Navigating the Digital Jungle: What Parents Need to Know with Trump and Musk Shaping the Tech Agenda

With Donald Trump re-entering the White House as the president-elect, the United States is set for new shifts in technology policy, digital infrastructure, and the very future of artificial intelligence. Alongside Elon Musk’s undeniable influence in tech, innovation, and media, this changing landscape will impact families, especially parents raising children in a digital era.

Here’s a look at what parents need to know as Trump and Musk shape the technology agenda.

1. Artificial Intelligence and Automation: The New Frontier

Trump’s administration will likely focus on “America First” policies that promote domestic tech growth and reduce dependence on foreign AI systems, like those developed in China. This push may lead to increased AI development within the U.S. and could encourage children to pursue STEM fields to keep up with demand in tech-driven jobs.

For parents, this new focus on AI means balancing excitement with caution. AI is becoming integrated into every aspect of life, from personalised recommendations to autonomous vehicles. While this tech promises convenience, it also introduces issues around data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the need for digital literacy in younger generations.

Tip for Parents: Encourage conversations with children about AI, focusing on both its potential and its limits. Discuss the importance of privacy, critical thinking, and the skills necessary to adapt to an AI-driven world.

2. Social Media Regulation and Free Speech

Elon Musk’s role as CEO of X (formerly Twitter) has already stirred debates around content moderation, free speech, and misinformation. His stance on limiting censorship has contributed to a platform where information flows freely – sometimes to the detriment of factual accuracy. If Trump pushes for reduced government regulation on social media, expect platforms to adopt a more hands-off approach to content.

As parents, this is particularly relevant, as children and teens are increasingly influenced by social media. Open platforms may expose them to everything from cyberbullying to extremism, making it essential to instill critical thinking skills and awareness about online content.

Tip for Parents: Set aside time each week for “Digital Dialogues” with your children, discussing what they’ve encountered online and helping them separate credible sources from sensational or unreliable content. This can foster a sense of openness and build resilience to misinformation.

3. Education Reform and Tech-Driven Curriculums

Under Trump’s leadership, American education policy may include incentives to improve STEM education and implement more advanced tech resources in schools. AI and other emerging technologies are likely to play a major role in educational reform, creating an environment where coding, robotics, and data literacy are emphasised. Musk has voiced his belief in tech-based learning, advocating for a future where classrooms use AI to personalise learning experiences.

This tech-driven focus could offer substantial opportunities but may also leave many parents wondering how best to prepare their children. Schools may struggle to keep up with changes, making it crucial for parents to support learning outside of traditional classrooms.

Tip for Parents: If possible, introduce your children to coding and critical thinking apps, or enroll them in tech-focused extracurricular programs. Look into resources that make complex tech concepts accessible and exciting to young learners.

4. Privacy and Data Protection: An Ongoing Debate

Both Musk’s vision of transparency and Trump’s focus on deregulation raise questions about data privacy. Musk’s companies, from Tesla to SpaceX to X, gather large amounts of data from users and consumers. Trump’s administration may push to lessen federal restrictions on companies, enabling them to collect, store, and utilise data in new ways.

For parents, this means that children’s online activities may be more susceptible to data collection than ever before, raising concerns about digital footprints. Social media, apps, and even some educational platforms track extensive user data.

Tip for Parents: Create a family technology contract that includes rules about apps, social media, and privacy settings. Explain to your children why their data is valuable and how to protect it through strong passwords, mindful app choices, and privacy settings.

5. The Influence of Tech Icons and Celebrity Power

With figures like Musk gaining near-celebrity status, children are increasingly influenced by tech icons and digital entrepreneurs. As a parent, it’s essential to help your child view these individuals critically. While Musk’s achievements are inspiring, children need guidance to avoid idolising tech figures unconditionally.

Tip for Parents: Encourage discussions about what it takes to achieve in any field, stressing that technology is only one path. Foster interest in a range of disciplines and people to show kids the diversity of valuable contributions beyond the tech sector.

In this rapidly evolving digital landscape, Trump and Musk’s combined influence could usher in a technology-driven era marked by opportunity and complexity. As parents, the goal is to be proactive, guiding your children with informed conversations and practical strategies. Equip them with the skills to navigate the digital jungle safely and confidently.

Listen in to Season 2 of my ‘Navigating the Digital Jungle with Sue Atkins and Friends‘ podcast wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts

From ‘Stranger Danger’ to Cyber Awareness: Why the 1980s Warnings Are Not The Right Message for Children in Today’s Digital World.

For many of us who grew up in the 1980s, “stranger danger” was the bedrock of safety advice we received from parents, teachers, and even public campaigns.

The message was simple: avoid strangers, especially adults who might try to lure you with offers of sweets or help finding a lost pet.

Posters, public service videos, and even lessons at school reinforced that strangers were the greatest threat to a child’s safety. It was a well-meaning effort to reduce abductions, emphasising physical threats posed by unknown individuals.

But fast forward to today, and that guidance simply doesn’t address the complexities of our modern world.

While “stranger danger” warnings were appropriate for the concerns of the 1980s, they’re insufficient for the realities of today, where dangers extend far beyond face-to-face encounters.

Today’s children face challenges that are not just physical but digital, and the tools to protect them have evolved.

Here’s why that 1980s approach no longer holds up — and what we need to replace it.

1. The Digital World Erases ‘Strangers’

In the 1980s, the world felt smaller, and “strangers” were just people we didn’t know, usually seen in physical places like parks or shopping centres. Today, the concept of a stranger has blurred thanks to the internet. Kids now connect with people from all over the world on social media, gaming platforms, and through apps. They may feel like they know these online acquaintances after a few conversations, even though these people are, in reality, strangers.

Online interactions can create a false sense of familiarity, where “strangers” are no longer adults in trench coats but rather screen names or avatars that seem friendly or relatable. The assumption that strangers are always suspicious is outdated, as digital interactions often remove visible signs of age, intent, or appearance that could otherwise signal danger.

2. The Rise of Online Grooming and Manipulation

One major gap in the “stranger danger” philosophy is that it doesn’t account for manipulative tactics like online grooming. Predators today use technology to gain children’s trust over time, often masquerading as peers to build relationships. This slow-building manipulation allows them to bypass children’s initial suspicion and traditional parental warnings. The gradual process of grooming — sometimes over weeks, months, or even years — is much harder to detect and prevent than an instant encounter with a stranger in a park.

In this landscape, children need specific guidance on recognising manipulative behaviour and red flags online, such as requests for secrecy, sharing private information, or gradually escalating interactions to private channels. The conversations parents need to have now aren’t about “don’t talk to strangers,” but rather about understanding appropriate boundaries online and having the confidence to come forward if they feel uncomfortable.

3. Not All Threats Are Personal: Data Privacy and Digital Footprints

Back in the 1980s, “stranger danger” focused solely on physical harm, without anticipating the digital risks of the 21st century. Today, children need to be aware of data privacy and digital footprints — two aspects completely missing from the 1980s narrative. Children and teens often don’t realise that sharing personal information online (like location, school, or even photos) can make them vulnerable to tracking or exploitation, even if they aren’t interacting with strangers directly.

In a world where data is currency, children need an education on digital safety that emphasises personal data protection. They need to understand how sharing seemingly harmless information could expose them to risks, not just from individuals but from organisations that may exploit their data or hackers who could misuse it.

4. Cyberbullying and Mental Health Risks: Dangers Closer to Home

The “stranger danger” campaign didn’t consider the reality that children are often harmed by people they know — including peers. Cyberbullying has emerged as a widespread issue that doesn’t involve strangers at all but rather peers, classmates, or even friends. The harm here isn’t a physical threat but an emotional and psychological one that can have long-lasting effects. Children need to be able to recognise the signs of cyberbullying, know how to seek help, and understand that reporting these issues is safe and encouraged.

Parents and educators must be equipped to address mental health risks linked to online interactions, from social comparison and fear of missing out (FOMO) to the relentless nature of digital bullying. Conversations about safety today must also include discussions on emotional well-being, empathy, and resilience in the face of online interactions.

5. Education on Healthy Digital Boundaries and Online Etiquette

Unlike the black-and-white warnings of the 1980s, modern digital safety requires a nuanced understanding of boundaries. Children today need help setting digital boundaries not just with strangers but also with friends, influencers, and even brands. It’s crucial for them to learn online etiquette and self-protection techniques, like recognising when it’s appropriate to block or mute someone or how to handle a situation when someone is oversharing or pushing them to do so.

Rather than telling children “don’t talk to strangers,” the focus should now be on teaching them when and how to interact responsibly, understanding that even positive online communities can sometimes cross personal boundaries.

Building a Modern Framework for Digital Safety

For parents, the shift from “stranger danger” to a holistic digital safety approach may feel daunting. But just as we taught kids in the 1980s to be cautious, we can now teach them the necessary skills to navigate today’s complex online world. Here’s a modern approach to digital safety:

Open Communication:

Make it clear that kids can talk to you about anything they experience online. Emphasise that they won’t get in trouble for telling the truth or asking questions.

Regularly Discuss Digital Dangers:

Cover the spectrum of risks, from cyberbullying and grooming to data privacy, in an age-appropriate way. Tailor conversations as children grow, moving from basics to more complex concepts.

Teach Digital Literacy:

Help kids identify trustworthy information, recognise when someone’s behaviour feels off, and understand the importance of not sharing private information.

Encourage Critical Thinking:

Equip children with the skills to evaluate online interactions critically, so they can better assess motives and avoid manipulation.

Set Boundaries Together:

Guide them in setting healthy limits on screen time, deciding who can follow them on social media, and managing friendships online.

The “stranger danger” concept served a purpose, but it’s an outdated framework for keeping children safe in a hyper-connected world. Today, we need to give kids the skills to navigate a digital landscape where friends, strangers, and companies all interact in an increasingly blurred space.

By building a digital awareness that goes beyond the narrow 1980s scope, we can prepare them to handle online interactions with resilience and responsibility — for a world that’s changed immensely since the days of playground stranger warnings.

Check out Navigating the Digital Jungle Hub

How to Help Kids of All Ages Spot Fake News and False Information Online

In today’s digital world, it’s more important than ever for children to be able to identify reliable information amidst a sea of digital content. Whether they’re young kids just starting to explore the internet or teens navigating social media, developing media literacy skills is crucial.

Here’s a guide to teaching your kids the essentials of spotting false information in an age-appropriate way.

Explain the Concept of “True” and “False” to Young Children (Ages 4–7) For young children, understanding the difference between real and make-believe is foundational. Here’s how you can introduce the concept of “true” and “false”:

Use Simple Examples:

Start with easy-to-understand examples, like differentiating between fictional stories and factual books. “Is Cinderella real or pretend?”

Teach Scepticism with Stories:

Make it a game. Show them silly, fictional stories, then ask them to spot what might be “make-believe.” This exercise helps them learn to question and notice things that don’t feel true. Introduce Trusted Sources: Explain that, just like they trust their favorite teacher or family member to tell the truth, there are people and places online they can trust—but others might not be as trustworthy.

Start Asking “Why” with Tweens (Ages 8–12) As kids grow older, they can start exploring the idea of why someone might spread false information and what sources they should trust.

Encourage Curiosity:

Encourage them to ask “Why?” when they see something surprising or questionable online. “Why would someone say that?” “Why do you think they posted that?” Helping them develop a healthy curiosity will lead them to question sensational headlines or shocking claims.

Use Examples from Safe Sites:

Go through some examples of exaggerated or misleading information together. Find a headline that’s obviously trying to get attention and talk about why it might not be entirely true. Compare it to more factual sources to show the difference.

Introduce Fact-Checking Basics:

For tweens, you can start introducing basic fact-checking. Show them reputable sites like Snopes or fact-checking tools and explain how these resources work. Let them try fact-checking a silly “news” story or exaggerated meme.

Practice Recognising Red Flags with Teens (Ages 13–18)

Teens spend a lot of time online and are more likely to encounter false information on social media. Helping them identify red flags can build lifelong skills in media literacy.

Teach Them Common Red Flags:

Teens can spot many red flags with some basic guidance. Encourage them to look for: Clickbait headlines (e.g., “You won’t believe what happens next!”) Lack of sources or author information Overly emotional or exaggerated language Anonymous sources or stories that no other site is covering

Encourage Source Checking:

Show them how to do a quick search to see if a story is reported by other reliable news sources. Explain that credible news sites often report the same major events, so if they see it nowhere else, they should be skeptical.

Explain Motivations Behind Misinformation:

Teens can understand the concept of “clickbait” and the motivation behind fake news for profit, politics, or entertainment. Talk about why certain people or organisations spread false information, and how understanding the motive can make spotting it easier.

Use Real-Life Examples:

Share a few current, safe examples (avoiding graphic or deeply controversial ones) of misinformation that have gone viral, then break down why they were fake. Let your teen analyse how and why people were fooled.

Turn It into a Family Activity

Media literacy isn’t a one-time conversation.

By making it part of your family’s routine, you can continue building your child’s skills as they grow.

Do a “Truth Check” Game:

Make it fun by having a weekly “truth check” where each family member brings a piece of news or a meme they found online, and together you fact-check it as a family. This can build awareness, and your kids will gain confidence in their ability to question information.

Encourage Discussions Around Current Events:

Make it a habit to discuss current events and news at the dinner table. When you read or hear a piece of news, ask your kids what they think about it, where they think it came from, and whether they think it’s true.

Encourage Healthy Skepticism, Not Cynicism

It’s important to encourage critical thinking without creating a culture of cynicism. Teach your kids that while some information online is untrustworthy, the internet is still a valuable resource with many trustworthy voices.

Promote Balance:

Remind kids that not everything online is false, but it’s good to verify information from multiple trusted sources.

Empower Them to Be Thoughtful Consumers:

Reinforce that learning to distinguish between reliable and unreliable information is empowering. Praise their efforts when they spot something untrustworthy or question a suspicious story.

By making critical thinking a natural part of your family culture, you can equip your kids with the skills they need to navigate an increasingly complex digital world with confidence. They’ll grow up understanding the value of truth and be better prepared to separate fact from fiction on their own.

Saudi Arabia launches $100 Billion AI initiative to lead in global tech

Aiming to rival global tech hubs, Saudi Arabia’s new AI project targets innovation, infrastructure, and talent development.

Saudi Arabia has announced a 100 billion USD initiative aimed at establishing itself as a major player in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and advanced technology. The programme, known as Project Transcendence, marks a significant push by the Kingdom to develop a robust AI ecosystem that can rival leading tech hubs, including neighbouring United Arab Emirates and other global technology centers.

This unprecedented investment will focus on building state-of-the-art data centres, supporting startups, and expanding AI infrastructure to drive both domestic growth and international competitiveness. As part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan, this AI project underscores the country’s commitment to economic diversification away from oil, aiming to become a global tech leader within the next decade.

Project Transcendence is expected to channel investments into critical areas needed to create a thriving AI industry. These include data center expansion, tech startups, workforce development, and partnerships with leading technology firms. Sources familiar with the project have indicated that Saudi Arabia intends to recruit top AI talent from around the world, invest in R&D, and incentivize foreign companies to establish a footprint in the Kingdom.

For parents and families, especially those within Saudi Arabia, this move could mean several significant changes and opportunities:

• Education and Job Market:

The focus on AI and tech innovation will likely influence the country's educational system, with a push towards STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects, digital literacy, and tech skills. Parents may find more resources and programmes that encourage children to pursue careers in these fields. Young people might have new pathways for high-tech careers in AI, robotics, and digital infrastructure right at home, aligning with global trends.

• Digital Literacy for Parents and Kids:

As AI tools become more embedded in daily life and education, both parents and children may need to deepen their understanding of AI's role, ethics, and implications. This can involve understanding how AI tools impact privacy, decision-making, and personal data. Parents may need to guide their children in using these technologies responsibly, especially as more educational and social applications incorporate AI.

• Safety and Privacy:

With AI advancements, new technologies in digital monitoring and surveillance may be implemented across various sectors, including education, healthcare, and city infrastructure. Families might experience more widespread use of facial recognition and biometric data, raising important discussions around privacy and ethical usage. Parents may have to balance the convenience of such technologies with understanding and navigating concerns around privacy.

• Access to Innovative Technology:

This initiative could make Saudi Arabia one of the first to roll out family-friendly AI applications, such as smart homes, virtual assistants, and AI-driven education platforms. These innovations may offer conveniences for families, like personalized learning, health tracking, and home security. However, parents may need to monitor screen time and ensure that tech use remains balanced with offline activities.

• Increased Parental Guidance on AI Ethics:

With Saudi Arabia setting such an ambitious AI goal, children may learn more about AI ethics and global challenges, such as how technology influences social behaviour, decision-making, and even cultural values. Parents can play an essential role in helping their children develop a balanced perspective on AI's benefits and risks, encouraging responsible tech use while upholding their values.

We have seen how some of the world’s biggest tech companies have already invested in the Kingdom, with Microsoft investing $2.1 billion in a global super-scaler cloud, and Oracle investing $1.5 billion to expand its MENA business by launching new cloud areas in the Kingdom. Huawei has invested $400 million in cloud infrastructure for its services in the Kingdom, while Zoom has partnered with Aramco to launch a cloud area in the Kingdom.

For families, this massive investment signals a future with more tech-centered life experiences and, likely, a high level of integration between daily routines and AI-driven services.

Time to update yourself and balance the convenience of such technologies with understanding and navigating concerns around privacy?

Listen to my Navigating the Digital Jungle with Sue Atkins and Friends podcast to help

Article on CIO

The Digital Duty of Care

Australia plans to require social media platforms to act to prevent online harms to users such as bullying, predatory behavior and algorithms pushing destructive content, the government said Thursday.

"The Digital Duty of Care will place the onus on digital platforms to proactively keep Australians safe and better prevent online harms," Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said in a statement.

The proposed changes to the Online Safety Act were announced before the government introduces to Parliament world-first legislation that would ban children younger than 16 from platforms including X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

Critics have argued that removing children from social media reduced incentives for platforms to provide safer online environments.

Social media has been blamed for an increase in children taking their own lives and developing eating disorders due to bulling and exposures to negative body images.

Rowland said making tech companies legally responsible for keeping Australians safe was an approach already adopted by Britain and the European Union.

Digital businesses would be required to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harms on their platforms and services. The duty of care framework would be underpinned by risk assessment and risk mitigation, and informed by safety-by-design principles, the minister said.

Legislating a duty of care would mean services can't "set and forget." Instead, their obligations would mean they need to continually identify and mitigate potential risks, as technology and service offerings change and evolve, she said.

The categories of harm in the legislation include harm to young people and mental well-being, promotion of harmful practices and illegal activity.

The government has not said when the duty of care legislation will be introduced to Parliament or outlined the punishment for breaches.

The Digital Industry Group Inc., an advocate for the digital industry in Australia better known as DIGI, welcomed government efforts to "future-proof" the Online Safety Act.

Swinburne University digital media expert Belinda Barnet described the duty of care as a "great idea."

"It's quite pioneering to expect that platforms that host Australian users would have a duty of care responsibility in terms of the content they show and the experiences they offer," Barnet said.

"It's making the platforms take responsibility and that just simply doesn't happen at the moment. There's an assumption that they're a neutral third party. They're not responsible for the impact of that content," Barnet added.

Read more at NPR

Welcome to Navigating the Digital Jungle Power Hours

Empower Your Family or Organisation in the Digital Age

In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, navigating the digital landscape can be overwhelming for both parents and organisations. With smartphones, social media, gaming, and online safety concerns constantly in the forefront, finding the right balance is essential. That’s where?Navigating the Digital Jungle Power Hours?with parenting expert?Sue Atkins?( me) comes in!

Who Can Benefit?

My Power Hours are perfect for:

• Individual Families: Parents of toddlers, tweens, and teens seeking guidance on managing tech challenges at home.
• Organisations: Companies looking to support their employees in navigating digital parenting challenges, fostering work-life balance, and creating a healthier workplace culture.

Whether you are a working parent balancing multiple responsibilities or a leader aiming to enhance your team’s well-being, my Power Hours offer the support you need.

Take the First Step Today

Don’t let technology overwhelm your family or organisation. Join the many individuals and teams who have transformed their approach to digital parenting and workplace dynamics with my guidance. Book your Navigating the Digital Jungle Power Hour today and empower yourself or your organisation to thrive in the digital age!

Contact us now to learn more and schedule your session. Your journey toward a healthier digital family life or workplace starts here!?[email protected]

As I wrap up this edition of Parenting Unplugged, I hope these insights inspire you to make simple, intentional changes that bring more presence, connection, and joy to family life. In a world where screens are ever-present, carving out moments for real conversation, laughter, and shared experiences can make a world of difference. Remember, it's the small, everyday choices that foster balance and create memories worth cherishing. Thank you for joining me on this journey—let’s continue to support each other in building a family culture that prioritises connection over distraction.

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If you found this edition of Parenting Unplugged helpful, I’d love for you to share it with other parents who may benefit from these ideas. Let’s build a community of families striving for balance and deeper connections in today’s digital age. You can forward this newsletter or share it on social media using #ParentingUnplugged. Together, we can inspire more families to unplug, reconnect, and parent with purpose. Thank you for being part of this journey!

Until next time, here’s to parenting with purpose!

Sue