Social Media’s “Big Tobacco” Moment... and a Baby Monkey 🐒

IN THE NEWS
News Worth Knowing 🔥

💬 We Want to Hear Your Stories | Share how Parent ProTech has impacted your family, classroom, or community here, and you’ll be entered to win a $50 Amazon gift card.

⚖️ Zuckerberg Testifies in Teen Addiction Trial | Mark Zuckerberg appeared in court last week as Meta faces claims that Instagram was designed in ways that may contribute to teen addiction. Some experts are calling this social media’s “Big Tobacco moment.” Zuckerberg said he reached out to Apple’s CEO to discuss the “well-being of teens and kids.” Regardless of the verdict, healthy tech habits still start at home. Learn how to protect your kids on Instagram here.

🏡 Ring’s “Search Party” Sparks Privacy Debate | Ring’s new AI feature scans neighborhood cameras to help find lost pets, but its Super Bowl ad left some viewers uneasy. Critics are asking bigger questions about neighborhood-wide AI surveillance. It’s a good reminder: convenience and privacy often move in tension. Know what features are turned on in your home tech. Use our video to talk with your kids about how AI algorithms shape what we see online.

🧠 Should You Be Polite to AI? | New reporting suggests saying “please” and “thank you” doesn’t make AI tools more accurate. What helps? Giving clear instructions, asking for multiple options, and double-checking important answers. And remember: AI systems can be manipulated by online content designed to influence their responses. They may confidently repeat information that isn’t accurate. Remind your kids: treat AI like a tool, not an expert. Our video can help.

🐒 “Punch” Goes Viral + Wins Hearts | Punch, a baby macaque in Japan who was abandoned by his mother at birth and raised by zoo staff, has captured millions online with videos of him cuddling a stuffed orangutan and learning to socialize with other monkeys. His story highlights how digital communities can rally around something good. Parents, use moments like this to talk with kids about empathy online. Watch our family video on kindness online here.

IN THE CLASSROOM
Middle School: Where Character Gets Real 🧠

Middle school is tough enough… now add group chats, AI homework shortcuts, viral trends, and a digital footprint that never forgets.

That's exactly why we built CharacterEd.

Our middle school CharacterEd videos are now live inside the Parent ProTech library. These lessons help students build the traits that shape both their character and their digital footprint, from honesty and upstanding behavior to self-control, perseverance, respect, and loyalty.

Through relatable scenarios like group chats, gaming, school projects, and social posts, these tools meet middle school students right where they are, at a time when many habits are taking root.

You can access the full CharacterEd curriculum in the CharacterEd tab at the top right of the Parent ProTech library. Recognized by the Georgia Department of Education as a statewide model for character education, CharacterEd provides schools with practical support for building healthy relationships and wise decision-making online and offline.

THE PROTECH TEAM
Welcome to the Team, Steve + Amanda 🎉 

We’re thrilled to welcome two incredible leaders to Parent ProTech!

Steve brings 20+ years of experience mentoring youth and serving families through nonprofit and ministry leadership. He enjoys coaching football, biking, beach trips with his family, and cheering (faithfully) for the Detroit Lions.

Amanda joins us with 17 years in K-12 education and a passion for equipping educators and families to lead confident online safety conversations. As a mom, she knows some of the most important learning happens in everyday moments at home. Fun fact: she once led a 1,500-student high school lip dub.

We couldn’t ask for better teammates. Our communities are in good hands. 🤝

CELEBRATING
Parent ProTech Named for Impact Award 🏆

We’re honored to share that Parent ProTech has been named a finalist for the 2026 Gusto Impact Awards, which recognize small businesses making meaningful impact in their communities. We were selected as a finalist out of nearly 10,000 applicants nationwide.

This recognition reflects the real work happening in classrooms and living rooms every day. It represents parents having hard but necessary conversations and communities choosing proactive solutions over reactive fear. We’re grateful to be building this movement with you. 🤍

PROTECH TECH TIP
You Need a Break 🥱

You (probably) need more sleep. 😴

Sleep is foundational for kids and adults. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 9-11 hours of sleep for kids (6-13) and 8-10 hours for teens (14-17). According to the CDC, adults need 7 or more hours per night.

Too little sleep in children is linked to poorer school performance, mental health challenges, and even obesity. For adults, chronic sleep deprivation is associated with increased risk of heart disease, depression, and impaired decision-making.

And we all know that screens before bed can raise heart rate and disrupt melatonin, making it harder for everyone in the house to fall asleep.

One simple shift can make a big difference. Pick a place where devices go (and stay) 30-60 minutes before bed.

It can be as simple as choosing a central location in your home to leave phones, or buying a timed lock box if your family needs a little extra encouragement.

Healthy sleep isn’t just a kid issue. It’s a family habit.