B.T.G.S. Daily Reporter Kathleen Masciana covers how families in Northbrook, Illinois are choosing to delay giving their children smartphones until the end of eighth grade, opting instead for colorful landline phones that encourage genuine conversations and help children build confidence and friendships away from constant screen time and social media. Highlights the “Wait Until 8th” pledge, parental efforts to foster authentic communication, the positive effects on social development, the thoughtful use of technology in schools, and how families are balancing independence and safety—such as smartwatches for older children—while navigating digital pressures. Analysis is grounded in research on early digital access and its impact. For the full story, visit https://people.com/group-of-parents-surprise-their-kids-with-landlines-exclusive-11882401

B.T.G.S. Daily reporter Kathleen Masciana covers the book The Amazing Generation by Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price, an escape manual for tweens offering practical tips for building real friendships and seeking offline adventures. Although written for a younger audience, Kathleen examines the book through a philosophical lens, exploring its deeper implications for authentic living and the role of technology in our lives.

B.T.G.S. Daily reporter Kathleen Masciana covers the groundbreaking enrollment of Xue Ba 01, China’s first humanoid robot admitted as a PhD student at the Shanghai Theatre Academy. Developed by the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Xue Ba 01 will study drama, stage design, and traditional Chinese opera alongside human students, representing a major advancement in the integration of artificial intelligence with the arts. For the full story, read more at: https://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202508/05/WS689157a0a31073015a870bbd.html https://radii.co/article/xueba-01-china-first-robot-phd-student https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202509/1344499.shtml