In an era where the internet’s vastness can be both a treasure trove of information and a potential danger zone, a new podcast, Parents vs The Internet, is taking center stage. Hosted by Esther Ghey and Liz Hull, the podcast delves deep into the challenges parents face in keeping their children safe online. The series, born from a tragic personal loss, serves as both a tribute and a call to action, aiming to create real change in how society safeguards its youngest members.
A Tragic Inspiration
The impetus for this podcast is rooted in a heartbreaking incident. Esther Ghey’s daughter, Brianna Ghey, was just 16 years old when she was ambushed and killed by her school peers. This horrific act, orchestrated through text messages and influenced by content the attackers consumed on the Dark Web, serves as a grim reminder of the internet’s darker corners. Brianna herself had struggled with mental health issues, secretly visiting pro-anorexia and self-harm sites on her smartphone. The devastating consequences of these online influences underscore the urgent need for better internet safety measures for children.
Exploring Solutions with Experts
Over the course of 10 episodes, Parents vs The Internet brings together a diverse group of experts and advocates to discuss strategies for protecting children in the digital age. Each 25-minute episode features in-depth conversations with a wide array of guests, including trans activist Jaxon Feely, Ofcom’s policy director for child safety, and the headteacher of Brianna’s school, who is pioneering innovative protective measures for her students. The podcast also features therapists, authors, charity CEOs, and survivors of mental illness, all contributing their insights on how to shield children from online harm.
Campaigning for Change
Esther and Liz are not just hosting a podcast—they are spearheading a campaign to implement concrete changes. Their primary goals include advocating for internet restrictions for all children under the age of 16 and ensuring that teachers across the UK receive training in mindfulness. By equipping educators with these skills, they hope to foster an environment where children can develop resilience against the pressures and dangers of the online world.
The Role of Technology in Safeguarding
A significant focus of the podcast is on the responsibility of mobile phone companies in safeguarding children. The hosts argue for mobile phones to be set up in an age-appropriate manner from the outset and call for stricter controls over under-16s’ access to social media apps and unsupervised internet use. The discussions highlight the need for tech companies to step up and take an active role in protecting young users from exposure to harmful content.
Mindfulness as a Tool for Protection
In addition to advocating for technological safeguards, Parents vs The Internet emphasizes the importance of mindfulness in education. The podcast explores how integrating mindfulness training into the school curriculum can help reduce anxiety, improve self-esteem, and increase calmness, self-awareness, and empathy among students. By teaching children these skills, Esther and Liz hope to arm them with the tools they need to navigate the online world safely and responsibly.
A Legacy of Change
For Esther, this podcast is more than just a series of conversations; it is a legacy for her daughter, Brianna. Through Parents vs The Internet, she is channeling her grief into a campaign that aims to make a tangible impact. Esther’s mission is to ensure that no other parent has to endure the pain she has suffered and to create a safer online environment for all children.
A Podcast with a Purpose
“Parents vs. The Internet is a podcast that we created to support parents, caregivers, teachers, and policymakers in our joint mission to keep our children safe,” says Esther. “Schools are places where we trust that our children’s best interests are being looked after, but sadly, there is a world inside of their phones that is not protected from harm. This podcast aims to explore how young people can leverage technology for good while being safeguarded from the bad.”
Launch and Availability
Produced by DMG Media, Parents vs The Internet is set to launch on Monday, 30 September. The podcast will be available on all major streaming platforms, making it accessible to a broad audience. Esther and Liz hope that their discussions will not only raise awareness but also drive action among parents, educators, and policymakers alike.
Conclusion
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the need for robust measures to protect children online becomes increasingly urgent. Parents vs The Internet is not just a podcast—it is a rallying cry for a safer, more mindful approach to technology. Through their heartfelt discussions and expert insights, Esther Ghey and Liz Hull are paving the way for a future where children can explore the internet without fear of falling victim to its dangers.
