k-ID Talks

From World of Warcraft to Saving the Children: One Gamer’s Mission to Protect Kids Online

Tune in for a powerful conversation between Nichlas Hellmark, Gaming Lead at Save the Children, and Kay Vasey from k-ID exploring: * How a former World of Warcraft pro turned a tragic loss into a global mission to protect kids online * What children really want help with—and why adults often miss the mark * Why online friendships are real, meaningful, and sometimes life-saving * The promise and peril of AI in children’s digital lives * How to create safe, empowering spaces that meet kids where they are—without sacrificing their privacy This is a must-listen for any parent, educator, or tech leader navigating the intersection of childhood, gaming, and mental health in an AI-powered world. Let’s empower families and reshape the digital landscape, together.

Beyond Banning Games: Why Parents Need to Play Along Kay Lii from Her Empowerment -SHE

Kay Vasey sits down with Kay Lii Howe, Chief Operating Officer at SHE Singapore (SG Her Empowerment), to explore the critical intersection of online safety, gender empowerment, and community support. This conversation delves into Singapore's first dedicated support center for online harm victims and the innovative programs helping women and girls navigate both digital dangers and career opportunities. 1. Online Harms Are More Common Than We Think Data shows that 2 in 5 people either know someone or have personally encountered online harm. The most prevalent issues include cyberbullying, harassment, and image-based sexual abuse, with cases increasingly involving multiple types of harm simultaneously. Deepfakes now represent emerging threats that can target anyone. 2. Rehabilitation of Perpetrators Is as Important as Supporting Victims Many online harm cases involve a self-perpetuating cycle where victims become perpetrators. Addressing root causes through programs focused on digital ethics, empathy, and accountability can help break this cycle and reduce reoffending, creating a safer online environment for everyone. 3. Parent Engagement in Gaming Is Essential for Safety Rather than forbidding gaming entirely, parents should spend time playing games with their children to understand the platforms and potential risks. This hands-on approach enables more informed safety conversations while building trust, making discussions more effective than blanket prohibitions. Let’s empower families and reshape the digital landscape, together.

Myth-busting digital literacy: Ken Corish reveals children aren't born digital experts after analysing 4 million responses

Ken Corish shares specific findings from Project Evolve's database of over 4 million student responses, directly contradicting the "digital natives" theory. As Deputy CEO of South West Grid for Learning and UK Safer Internet Centre partner, Ken explains how 15 years of evidence collection has reshaped their approach to children's digital competency. Key Highlights: * Ken transitioned from 20 years as a teacher to developing the 360 Degree Safe self-review tool now used by 16,000 UK schools * Project Evolve receives 3,000 daily visits from 17,000 organisations across 75,000 professionals * Ken envisions AI interfaces trained on quality-assured content replacing traditional resource repositories * "Putting a hat and sunglasses on a picture of a dog is not empowered use of technology" * His research shows parents aren't "clueless" about technology - they need behavioral indicators, not technical skills * Media literacy is threatened when platforms reduce fact-checking and AI-generated content proliferates Let’s empower families and reshape the digital landscape, together.

Strangers in the living Room: The hidden dangers of a digital childhood with Jess Leslie from ChildFund

In this powerful episode with Jess Leslie, Director of Online Protection Programs at ChildFund International, we uncover the unsettling truth about digital childhoods—and what it means when a child says, “There are a lot of people here today,” while playing a game. Jess shares how a career in combating gender-based violence and child exploitation led her to the frontlines of online safety, where the threats are invisible but deeply real. Key highlights include: * Jess’s journey from tackling human trafficking to leading child online protection across 24 countries * Why screen time limits aren’t enough—and the deeper conversations families need to be having * The importance of trust-building over rule-setting when guiding children online * Insights into how trauma and digital risks intersect in today’s childhoods * How ChildFund is driving global change through education, policy, and platform accountability * Practical tips for parents: from asking the right questions to creating safe digital spaces at home Let’s empower families and reshape the digital landscape, together.

Making online safety accessible for all: Cyberlite's Nina Bual on equitable digital protection for children

In this insightful conversation with Cyberlite co-founder Nina Bual, we explore the critical landscape of children's online safety across the globe. Nina shares personal experiences as both a tech entrepreneur and mother of 3, revealing how even cyber experts face challenges protecting their own children online. Key highlights include: * Nina's journey founding Cyberlite, which now provides accessible cyber safety education in 16 countries * The six core online risks all children face, from cyberbullying to digital identity management * Why accessibility in online safety education is crucial, with 95% of Cyberlite's resources available for free * Practical advice for parents navigating gaming platforms and AI risks * The importance of open communication rather than device confiscation when addressing online issues * Nina's vision for "safety by design" - where technology defaults to child-safe settings rather than adult ones Let’s empower families and reshape the digital landscape, together.