Category Archives: Into the Digital Future

In this episode of Into the Digital Future, Shuli Gilutz speaks with Jordan Shapiro and Laura Higgins about the Responsible Innovation in Technology for Children (RITEC) initiative, led by The LEGO Group and UNICEF and funded by the LEGO Foundation. They discuss the RITEC-8 framework, developed through research conducted with over 750 children in 18 countries. Shuli discusses the release of the RITEC Design Toolbox, which has been created as a set of tools for design teams to support their…

The Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop and Roblox are thrilled to announce the third season of Into the Digital Future, our podcast that explores the complexities of parenting in the digital age. This season, hosts Jordan Shapiro (Cooney Center Senior Fellow and author of Father Figure: How to be a Feminist Dad and The New Childhood: Raising Kids to Thrive in a Connected World) and Laura Higgins (Senior Director of Community Safety & Digital Civility at Roblox) dig into the complexities…

In this episode, Lucha Sotomayor, a representative from the UN’s Office of the Special Representative on Violence Against Children, discusses the importance of children’s participation in addressing and preventing violence. She shares insights into various forms of violence against children, including physical, psychological, and verbal violence, as well as harmful practices like child marriage and child labor. Lucha also highlights the need to create a world where children can live free from violence and emphasizes the ongoing challenges faced by…

In this episode, Jordan and Laura sit down with Jaspal Sandhu, Executive Vice President at Hopelab, a social innovation lab dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being of young people, with a focus on equity. Jaspal shares his unique journey from mechanical engineering to youth mental health advocacy, shedding light on the intersection of design, technology, and health. They discuss the Responsible Technology Youth Power initiative, emphasizing the importance of involving young leaders in shaping the responsible use of…

Join us for a conversation with Melissa Mercado, a lead researcher at the CDC, where she addresses the challenges of digital harassment and online safety. Alongside Laura and Jordan, she delves into the world of online bullying, cyberbullying, and their impact on well-being. Melissa highlights the real-life consequences of online violence and emphasizes leveraging online spaces for positive connections and skill-building. Discover proactive steps to combat digital harassment and create a healthier online community. This transcript of the Into the…

Laura and Jordan are joined by Amanda Third, Associate Professor at the University of Western Sydney and co-author of the UN’s Digital Rights of the Child. Amanda shares her participatory research approach that empowers children as active contributors to data on their digital experiences. As part of the Global Kids Online initiative, she highlights the digital challenges kids face and calls for adult support and effective policies. Tune in to understand how we can create a future where children can…

Trisha Prabhu, an innovator and anti-cyberbullying advocate, joins Laura and Jordan for a powerful discussion on combating digital harassment. Trisha shares insights from her journey as the creator of ReThink, a technology solution designed to detect and deter offensive language before it’s posted online. Together, they explore the current landscape of online bullying and the proactive steps being taken by her company and the tech industry to combat them. This transcript of the Into the Digital Future podcast has been…

Jennie Ito, a developmental psychologist and expert in children’s media and content appropriateness, joins Laura and Jordan in a compelling conversation on creating safer digital environments for kids. Drawing from her vast experience, which includes spearheading content policy development for kids’ experiences on YouTube, Google Play, and her current role at Roblox, Jennie provides a deep dive into the intricacies of age-appropriate digital policy-making. Together, they explore the critical challenges and innovative solutions in ensuring child safety in digital platforms.…

Dr. Hina Talib, a pediatrician and adolescent medicine specialist, joins Laura and Jordan for an enlightening discussion on raising teenagers in the digital age. They delve into the impact of technology on youth well-being, emphasizing the need for open conversations and listening. Dr. Talib highlights the importance of understanding individual experiences and fostering positive online communities. The conversation touches on age verification, content moderation, and the importance of sleep and movement. With valuable insights and practical advice, the discussion provides…

We are thrilled to announce the second season of Into the Digital Future, our podcast that explores the complexities of parenting in the digital age from the perspectives of a wide range of experts in pediatrics, public health, public policy, technology, and more. Hosts Jordan Shapiro (Cooney Center Senior Fellow and author of Father Figure: How to be a Feminist Dad and The New Childhood: Raising Kids to Thrive in a Connected World) and Laura Higgins (Senior Director of Community…