In this episode, I’m looking at the difference between privacy and secrecy online, and why I believe younger children need much more visibility and supervision than we sometimes realise.

We’ll explore passwords, hidden accounts, boundaries and how digital independence should grow gradually as a child’s judgement develops.

I’ll also talk about what secrecy might be telling us, why a hidden account is a signal rather than simply bad behaviour, and how our first response can shape whether a child feels safe enough to tell us what is really going on.

The goal is not constant surveillance. It is helping children build the judgement, trust and confidence they need to manage online spaces more safely as they grow.

Highlights:

(01:30) - Why online privacy for young children is not the same as a closed bedroom door

(04:45) - Privacy, independence and secrecy: how to tell the difference

(09:49) - Why digital freedom should grow alongside demonstrated judgement

(14:41) - When secrecy may be coming from fear, pressure or something more serious

(19:26) - Why your first reaction can determine whether your child tells you the truth

(23:08) - Private, surprise or secret? A simple distinction every family can talk about

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In this episode, I’m looking behind the curtain at the design choices that make apps, games and online platforms so difficult to put down.

From infinite scroll and autoplay to streaks, notifications and social rewards, we’ll explore how children’s attention is deliberately captured and why so many supposedly free digital experiences come with another kind of cost.

I’ll also explain surveillance capitalism, data collection and why these platforms are not neutral spaces.

Most importantly, we’ll look at how parents can help children recognise persuasion for themselves, make more informed choices and develop the critical thinking they need to become confident, capable digital citizens.

Highlights:

(01:30) - If an app is free, your attention might be part of what’s paying for it

(05:11) - Infinite scroll, autoplay and streaks: why stopping can feel surprisingly hard

(09:53) - That notification feels urgent, but is anyone actually trying to talk to you?

(12:44) - Your child’s clicks, pauses and preferences are worth more than you might think

(14:49) - Why banning everything is not the answer, but understanding the deal absolutely matters

(19:47) - One simple question that can get children thinking differently about the apps they use

Connect with Laura:

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In this episode, I’m looking at what really happens behind the screen when an app, game or platform appears to be free.

We’ll explore the attention economy, persuasive design and the ways digital spaces are deliberately built to keep us clicking, scrolling and coming back for more.

I’ll also explain why children’s attention and data have real commercial value, what surveillance capitalism actually means, and how parents can make more informed choices without assuming all technology is bad.

Most importantly, we’ll look at how curiosity, better boundaries and honest conversations can help children become more confident and thoughtful digital citizens.

Highlights:

(01:30) - If the app is free, what exactly is being paid for?

(05:11) - Infinite scroll, streaks and autoplay, the tricks designed to keep us coming back

(10:01) - Why notifications feel personal even when no human is trying to reach you

(14:56) - Your child’s attention plus their data equals something incredibly valuable

(17:33) - Why the answer is not to ban everything and retreat into a tech-free cave

(20:03) - The question every parent can ask their child about the apps they use

Connect with Laura:

Book a Discovery Call

Linkedin

Website