Your kid is going to see the internet, even if you try to block it forever, so we bring in a voice who has been studying the digital world from the beginning. Cybersecurity expert, author, and futurist Winn Schwartau joins us to answer the question parents ask most: “How can I protect my kids online?” His response is blunt and strangely reassuring: you can’t, not completely. What you can do is get serious about tools, involvement, and a simple security mindset that works everywhere from banks to families: detect and react.

We unpack what healthy digital habits actually look like at home, starting with screen time limits and why the type of screen matters as much as the number of hours. We talk about social media addiction, the like button as a reward loop, and why hundreds of online “friends” can warp teen identity and fuel insecurity. Wynne also explains research suggesting kids raised on constant tech may be wired differently, and why real human connection still takes time and effort.

Then we go deeper into misinformation, attention economics, and Winn's upcoming concept of “critical ignoring,” a practical way to fight information overload before it becomes a brain-level DDoS attack. You’ll hear simple filters like “I don’t care” and “I don’t have time,” why “do your own research” is often a red flag, and how to approach source verification with “trust nothing, verify twice.” If you’re looking for online safety tips for parents, media literacy for teens, and digital wellbeing strategies that don’t rely on fear, this conversation delivers.

Connect with Winn
Check out the book The Art & Science of Metawar: How to Coexist With AI-Driven Reality Distortion, Disinformation, & Addiction in the Metaverse. You can also contact Winn on Instagram.

If this helps, subscribe, share with a parent friend, and leave a review so more families can find the show.

Welcome to Speak Out Stand Out — the show where we build confidence in our future, one voice at a time. I’m your host, Elizabeth Green.

I grew up shy, so I know firsthand how life-changing it can be when someone helps you find your voice. Now, I get to help kids and teens do exactly that — and this podcast is a place to share those tools with you.

Each week, I talk with experts and inspiring guests about simple, practical and tangible ways to help the young people in

Thanks for listing! Be sure to check out the show notes for additional resources including a free public speaking lesson and 52 fun practice prompts.  And if you enjoyed what you heard today, please give us a follow. 

Thanks for Listening to Speak Out, Stand Out

Like what you hear? We would love if you would rate and review our podcast so it can reach more families.

Also - grab our free mini lesson on impromptu speaking here. This is ideal for kids ages 6+.

Interested in checking out our Public Speaking & Debate courses? Find more here!