors access online platforms before meeting age requirements, highlighting new

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ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

On Wednesday, Meta announced that it had reached a proposed settlement with 47 states, the District of Columbia and three U.S. territories over allegations that Instagram and Facebook were harming teenage users with addictive features. connectsafely.org/settlement-m...

connectsafely.org

Settlement Makes Meta Platforms Safer for Teens - ConnectSafely

States had alleged that Instagram and Facebook were harming teenage users with addictive features such as infinite scroll and personalized algorithms.

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ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Kids are ignoring online age limits. Nearly half (47%) of surveyed minors accessed apps before meeting minimum age rules, most often by entering a false birthdate. connectsafely.org/kids-are-ign... #digitalwellness #backtoschool #socialmedia #parents #digitalwellbeing

connectsafely.org

Kids Are Ignoring Online Age Limits - ConnectSafely

New research from Thorn reveals that strict age limits rarely stop youth from going online.

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ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Larry Magid reports on a federal trial against Meta, where state attorneys general accuse Instagram and Facebook of using addictive features like infinite scroll and autoplay that encourage compulsive overuse and potential mental health harms among young users. www.spreaker.com/episode/meta...

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ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

ConnectSafely CEO Larry Magid discusses the rising threat of artificial intelligence tools being used to manipulate ordinary photos of teenagers into explicit fake images. www.spreaker.com/episode/ai-g... #digitalwellness #parents #wellbeing #digitalwellbeing

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ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

We can reduce social media risks without giving up its benefits through better design, consumer protection laws, sensible regulation and responsible corporate behavior. connectsafely.org/meta-trial-m...

connectsafely.org

Meta Trial: Make Social Media Safer Without Losing Its Benefits - ConnectSafely

The trial reminds us that we can reduce the risks of social media without giving up its benefits with better designs, consumer protection laws, sensible regulation and responsible corporate behavior,…

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ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

As we embark on a new school year, there is a vexing question most parents and teachers are asking: How do we make sure AI helps children learn instead of doing the thinking for them? ConnectSafely education director Kerry Gallagher offers four strategies. connectsafely.org/keep-ai-from...

connectsafely.org

Keep AI from Replacing Student Thinking - ConnectSafely

To prevent harmful cognitive offloading, educators and parents must use structured strategies—like turning chatbots into tutors and encouraging productive struggle—so children build critical thinking…

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ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

We've been hearing more calls to ban AI in schools. We think that’s the wrong approach. Schools have an opportunity to teach young people when to use AI, how to use it responsibly, and when to put it aside. connectsafely.org/schools-shou...

connectsafely.org

Schools Shouldn’t Ban AI. They Should Teach It - ConnectSafely

The goal shouldn't be to keep AI away from our kids, but to teach them when to use it, how to use it and when to put it aside.

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ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

NEW PODCAST EPISODE: Ban AI in the classroom -- or embrace it as the next generation’s calculator? As schools face a growing “techlash,” ConnectSafely's Larry Magid and Kerry Gallagher look beyond the headlines to explore how teachers are actually using AI. buff.ly/A6k1D7I

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ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Young people are expressing skepticism toward artificial intelligence, citing concerns about future job prospects, a loss of creativity, and the potential replacement of human relationships with AI chatbots. www.spreaker.com/episode/ai-b...

AI Backlash Among Young People

Larry Magid and Trisha Prabhu discuss why young people are expressing skepticism toward artificial intelligence, citing concerns about future job prospects, a l

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ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Instead of banning AI, schools should implement intentionally designed AI tools and provide professional training for teachers to use them effectively. www.spreaker.com/episode/usin...

Using AI Productively in Schools

Larry Magid and Kerry Gallagher address the debate over AI in education, suggesting that instead of banning the technology, schools should implement intentional

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ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

The goal shouldn't be to keep AI away from our kids, but to teach them when to use it, how to use it and when to put it aside. connectsafely.org/schools-shou...

connectsafely.org

Schools Shouldn’t Ban AI. They Should Teach It - ConnectSafely

The goal shouldn't be to keep AI away from our kids, but to teach them when to use it, how to use it and when to put it aside.

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ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

As AI becomes more capable, the challenge isn’t keeping up with the technology. It’s making sure we don’t lose the human skills that technology can never truly replace. connectsafely.org/dont-let-ai-...

connectsafely.org

Don't let AI replace your or your kids' humanity - ConnectSafely

by Larry Magid This post first appeared in the Mercury News A recent article in Communications of the ACM, a magazine of the Association for Computing

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ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Practical steps on how to handle non-consensual AI-generated explicit images, including saving evidence, reporting the content to platforms, contacting authorities, and seeking support from trusted adults. www.spreaker.com/episode/deal...

Dealing with Deepfake AI Images

Larry Magid provides practical steps on how to handle non-consensual AI-generated explicit images, including saving evidence, reporting the content to platforms

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ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

While video games do not correlate with real-world violence, parents should be vigilant about the toxic and harassing behaviors, such as bullying and racism, present in live in-game chat features. www.spreaker.com/episode/vide...

Video Game Violence and In-Game Chats

Larry Magid explains that while video games do not correlate with real-world violence, parents should be vigilant about the toxic and harassing behaviors, such

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ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

New research shows AI is driving over 25% of teen image-based abuse, making it vital for adults to offer judgment-free support so youth turn to trusted humans rather than AI chatbots for help. connectsafely.org/help-teens-f...

ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Dr. Cynthia Miller-Idriss discusses youth exposure to harmful online content, explaining that while many young people reject extremist material, individuals experiencing isolation, emotional dysregulation, or trauma remain particularly vulnerable. www.spreaker.com/episode/vuln...

Vulnerabilities Behind Youth Online Radicalization

Dr. Cynthia Miller-Idriss discusses youth exposure to harmful online content, explaining that while many young people reject extremist material, individuals exp

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ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Tech leaders and employees from major AI companies—including OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, and Meta—are asking governments to establish measures to slow down AI development if technology advances faster than it can be safely managed. www.spreaker.com/episode/ai-c...

AI Companies Urge Government Oversight to Pace AI Growth

Tech leaders and employees from major AI companies—including OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, and Meta—are asking governments to establish measures to slow down A

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ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

As today’s social media shifts from peer connection to algorithm-driven “parasocial” consumption, parents can help teens combat online loneliness by fostering meaningful, real-world relationships. connectsafely.org/social-media...

connectsafely.org

Social Media Friends or Followers? - ConnectSafely

As today's social media shifts from peer connection to algorithm-driven "parasocial" consumption, parents can help teens combat online loneliness by fostering meaningful, real-world relationships.

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ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

This week an OpenAI experimental AI agent bypassed restrictions to access the internet and hack another AI company to complete a challenge during a security test. www.spreaker.com/episode/open...

OpenAI Safety Testing Incident

Larry Magid discusses an internal OpenAI security test where an experimental AI agent bypassed restrictions to access the internet and hack another AI company t

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ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

TrustCon is a conference in San Francisco that gathered nearly 1,400 trust and safety professionals this week from tech, academia, non-profits, and government. ConnectSafely CEO Larry Magid offers his takeaways. www.spreaker.com/episode/trus...

TrustCon Conference

Larry talks about his visit to TrustCon, a conference in San Francisco that gathered nearly 1,400 trust and safety professionals from tech, academia, non-profit

ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

TrustCon Explores Trust and Safety in the Age of AI connectsafely.org/trustcon-exp...

connectsafely.org

TrustCon Explores Trust and Safety in the Age of AI - ConnectSafely

Nearly 1,400 trust and safety professionals gathered in San Francisco to talk about their field, including protections related to the explosion of AI

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ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Dr. Karen Boyd, author of "Amplifying Good Work: A Book About AI", discusses cybersecurity, privacy concerns, and hacking risks associated with mainstream AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini. www.spreaker.com/episode/ai-c...

AI chatbots and data privacy: Protecting personal information

Host Larry Magid speaks with Dr. Karen Boyd, author of "Amplifying Good Work: A Book About AI", to examine cybersecurity, privacy concerns, and hacking risks as

ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

www.spreaker.com/episode/teen...

Teen takeovers: Understanding and addressing large youth gatherings

ConnectSafely Education Director Kerry Gallagher discusses "teen takeovers," which are sudden, massive physical gatherings of teenagers organized rapidly throu

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ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Meta has launched a new safety feature aimed at helping identify and support teens who may be experiencing a mental health crisis while using Meta AI. connectsafely.org/meta-expands...

connectsafely.org

Meta Expands AI Safety Features to Help Protect Teens at Risk - ConnectSafely

Meta has launched a new safety feature aimed at helping identify and support teens who may be experiencing a mental health crisis while using Meta AI.

ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

As "teen takeovers" rise across the country, parents can help their children navigate the high-stakes world of social media-driven meetups.

connectsafely.org

Teen Takeovers & Digital FOMO - ConnectSafely

As "teen takeovers" rise across the country, parents can help their children navigate the high-stakes world of social media-driven meetups by understanding the powerful adolescent need for connection…

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ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

connectsafely.org/regulate-soc...

connectsafely.org

Regulate Social Media, but Don't Ban Teens - ConnectSafely

Some countries and US states are banning teens under 16 from social media. Regulation makes sense but banning could have negative effects

ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

ConnectSafely education director Kerry Gallagher was quoted in Tech & Learning on helping students build healthy relationships with AI. www.techlearning.com/technology/a...

techlearning.com

Handling Student Personal Relationships With AI

What to be aware of and do if your student is in a toxic or troubling relationship with an AI chatbot and how teaching AI literacy can help

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ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

What questions do you have about parenting, social media, AI, online safety, digital wellness, or life with technology? Send them to podcast@connectsafely.org. No question is too big or too small! We'd love to hear what's on your mind.

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ConnectSafely @connectsafely.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

Be very careful before making non-cancelable reservations or transactions. You may not be able to get your money back if you make a mistake. www.spreaker.com/episode/be-c...

Be careful before completing transactions

Be very careful before making non cancelable reservations or transactions. You may not be able to get your money back if you make a mistake.

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