Parents of the Year
We were never given a manual on how to parent. It is easy to get overwhelmed to know the right thing to do. There is so much contradictory information out there and everyone has their own advice. Parenting is a rewarding but messy, confusing, infuriating, guilt-inducing, and overwhelming journey. While it's easy to get lost, Andrew Stewart, a real dad, and Dr. Caroline Buzanko, a real mom, child psychologist, and parenting expert (who also happens to be married to Andrew) will help you get back on track. In each episode, Andrew and Caroline have open and honest chats about everything parenting. Join them in honesty, laughter, and tears (Caroline is a bit of a cry baby) as they help you navigate this journey of parenting. And, every so often, you may get some gems of expert advice. Our goal is to make your parenting journey less stressful, more forgiving, and more awesome. Please join us every Wednesday for new episodes of Parenting of the Year.
Parents of the Year
201. Do You Know Who Your Child Is Talking to in Games and Group Chats?
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In this episode of Parents of the Year, Andrew and Caroline sit down with Mashood Ahmed, founder and CEO of GigabitIQ (the UK’s safest broadband provider) and a dad of five, to talk about what’s really happening online: strangers in game chats, disappearing messages, school-issued devices that come home unfiltered, and why a bedroom can be riskier than the park.
Mashood breaks down where parents get stuck—too many devices, too many apps, too many settings—and shares a simpler way to think about protection: start with a conversation, then add controls that actually work for real life. You’ll also hear about Parentline (parentline.ai), a free, multilingual tool built to help parents quickly figure out things like blocking TikTok, tightening Roblox settings, and creating safer home Wi-Fi rules without spending hours searching.
If you want a practical reset for your family’s digital life—without panic, guilt, or tech overwhelm—press play.
About Mashood Ahmad
Mashood Ahmad is the founder and CEO of Gigabit IQ, a broadband innovator dedicated to creating safer digital homes for children and families. As a father of five, he understands the real and growing challenges parents face in navigating big tech, social media, and hidden online harms. He is a recognised champion for online safety within the UK broadband sector and works closely with policymakers to push for stronger national protections. Mashood also created ParentLine, an AI-powered guidance tool that helps parents understand and manage online risks with clarity and confidence. His work bridges technology, parenting, and public policy to ensure families are better supported in today’s hyperconnected world.
“Homework” activities for adults + resources
Homework 1: The 10-minute “Today Online” check-in (no interrogation)
Do it: Ask one question at dinner or bedtime:
“What did you do online today that was fun… and what felt weird or uncomfortable?”
Goal: Make “tell me early” normal.
Homework 2: Device + app inventory (15 minutes, one page)
Do it: Write down every connected device your child uses (phone/tablet/laptop/console/smart TV). Under each: top 5 apps/games.
Goal: You can’t protect what you can’t name.
Homework 3: One privacy reset together
Do it: Pick one high-risk area and do it side-by-side (no surprise lock-downs).
Choose one:
- Roblox chat + friend settings
- Snapchat privacy + location
- YouTube restricted mode + watch history
- Console voice chat defaults
Goal: Shared responsibility, less sneakiness.
Homework 4: Bedroom Wi-Fi rules (simple, clear)
Do it: Decide your “where + when” rules for devices (charging station overnight, no headphones behind closed doors, door open during multiplayer, etc.).
Goal: Reduce private access points without shame.
Homework 5: Use Parentline when you get stuck
Do it: Ask Parentline a real question you’ve been avoiding:
“How do I block TikTok on an iPhone?” / “How do I tighten Roblox?” / “What should I do about WhatsApp groups?”
Resource: parentline.ai (free, multilingual)
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