Better Internet for Kids

Why do children and young people follow influencers online and how can this affect them? Influencers have become an important part of children’s lives and in this podcast episode a researcher from The Swedish Agency for the Media shares new knowledge from an interview study with children and young people regarding influencers. The important role for parents to guide their children around influencers, and how this can be done, is also covered in this episode. The podcast series is called “Our children and the internet” and is produced by the Swedish Internet Foundation. 

The Digital Parenting podcast provides parents with insights and practical tips on managing their children's digital media use. In each episode, a parent and an expert in media education discuss topics such as screen time, online safety, social media, and gaming. Together, they explore the challenges and opportunities of growing up in a digital world. Each episode concludes with three actionable tips for parents to implement right away.

The podcast is available on SPotify (see URL), but also on Apple Podcasts and Pocket Casts.

Research shows that children and young people that spend a lot of time on social media are more often dissatisfied with their bodies than others. Comparisons and exposure to unrealistic body ideals is one part of it, and algorithms and “rabbit holes” is another. In this podcast episode of the Swedish podcast “Ätstörningspodden” (The eating disorder podcast) these issues, and how adults can help children navigate in this, are examined with an analyst from The Swedish Agency for the Media.

Child Focus has developed a practical and engaging lesson package designed to introduce young people to CyberSquad, an online platform where they can find help and support for online challenges. This workshop empowers students to explore CyberSquad while fostering empathy, solidarity, and problem-solving skills.

It’s also natural that sometimes a person may want to change or eliminate something about their appearance. The problems arise when you start thinking that it’s necessary to be thinner or to achieve certain body shapes to feel enough for yourself and others, and begin to diet, restrict food, or otherwise excessively focus on your appearance. Such behaviour can lead to or be caused by eating disorders.
The most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating.

"I was the kind of teenager who would allow myself not to come home, not inform my parents about anything. I smoked and drank, and I was proud of it," says Eglė Kislovski, founder and leader of the program for teenagers, as well as an organizer of youth and adult camps.

Eglė is interviewed by members of the Children’s Line Advisory Team, Ūla and Lukas. The full conversation covers adolescence, the influence of friends and parents, and how to find happiness.

A clinical toxicologist explains that when young people use drugs or other substances, they seek pleasure but don’t consider the consequences.

"Probably the biggest challenge for every person who is neurodivergent is understanding what is happening to them. Most often, such a child or teenager feels like a white crow, a black sheep in a crowd; they feel that something is not right," says psychologist and psychotherapist Vika Aniulienė, who personally knows what attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder is.

Vika is interviewed by members of the Children’s Line Advisory Team, Rokas and Toma.

"The goal is not to deny and clear the environment of gender stereotypes; they will always exist because it’s easier for people to think about the world that way. The goal is to gain immunity, to be able to recognize stereotypes and understand how they work," says sexuality education specialist Akvilė Giniota.

Akvilė is interviewed by members of the Children’s Line Advisory Team, Ugnė and Rokas.

Burnout is a state where you feel completely exhausted and have lost your energy, motivation, and interest in activities you used to enjoy or simply need to do. It can happen to both children and adults, often due to too much activity or prolonged stress.

Watch the video created by Deimantė Kiaušinytė and think about whether you feel this way too?