🎄Your Holiday Tech Guide 📲

IN THE NEWS
Today’s Top Tech 📲

👩‍⚖️ Australia Bans Social Media for Kids | In a first of its kind law, Australia has now banned social media for those under the age of 16. The law requires major tech companies, including Meta and TikTok, to prevent minors from logging in or risk fines of up to $32 million USD.

😭 Where’s the Line with AI? | A Florida teen took his life after building a relationship with an AI companion through Character.AI, a company with “personalized AI for every moment of your day.” Users spend an average of 93 minutes/daily on the platform. AI-based companionship is on the rise, and it’s essential that you talk with your kids about AI in their lives.

😻 TikTok Bans Beauty Filters | Following research and feedback from teens on the impact of beauty filters on body image, TikTok is restricting appearance-altering beauty effects for users under 18. Kids on TikTok? Use our conversation starters to talk to them about the app.

👵 AI Granny Battles Phone Scammers | An AI-generated English granny, takes on scammers by engaging them in long conversations designed to waste their time. While charming and effective at slowing scammers, experts say her efforts are more of a speed bump than a solution to the global surge in phone fraud.

TRENDING
Lost in Translation: Gen Alpha Slang 🤷‍♀️

🤨 “Match my freak…“ | While the origin of this phrase comes from a not-so-family-friendly song, “freak matching” has taken on a new, more innocent meaning: bonding with others with similar quirks or unique attributes.

💬 ”Chat, is this real?“ | In online streaming, streamers frequently shout out, question, or address the chat, or those actively commenting during a stream. Now, students use the term to address people—some times for no real reason at all.

💬 Pose 28 | This pose originates from a popular mini-game in Roblox, the game with a user base mostly under the age of 16. While there are a variety of poses in the game, pose 28 went viral for its uniquely funny and distinctive style.

IT’S THE HOLIDAY SEASON
Tech + Non-Tech Gifts Worth Giving 🎁

It’s time to stress over buy those holiday gifts.

Our holiday gift guide is packed with the best tech, games, and gadgets for kids of all ages—safe, fun, and parent-approved. We’re here to help you have the easiest shopping season yet. 🙏

Watch our very own Melvin and Marlene break down the list here.

*Prices listed are as advertised at the time of publication.

HOLIDAY BREAK
The Right Amount of Screen Time 👌

The holidays are here with more free time (and more screen time). For all those wanting to manage technology in a healthy way, this video is for you.

This video is packed with tips on:
✅ Recognizing active and passive screen time
✅ Setting healthy boundaries with devices during the break
✅ Exploring the concept of a “digital detox” (yes, it’s doable)
✅ Using screen time and focus modes to take control of your device use

Whether your family loves gaming, social media, or binge-watching, this video will help you reset and recharge—without completely ditching the tech you love.

THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA
Protecting Your Student’s Future ⛔️

Earlier this year, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas highlighted the rise in school-related threats on social media nationwide.

We’ve teamed up with the Crime Stoppers of Houston team to address this complex issue and what you need to know. You can watch our full conversation here.

Key takeaways include:

• Understanding threats: Even “jokes” posted online can result in felony charges, especially in states like Texas.

• Consequences: Threats can lead to suspensions, expulsion, legal penalties, and long-term damage to reputations.

• Think before you post: Social media posts live forever and can impact future opportunities, from college admissions to career prospects.

If you are a parent, an educator, or a community leader, your students need to understand this.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY TECH
Raising Safe + Confident Kids 🤗

Our creative director sat down with Bill Brady, CEO of Troomi Wireless, to discuss how innovative technology can help families navigate the challenges of raising kids in the digital world.

From a smartphone designed for kids to Troodi, an AI-powered mental health companion, Troomi is redefining what it means to keep kids safe online.

This conversation is packed with insights:

• How Troomi mitigates the dangers of early smartphone use

• How Troodi fosters emotional resilience in kids while providing parents with critical insights

• Practical tools and guardrails to protect kids from harmful content and online predators

👉 With all the horror stories we hear around tech, we love to see companies like Troomi using tech to protect kids and help them thrive.