The ProTech Playbook - February Edition

IN THE NEWS
Today’s Top Tech

😮 “Managed by Moms and Stalked by Men” | Many popular mom-led girl influencers on Instagram are flooded with notifications from men. Some blame parents for posting minors, while a recent lawsuit highlights child safety as a “non-goal” at Meta (NY Times). After reading this, you’ll want to wait as long as possible before posting your child on Instagram.

👨‍⚖️ The Future of Online Speech | This week, the Supreme Court is hearing arguments around two cases that will determine whether states or tech companies have the right to set rules around what posts can appear on social networks (BBC).

💤 In Their Dreams | In a recent ad campaign, Snapchat is presenting itself as the antidote to social media. This fails to account for the many dangers posed to minors on Snapchat, including easy access to cyberbullying, sexting, and drug dealers, to name a few (Snapchat).

🕶️ Spatial Computing?! | With the introduction of Apple’s Vision Pro, the world is talking about the new device that revolutionizes personal computing. Only days after the return window closed, many users are now highlighting what’s still to be seen in Apple’s first generation spatial computer (9to5Mac).

PARTNERSHIPS
Practical Family Tips to Thrive Online 💪

This month, our team spoke at the Crime Stoppers Campus Conference in Houston to school and law enforcement leaders from across Texas. While there, our CEO and creative director joined The Balanced Voice podcast with Crime Stoppers of Houston CEO Rania Mankarious and co-host and tech leader, Jennifer Hohman.

In the episode, they're breaking down the issues and giving you practical tools to set your family up for success online.

You can listen wherever you get your podcasts or watch the full podcast here.

GAMING
Your child wants to play video games…. 🎮

Many of you ask us some version of one question: “When it comes to video games, where do I begin?” The list goes on:

• What conversations around video games should we have as a family?

• What gaming console is the safest? What system is the best?

• What games are safe? What games are not safe?

• Should my child play online?

If you’re new to the gaming world, it can be a lot to navigate. In our new video, we’re breaking down practical steps you can take, from research on your own to work alongside your child.

If your child is already gaming, are you worried that they are addicted to video games? Don’t miss this.

TECH INNOVATIONS
Family Time Uninterrupted 😊

For months, Joshua and Alexa have raved about Aro.

The concept is simple. Place the Aro box centrally in your home and plug it in. It’s both a charging hub and a tool to track how much time you spend intentionally off your device.

When paired with the app, the Aro becomes a dynamic tool to encourage you and your family to disconnect from technology and be present with those you love. You can see the Aro in action here.

This is not sponsored, we just really love this device. Your family (and friends) will thank you.

Use the code “parentprotech” at checkout to get $15 off an annual membership to Aro!

EDUCATION
We want to hear from you! 🫵

Our CEO, Brock, is in Florida this week with a workgroup from the Florida Department of Education. He’s among education leaders currently working to modernize the digital education in the state’s K-12 schools.

Our team is continuously working to build the most relevant tools to help families and communities navigate the digital landscape. As parents, educators, community leaders, or tech users, you have a unique perspective to bring to the table.

Reply to this email or email [email protected] with any issues you see common with young people and tech, and we’ll work to incorporate that into future lessons and content from our team.