Season 3: Episode 8
Hope and Will: A Parenting Podcast from Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
Keeping Kids Safe Online
As technology becomes a bigger part of childhood, parenting in a digital age presents new challenges and risks. From video games and smartphones to social media and AI, digital platforms are giving kids more access than ever while also opening doors for online predators, sextortion and overexposure.
In this episode of Hope and Will: A Parenting Podcast from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, we hear from Traci Hurley and Anne Huegel of the Stephanie V. Blank Center for Safe and Healthy Children at Children’s. The conversation breaks down threats kids face in digital spaces and what parents should watch for, including grooming, risks built into online gaming, how AI can be used to exploit photos and why sexting among teens is more common than many realize.
Parents will also get clear, practical steps to help their kids stay safer online. From privacy settings and parental controls to communication tips that actually work, this episode offers real-world tools for handling tech in the home with more confidence and less stress.
Given the mature nature of topics discussed in this episode, listener discretion is advised. The dialogue explores sensitive topics that may not be suitable for kids. Parents are encouraged to listen first and use judgment before sharing with others.
Traci Hurley, CFLE, Senior Program Coordinator, Child Advocacy, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
In her work with the Stephanie V. Blank Center for Safe and Healthy Children at Children’s, Traci develops and implements programs to help educate caregivers and protect kids through Strong4Life (the prevention arm of Children’s).
Traci alone has educated more than 18,000 members of the community on topics such as mandated reporting, commercial sexual exploitation of children, child sexual abuse prevention, body safety, digital safety and positive parenting. Having seen what can go wrong when kids are unsupervised online, Traci shares her insights in hopes of preventing more kids from innocently falling victim to predators hiding behind screens.
Anne Huegel, Program Coordinator, Child Advocacy, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
Having joined Children’s after a decade in the classroom, Anne offers a wealth of insight into what’s really happening in schools today when it comes to digital practices and safety.
In addition to offering the body safety training program for early care and education, Anne regularly hosts training sessions at schools and other youth-serving organizations to raise awareness about online dangers to kids and their parents.
