The Tech Translator with Parent ProTech

“School Phone Bans, Smartphones, and the Anxiety We Don’t Talk About”

This podcast episode explores the rising trend of school smartphone bans and the phenomenon of "techxiety," focusing on how constant digital connectivity contributes to student stress, social friction, and diminished academic focus. The discussion highlights the psychological toll of being "always on" and considers the potential benefits of reclaiming distraction-free environments for more authentic face-to-face interaction. While also addressing the practical challenges and parental concerns involved in implementing such policies, the episode offers a nuanced look at the evolving relationship between technology, mental well-being, and engagement in educational settings. www.parentprotech.com Follows us: @parentprotech

The Ultimate Parent ProTech Holiday Gift Guide: Safe Tech (and Non-Tech) for Families

Before you hit “Add to Cart” this holiday season, watch this first. 👀In this Parent ProTech Holiday Gift Guide, Joshua and Melvin break down the best safe tech (and non-tech!) gifts for families in 2025. They're covering kid-safe smartphones and smartwatches to tablets, gaming consoles, and creative offline ideas designed to bring families together.We’re not paid to say any of this. These are products we actually believe in.Check out our full downloadable gift guide here: https://ito-vault.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/ppt/The+ProTech+Holiday+Gift+Guide+2025.pdf🎄 We Cover:0:00 - Why We're Sharing This1:21 - Kid-Safe Smartphones: Bark Phone, Gabb Phone, Troomi Phone6:27 - Smartwatches for Kids: Bark Watch, Cosmo JrTrack 5, TickTalk 512:10 - Tablets: Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro, iPad, LeapFrog LeapPad Academy19:43 - Gaming Consoles: Nintendo Switch & Switch 2, Nex Playground24:20 - Nintendo Switch 1 Games: Gabby's Dollhouse, LEGO Party!, Pokémon Legends Z-A27:00 - Nintendo Switch 2 Games: Donkey Kong Bananza, Mario Kart World, Sonic X Shadow Generations29:33 - Cameras: Agoigo Kids, Sony ZV-1F, VTech KidiZoom Duo Camera FX34:02 - Non-Tech Family Games: Blank Slate, Gravitrax Starter Set, Happy Salmon36:45 - Non-Tech: Pickleball, PlasmaCar Lightning Glow Rider, SpikeballSubscribe to Parent ProTech for practical tools, conversations, and resources to help your family navigate the digital world with confidence.

Phone bans, Sora, & Snapchat Safety

We’re breaking down what parents need to know about cell phone bans, Sora’s new social app, and Snapchat’s latest safety guide. Tune in for practical insights on raising kids in a digital world and creating a healthier tech balance at home. Learn more: www.parentprotech.com Follow us: @parentprotech

Raise Digital-Ready Kids | ex-TikTok • Netflix • Harvard Expert

What if raising tech-savvy kids didn’t have to be scary?In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Tracy Elizabeth, a developmental psychologist and former TikTok family safety leader, Netflix ratings director, and Harvard researcher to unpack what it really takes to raise digital-ready kids in today’s world.In this episode of The Tech Translator Podcast by Parent ProTech, you’ll hear:- Why fear-based parenting around tech doesn’t work- How platforms decide what’s “PG-13”- The difference between active and passive screen time (and why it matters)- How to train your child’s algorithm- Why your child isn’t ready for a smartphone until you’ve had a few essential conversations- How to use a “yes - and” approach to teach healthy digital habitsIf you’re a parent, educator, or leader navigating kids’ screen time or social media, this episode will show you how to replace fear with confidence and raise digital-ready kids.Raise Digital-Ready Kids | ex-TikTok • Netflix • Harvard Expert

"Make Our Schools Safe" | Activist Lori Alhadeff on School Safety + Cell Phone Ban

In this episode, Lori Alhadeff joins us to discuss how technology is literally saving lives and the necessary policies that secure our children's future. We dive into: * Alyssa's Law: The story behind the critical law mandating silent panic alarms in schools, and how technology drastically reduces emergency response time, proving that seconds equal life. * The School Board Perspective: Lori offers her unique view, as both a grieving parent and a school board member, on the difficult compromises required to protect students. * The Cell Phone Dilemma: We tackle the issue of school cell phone bans. Lori explains why removing devices during the school day is a necessary step for reducing distraction, mitigating digital bullying, and improving student mental health. * Encouragement & Advice: Practical guidance for parents, educators, and students navigating the new digital and physical safety landscape. Lori Alhadeff's mission is to ensure no family endures the tragedy her own did. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of tech, policy, and the fight for safer schools. Learn more about Make our Schools Safe at: www.makeourschoolssafe.org [http://www.makeourschoolssafe.org] Learn more about Parent ProTech at: www.parentprotech.com [http://www.parentprotech.com]