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

B.T.G.S. Daily Reporter Kathleen Masciana spotlights how social media challenges children’s focus and a parent’s effort to set tech boundaries, with in-depth coverage from The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/dec/08/social-media-damages-childrens-ability-to-focus and Business Insider https://www.businessinsider.com/mom-struggling-no-cell-phone-rule-for-son-2025-12

B.T.G.S. Daily Reporter Kathleen Masciana covers how smartphones, flip phones, and smartwatches are shaping the lives of kids and families—exploring trends, benefits, and concerns. Dive deeper into the story here: https://www.2news.com/video/flip-phones-making-a-comeback/video_6fcfa072-9aef-11ef-a5bb-179da6bd5ddb.html https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/2025/11/smartwatch-kids-screen-time/684975/ https://publications.aap.org//ExternalLoginResponse.ashx?elpId=3&redirecturlback=http%3a%2f%2fpublications.aap.org%2fpediatrics%2farticle-abstract%2fdoi%2f10.1542%2fpeds.2025-072941%2f205716%2fSmartphone-Ownership-Age-of-Smartphone-Acquisition%3fredirectedFrom%3dfulltext?autologincheck=redirected&nfToken=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000

B.T.G.S. Daily reporter Kathleen Masciana covers the importance of World Philosophy Day in encouraging critical thinking and dialogue featuring an uplifting quote from Aristotle.

B.T.G.S. Daily reporter Kathleen Masciana covers Toy Story 5, officially set to premiere in theaters on June 19, 2026. The newly released teaser trailer is generating buzz, featuring Bonnie receiving a mysterious package as her familiar group of toys—Woody, Buzz, Rex, Slinky Dog, Forky, Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head, Jessie, Bullseye, and the Little Green Aliens—watch in anticipation. The package reveals Lilypad, a frog-shaped smart tablet, introducing a new challenge for the toys and highlighting how technology is changing playtime. This development raises questions about friendship and belonging in the digital age. For more details, see these articles: Watch: First Teaser Trailer Toy Story 5 (NBC New York) Toy Story 5 Teaser Trailer Finds Woody, Buzz on New Adventure (ABC News) Toy Story 5 Trailer Drops: Every Detail You Need to Know (Newsweek)

B.T.G.S. daily Reporter Kathleen Masciana covers a story about a mother in the United Kingdom who took away her children’s tablets as punishment after noticing her son’s behavior declined at school due to constant screen use. She limits tablet use to Fridays and Saturdays only, which encourages her children to engage more in creative play, outdoor activities, and household chores with supervision. The home became calmer with fewer conflicts and less stress for the parent. Kathleen, a blind Generation Z college student, finds this story how setting clear boundaries with technology can positively impact family life and personal growth. For the full article, visit: https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/lazy-parenting-screens_uk_6908abcce4b0c4a0f509de82