Your job is to guide your kids to make decisions that are safe and healthy. How do you respond to their requests to become creators of online content?



In this episode:
Embracing and encouraging our children's talents and interests
How Gen Z is living under the influence | The Australian
Social media - a toxic, dangerous place for children
A Marketplace of Girl Influencers Managed by Moms and Stalked by Men - The New York Times
Self-esteem, mental health and wellbeing
Seeking validation from strangers, self-worth
Importance of listening to own voice
Are the risks worth it?
Scaffolding interests and talents in age-appropriate ways



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Email your questions and comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au

Find out more about joining THE QUEST at our website

Your job is to guide your kids to make decisions that are safe and healthy. How do you respond to their requests to become creators of online content?
 
In this episode:
<ul>
<li>Embracing and encouraging our children's talents and interests</li>
<li><a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/the-oz/news/how-gen-z-is-living-under-the-influence/news-story/04f61ea6b1b4857f8a491931d96f1011 ">How Gen Z is living under the influence | The Australian</a></li>
<li>Social media - a toxic, dangerous place for children</li>
<li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/22/us/instagram-child-influencers.html">A Marketplace of Girl Influencers Managed by Moms and Stalked by Men - The New York Times</a></li>
<li>Self-esteem, mental health and wellbeing</li>
<li>Seeking validation from strangers, self-worth</li>
<li>Importance of listening to own voice</li>
<li>Are the risks worth it?</li>
<li>Scaffolding interests and talents in age-appropriate ways</li>
</ul>
 
Find us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/happyfamilies.au/">Facebook</a> or <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@happyfamiliesau">TikTok</a>
Email your questions and comments to <a href="mailto:podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au">podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au</a>
Find out more about joining THE QUEST at <a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/the-quest">our website</a>

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

The Happy families podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now.

Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

#951 Bad Influence

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/f1bc4a56-a161-4658-982b-b1370001ff90/transcript

After years of criticism around child safety, Roblox is rolling out major changes designed to better protect kids online — and this podcast has the exclusive Australian interview.

Justin talks directly with Roblox Chief Safety Officer Matt Kaufman about the platform’s new age-based accounts, facial age checks, tighter content moderation, chat restrictions, and updated parental controls.

Can parents finally trust Roblox? What risks still remain? And how involved do parents really need to be?

This conversation unpacks what’s changing, what parents should know, and why online safety can never be fully outsourced to technology alone.

KEY POINTS
Roblox is introducing separate accounts for kids under 9, ages 9–15, and users 16+
Younger users will have heavily restricted chat and content access
Facial age estimation technology will be used to verify ages
Roblox says content moderation now combines AI with human review
Parents will gain more control over chat, content, and account settings
Justin challenges Roblox on past failures and broken trust with families
The biggest safety tool still isn’t technology — it’s parental involvement

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Parents shouldn’t have to be constantly involved. The platforms have a responsibility.”

RESOURCES 
#761 - Game… or Off? Are Video Games Really That Bad?
#1261 - Hooked on Games: How to Help Kids Break Free from Addictive Gaming (feat. Scott Novus, former VP at Disney & gaming expert)
The Screen Smart Series (Webinar)

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Review your child’s Roblox settings and parental controls together
Talk regularly about who they’re chatting and gaming with online
Make sure your child’s age is set up correctly on their account
Keep devices in shared family spaces where possible
Treat online safety as an ongoing conversation, not a one-time setup

After years of criticism around child safety, Roblox is rolling out major changes designed to better protect kids online &mdash; and this podcast has the exclusive Australian interview.
Justin talks directly with Roblox Chief Safety Officer Matt Kaufman about the platform&rsquo;s new age-based accounts, facial age checks, tighter content moderation, chat restrictions, and updated parental controls.
Can parents finally trust Roblox? What risks still remain? And how involved do parents really need to be?
This conversation unpacks what&rsquo;s changing, what parents should know, and why online safety can never be fully outsourced to technology alone.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Roblox is introducing separate accounts for kids under 9, ages 9&ndash;15, and users 16+</li>
<li aria-level="1">Younger users will have heavily restricted chat and content access</li>
<li aria-level="1">Facial age estimation technology will be used to verify ages</li>
<li aria-level="1">Roblox says content moderation now combines AI with human review</li>
<li aria-level="1">Parents will gain more control over chat, content, and account settings</li>
<li aria-level="1">Justin challenges Roblox on past failures and broken trust with families</li>
<li aria-level="1">The biggest safety tool still isn&rsquo;t technology &mdash; it&rsquo;s parental involvement</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;Parents shouldn&rsquo;t have to be constantly involved. The platforms have a responsibility.&rdquo;
RESOURCES&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/podcast/episode/761-game-on-or-off-are-video-games-really-that-bad-2">#761 - Game&hellip; or Off? Are Video Games Really That Bad?</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">#1261 - <a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/podcast/episode/1261-hooked-on-games-how-to-help-kids-break-free-from-addictive-gaming-feat-scott-novus-former-vp-at-disney-gaming-expert">Hooked on Games: How to Help Kids Break Free from Addictive Gaming</a> (feat. Scott Novus, former VP at Disney &amp; gaming expert)</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/courses/video-library/lessons/children-discipline/topic/the-screen-smart-series-answers-with-justin">The Screen Smart Series</a> (Webinar)</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Review your child&rsquo;s Roblox settings and parental controls together</li>
<li aria-level="1">Talk regularly about who they&rsquo;re chatting and gaming with online</li>
<li aria-level="1">Make sure your child&rsquo;s age is set up correctly on their account</li>
<li aria-level="1">Keep devices in shared family spaces where possible</li>
<li aria-level="1">Treat online safety as an ongoing conversation, not a one-time setup</li>
</ul>

Roblox Exclusive with Matt Kaufman

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/09446096-ba96-4fda-8904-b44800c6ff86/transcript

Your child starts school… and suddenly a screen becomes non-negotiable.

What happens when a school’s BYOD policy clashes with your family values? In this episode, Justin and Kylie unpack the growing pressure on parents to hand over devices earlier than ever -  sometimes from kindergarten - and the hidden tension BYOD policies can create at home. 

What does the research really say about screens in classrooms and why do many top tech executives keep devices away from their own kids? Justin and Kylie share a practical framework to help parents make confident decisions when school expectations don’t sit right.

If you’ve ever wondered whether technology in primary school is helping kids learn — or simply making life harder for families — this conversation will give you plenty to think about.

KEY POINTS
Why BYOD policies in early primary school are becoming more common
The hidden parenting pressure created by school-issued devices
What research says about technology and learning outcomes
Why many leading schools are reducing screen use in younger grades
The difference between meaningful tech use and “mindless” screen tasks
How to decide when a school policy clashes with your family values
Why clarity around priorities makes hard parenting decisions easier

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“If a decision clashes with your family’s core values, it may not be the right fit — no matter how good the school is.”

RESOURCES
The Screen Smart Series: Unplug Childhood + Tweens, Teens & Screens

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Clarify your family’s priorities around technology before school decisions are made
Ask schools to explain the educational value behind device use
Set firm boundaries around screen use at home
Consider whether devices genuinely need to travel between school and home
Remember that “normal” doesn’t always mean “best” for your child

Your child starts school&hellip; and suddenly a screen becomes non-negotiable.
What happens when a school&rsquo;s BYOD policy clashes with your family values? In this episode, Justin and Kylie unpack the growing pressure on parents to hand over devices earlier than ever -&nbsp; sometimes from kindergarten - and the hidden tension BYOD policies can create at home.&nbsp;
What does the research really say about screens in classrooms and why do many top tech executives keep devices away from their own kids? Justin and Kylie share a practical framework to help parents make confident decisions when school expectations don&rsquo;t sit right.
If you&rsquo;ve ever wondered whether technology in primary school is helping kids learn &mdash; or simply making life harder for families &mdash; this conversation will give you plenty to think about.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why BYOD policies in early primary school are becoming more common</li>
<li aria-level="1">The hidden parenting pressure created by school-issued devices</li>
<li aria-level="1">What research says about technology and learning outcomes</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why many leading schools are reducing screen use in younger grades</li>
<li aria-level="1">The difference between meaningful tech use and &ldquo;mindless&rdquo; screen tasks</li>
<li aria-level="1">How to decide when a school policy clashes with your family values</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why clarity around priorities makes hard parenting decisions easier</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;If a decision clashes with your family&rsquo;s core values, it may not be the right fit &mdash; no matter how good the school is.&rdquo;
RESOURCES
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/shop/product/the-screen-smart-series">The Screen Smart Series: Unplug Childhood + Tweens, Teens &amp; Screens</a></li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Clarify your family&rsquo;s priorities around technology before school decisions are made</li>
<li aria-level="1">Ask schools to explain the educational value behind device use</li>
<li aria-level="1">Set firm boundaries around screen use at home</li>
<li aria-level="1">Consider whether devices genuinely need to travel between school and home</li>
<li aria-level="1">Remember that &ldquo;normal&rdquo; doesn&rsquo;t always mean &ldquo;best&rdquo; for your child</li>
</ul>

BYO Device to School (a Q&A)

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/1f2a13a2-9d18-42bb-a7ac-b44800c1752b/transcript

What if your child reviewed your parenting performance today? Would you want to hear the results?

In this deeply personal episode, Justin and Kylie share the parenting exercise that completely changed the way they connect with their children. From painful truths to unexpected reassurance, they reveal how asking a few simple questions uncovered what their kids truly needed most.

This conversation is honest, emotional, and incredibly practical for any parent who wants a stronger relationship with their child — even if the feedback stings a little.

KEY POINTS:
The 10 powerful questions that reveal how your child experiences you
Why good intentions don’t always feel loving to kids
The surprising parenting moments children remember most
How small daily habits can quietly damage connection
Why honest feedback from your child can strengthen trust
The difference between providing for your child and making them feel supported
How to create emotional safety so kids open up honestly

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Your children’s honesty is a gift. They’re giving you another opportunity to get it right.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED:
What Your Child Needs From You by Dr Justin Coulson
Boys: Building Strong Young Men from the Inside Out by Dr Justin Coulson

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
Ask yourself: “Would my child say I’m truly available to them?”
Put away distractions during conversations with your child
Choose one area where your child may need more connection or reassurance
Try a simple parenting check-in using the questions shared in this episode
Listen without defending yourself if your child shares something difficult

What if your child reviewed your parenting performance today? Would you want to hear the results?
In this deeply personal episode, Justin and Kylie share the parenting exercise that completely changed the way they connect with their children. From painful truths to unexpected reassurance, they reveal how asking a few simple questions uncovered what their kids truly needed most.
This conversation is honest, emotional, and incredibly practical for any parent who wants a stronger relationship with their child &mdash; even if the feedback stings a little.
KEY POINTS:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The 10 powerful questions that reveal how your child experiences you</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why good intentions don&rsquo;t always feel loving to kids</li>
<li aria-level="1">The surprising parenting moments children remember most</li>
<li aria-level="1">How small daily habits can quietly damage connection</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why honest feedback from your child can strengthen trust</li>
<li aria-level="1">The difference between providing for your child and making them feel supported</li>
<li aria-level="1">How to create emotional safety so kids open up honestly</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;Your children&rsquo;s honesty is a gift. They&rsquo;re giving you another opportunity to get it right.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/shop/product/what-your-child-needs-from-you">What Your Child Needs From You</a> by Dr Justin Coulson</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/5kjvy3">Boys: Building Strong Young Men from the Inside Out</a> by Dr Justin Coulson</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Ask yourself: &ldquo;Would my child say I&rsquo;m truly available to them?&rdquo;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Put away distractions during conversations with your child</li>
<li aria-level="1">Choose one area where your child may need more connection or reassurance</li>
<li aria-level="1">Try a simple parenting check-in using the questions shared in this episode</li>
<li aria-level="1">Listen without defending yourself if your child shares something difficult</li>
</ul>

Would You Pass a Parenting Performance Review?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/5c93b84f-9af5-4b49-b2ac-b44800c14a76/transcript

#951 Bad Influence

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