Messenger Kids, Meta, and Moderation
Think about the notes you passed in school or the DMs you’d get. Would you want those messages available for…
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How YouTubers lose our trust
I’ve watched Colin & Samir’s interviews ever since exploring the idea behind Out Think Media. I’ve respected their opinions and…
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![Neurodiversity-affirming outlooks on screen time with Debbie Reber & the Full-Tilt Parenting podcast [Resources]](https://outthinkmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/neurodiversity-affirming-outlooks.jpg)
Neurodiversity-affirming outlooks on screen time with Debbie Reber & the Full-Tilt Parenting podcast [Resources]
Neurodiversity-affirming resources specifically geared toward how to out think media as a family
Don’t let clickbait thumbnails fool you: Investigative Journalists & Cultural Commentary YouTubers
APRIL 28, 2026 –I know that thinking of YouTube as a news source sounds apocalyptic to some. But now that… Continue reading Don’t let clickbait thumbnails fool you: Investigative Journalists & Cultural Commentary YouTubers
Rescue Romeo! at Orlando Kids Fringe this May: Digital Literacy in Action
Rescue Romeo! invites families of all ages to learn digital literacy, decoding clues in Shakespeare until they either capture or…
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Social Media Laws Around the Globe: China cracks down on Education Influencers
While I detangle my own participation in the family vlogging space and its consequences on kids, I find it useful…
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How I evaluate & review YouTubers for your family
I like to dig into their origin stories. I explore their motivations to continue creating videos and how they treat…
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Ever been in a sandstorm? YouTube Science & Climate Channels
At first, it looked like just another “bad air day,” as I tell my kids. Then my oldest noticed that…
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Out Think Media IRL: books and digital safety tips at Orlando’s Media Swap on March 14
Media Swap presented by and at Audobon Park Church in partnership with Goblin Market and Waste Knot Orlando
What should kids know about Iran?
Everything I first learned about the reality of modern day Iran, I learned from Persepolis. This memoir brings us through…
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Vanilbean: For a Murder Mystery 2 Champ, She’s Still Sweet
Vanilbean is creative, self-aware, and shares creative game time with her Mom. She’s always collaborating with other YouTubers or shouting…
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Bull Shark! is a new card game by Storytime Animator Bryson (Haminations)
Haminations has extended his massive popularity as a Storytime Animator into a small card game empire. His latest is called…
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Thank the Fly Girls for the Super Bowl Halftime Show – A Media History Treat (2/8/2026)
We can thank the Wayan Brothers and an upstart FOX Network (ah, happier memories) for transforming the dull Super Bowl…
How Tsunami footage empowered a generation: 12/26/04 in Media History
The day after Christmas in 2004, something had happened that these kids couldn’t ignore.
The Boxing Day Tsunami or Asian…
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![[UPDATED] Zootopia: When a rabbit and fox model how to move through our own implicit bias](https://outthinkmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/zootopia-updated-1.png)
[UPDATED] Zootopia: When a rabbit and fox model how to move through our own implicit bias
I haven’t heard much about Zootopia 2, but I’ll take any chance I can to sing the first one’s praises.…
How YouTubers support Starbucks baristas on strike: North of the Border
One of our favorite YouTubers, North of the Border, dedicated his latest modeling project to the Starbucks baristas on strike.…
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Meet YouTube Makers at MakerFaire Orlando 2025 this weekend
When we first moved to Orlando with two friends to our name, I knew that Maker Faire was a place…
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Florida’s new Social Studies standards sanitize the McCarthy Hearings
Florida released new social studies standards that specifically re-examines Senator McCarthy and emphasized anti-communism messages for grades 9-12.
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Takedown! KPop Demon Hunters Sing-Along hits movie theaters this Halloween weekend
Another round of K Pop Demon Hunters Sing-Along screenings is scheduled for Oct. 30th-Nov 2nd. Rumi, Mira, and Zoe slammed…
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Roblox Red Flags and Lawsuits (Resources Round-up)
Roblox Red Flags and Lawsuits💥what happened with Roblox 💥how it affects your family 💥setting up safety perimeters 💥ways to talk…
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Menopause & Mental Loads: This moment in Media History w/ Author Kristin Bair
Listen to an inspiring talk with Author Kristin Bair on the mental load of motherhood and where menopause sits in…
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What is Clickbait & Why is the Pope Against it
Headline writers had a ball on on Thursday when Pope Leo XIV gave news agencies a pointed master class on…
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Why is Gavin Newsom playing #FortniteFriday with a guy called ConnorEatsPants?
Every Friday ConnorEatsPants plays #FortniteFriday with a celebrity of some sort, but my alerts rarely ring as loudly as they…
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Honor Jane Goodall’s life by respecting our earth
Dr. Jane Goodall passed away while on an advocacy tour, her Institute has confirmed. Her name alone conjures the image…
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How did “Adolescence” grip the Emmys and parents’ psyches?
Adolescence feels to many parents like a deep dive into the manosphere and online symbology, yet even this phenomenal piece…
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How YouTube affects your daily life: September 2025
I focus on sharing historical, cultural, and emotional contexts through commentary and interviews with experts.
With that in mind, here’s…
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Periods & Puberty: A Parent’s Cheat Sheet for “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret”
As I sat in the movie theater vacillating between laughing and crying for 80 minutes, I realized how important it…
Shiloh & Bros: the Antidote to Obnoxious Gamers
Around 2018, young actress Shiloh Nelson started uploading short sketches with her family to social media, which has now grown…
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Help kids self-regulate with Focus Friend by Hank Green
In brighter news, this is a very good app for focus! I often gush about Hank Green’s excellent work on…
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I watched the Roblox Developer Conference to see what they’re doing about child predators
I was watching @KreekCraft on Friday when the Roblox Developer Conference began, which started airing at 1 pm ET. Follow… Continue reading I watched the Roblox Developer Conference to see what they’re doing about child predators
How to set up Roblox: From parental controls to explicit consent [Updated]
Would you accept an invitation to a party from a stranger? Would you let someone you don’t know inside your…
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New Game by Haminations: “Hoard the Hams” Sneak Peek
Our family binging Haminations when I came upon his Kickstarter for the animated board game Hoard the Hams, I signed…
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Anne Frank & the Impact of Memoir in History w/Stephanie Mitchell
Stephanie Mitchell believes that stories create empathy, and empathy is how we change the world.
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Break the Fourth Wall of Advertising for Your Kids
As I cleaned out my files, I rediscovered this really lovely 2021 National Geographic article “Talking to Kids about advertising,”…
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How to spot the red flags in a Roblox game
How parents can spot red flags that a Roblox game might be connected to a predator.
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Back to School Books for Parents: Monsters to Menopause
I am under no delusion that Back to School means we have more time to read, but I can’t keep…
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Kids Learn Consent: The Cat in the Hat
Ever wonder why “The Cat in the Hat” feels icky?
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What’s a React Video and Why is my Kid Obsessed with Them?
In recent years, creators will often post React videos but forget the main ingredient–a reaction. Those videos run so rampant…
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Care.com: I contributed Digital Literacy tips for families
I always enjoy reading Meg St-Esprit’s work, and contributing is an honor! Here she lays out an excellent roadmap for…
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Fortnite Follow-Up:
Fortnite is certainly a hot topic among families, and I hear people try to describe this thing that happens….this ethereal…
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Is Everything a Scam? Gen A Can’t Trust Anyone
I don’t like to fearmonger, but every time I look at an app or software my kids want to download,…
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No Perfect Parenting
“There is no such thing as perfect parenting. And that is actually a GOOD thing! Resilience, creativity, and adaptability—the very…
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What do my kids need to know about AI? or “Mattel, I have questions.”
What if I was that new mother, over a decade ago, desperately searching for answers as to how to be…
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The role of Memoir & Anne Frank in how we teach History (Out Think Media History bonus)
With Anne Frank’s birthday and also the anniversary of The Diary of Anne Frank being published on June 26th, it…
Witchy Wednesday #1: The Wicked Witch got the shaft
Given the WICKED: for Good trailer caused such excitement, we’re revisiting our own coverage of the Wicked Witch of the…
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How to evaluate science influencers w/ Kacie Luaders (Out Think Influencers ep3)
Out Think Influencers is the second podcast series from Out Think Media, where I team up with experts to give…
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Grab our new June calendar
I want to share a special Out Think Media calendar with you all- see which topics I’m covering this month…
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What’s digital literacy & what does Shakespeare have to do with it?
With The Taming of the Screens premiering last weekend, it’s time to sit down and explain how Shakespeare ties into… Continue reading What’s digital literacy & what does Shakespeare have to do with it?
Mufasa & Mortality: Dialogues about Death
I don’t remember a time when our kids didn’t ask questions. I do remember the distinct look on my toddler’s…
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Brent Rivera: Prankster without a cause
I watch YouTube so you don’t have to. Unfortunately, there are some of those YouTubers who have found the Venn… Continue reading Brent Rivera: Prankster without a cause
Happy birthday Shakespeare! & Introducing “The Taming of the Screens”
Kids team up with Shakespeare’s clowns and sprites on a quest, where they see the power of curiosity and context…
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Sextortion & Kids w/ Jen Lawrence (Out Think Influencers ep2)
“Nobody is immune to this type of predatory behavior.” -Jennifer Lawrence DSW, LICSW Out Think Influencers is the second podcast… Continue reading Sextortion & Kids w/ Jen Lawrence (Out Think Influencers ep2)
This is your child’s brain on Influencer Marketing w/ Lauren Mazzarese (Out Think Influencers ep 1)
Out Think Influencers is the second podcast series from Out Think Media, where I team up with experts to give you the…
I watch Minecraft YouTube so you don’t have to
On the occasion of The Minecraft Movie premiering today, here are some of the best YouTubers to help introduce your…
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Kids Media on my Mind
The world of kids media, influencer marketing, and online safety move so quickly, and here are the topics on the…
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Want to get Kids Media news early?
I watch YouTube so you don’t have to. And I have so much to share about Kids Media Literacy that normally,… Continue reading Want to get Kids Media news early?
How the Grinch Stole His Own Legacy: Dr Seuss (Exploring Evil episode 6)
March 2nd was the birthday of Theodore Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. In a way, we can thank The… Continue reading How the Grinch Stole His Own Legacy: Dr Seuss (Exploring Evil episode 6)
Teach Kids to be YouTube Smart
How Do You YouTube? YouTube as entertainment entered my kids’ lives sometime in February of 2020 when we were already… Continue reading Teach Kids to be YouTube Smart
Under the Influence of The Royalty Family
We are what we watch. And there’s a reason why our kids take the advice of YouTubers and other influencers…
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Primer: Clues your Child Might be at Risk of Grooming
No one thinks their child could be groomed online. We interviewed Jen Lawrence from WeFightCyberCrime.org on how to identify and…
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Epic Games Loyalty Levels Up w/ Small and Significant Change in Fortnite
Recently announced changes mean that fewer players will be deceived into joining games like “Coin Slide” that can’t actually offer…
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West Coast YouTubers Update Fans on Their Safety During L.A. Fires
The fires still burning through areas of Los Angeles have led many creators to post updates to fans about their…
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I Watched YouTube in 2024 So You Didn’t Have to
Here’s what families need to know about influencer marketing, YouTube, and attacking algorithms in 2025.
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Family Vlogging and Shari Franke, The One Who Got Away
Shari Franke’s memoir The House of My Mother is a must-read, especially in light of recent laws, regulations, and questions put…
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Who is ConnorEatsPants & What is Fortnite Friday?
Ask if your child watches ConnorEatsPants, or Fortnite Friday. You can gain insight into how gamers discuss current events and…
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Support Native American Booksellers & Artists Today
When our kids started reading on their own, I knew we would need to focus on including diverse voices like…
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WICKED: When the Hero Must Play the Villain
Is the Wicked Witch of the West really the wicked one? How to talk to your kids after seeing the…
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3 YouTube Channels to Explain US Elections to Kids
The 2024 US Presidential election looms large in our minds, and your children will likely have questions. Our new podcast…
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Local Newspapers & Elections w/ Emily Popek (Out Think Media History EP 1)
Media literacy is never done; it is a lifelong process. But how can you sustain meaningful dialogues with your kids?
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In the Belly of MrBeast: Influencers Gonna Influence
Get insights on the role of content creators in the Democratic National Convention and how much influence does MrBeast really…
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Skibiditoilet Goes Hollywood, Congress Puts a SHIELD between Kids and Data Miners – August News
Every month, I’ll share a kids’ media roundup of all the articles, announcements, and new reviews—when they happen.
Civic Science, Kids’ Media, and Me
What’s the connection between neuroscience and kids’ media, and how can families harness that knowledge for good?
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Mimic Channels and How to ID Them
Mimic channels look very close to the content they steal and repurpose, so here are tips to check if it’s…
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Questions Families Must Ask Before Moving
The key to making any relocation run as smoothly as possible: communication. You and your spouse must talk to each…
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Burning to Talk About Inside Out 2? Here Are 2 Great Choices
Get an inside look into Inside Out 2 as we dissect themes of friendships, adolescence, and anxiety with experts.
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Bandit Dads: The Good, The Bad, and the Pop Culture Dad (an Out Think the Classics Minisode)
We’re on to minisodes around Representation and Love in pop culture. We’re thrilled to begin with an exploration of Dads,…
Who is Nick Eh 30, and Why Do My Kids Want His Fortnite Skin?
Learn about Nick Eh 30, the family-friendly streamer who promotes positivity and entertainment while keeping his channels suitable for all…
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Enter Anxiety: Helping Kids Handle Bigger Emotions in Inside Out 2
Riley’s in middle school and her brain is overwhelmed with new emotions! How should her parents handle her newly found…
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3 YouTube Videos To Teach Kids How Their Brains Work (+ a Bonus)
Adults can understand how excessive screentime affects brain development. But how to explain it to kids?
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Caregivers Connect at the Orlando Kids’ Fringe Festival!
The annual Orlando Fringe Festival brings hundreds of families downtown, and we got to meet them!
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5 Science YouTubers to Explain the Solar Eclipse to Your Kids
Why is a solar eclipse so rare, and what does it all mean? If families need help explaining it, let…
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John Green, OCD, and the Turtles All the Way Down Trailer
I read Turtles All the Way Down while I was slowly coming to understand the role that anxiety plays in…
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Popular Streamer Ninja Uses His Platform to Encourage Cancer Checkups
Now that Ninja told his audience about his cmelanoma diagnosis, how do you talk to your kids about cancer?
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Listen to OutThink the Classics EP 6: How The Grinch Stole His Own Legacy – Dr. Seuss
We conclude our first series, “Exploring Evil,” having walked down the yellow brick road, time jumped with The TVA, traveled…
Watch the official trailer for Bluey’s 1st long special, “The Sign”
The girls sing “First comes love….” about Rad and Frisky, so we’ll get to see them tie the knot! Share…
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Everyday Marriage Issues on the ISLE OF HOPE
Their stories of fulfillment and the neverending tug-of-war between family, love, career, and parental obligations still shine and spark dialogues…
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Nimona: Breaking Animation Barriers on YouTube
NIMONA is a good companion piece to Percy Jackson – when we stop looking to our parents to learn…
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Live Updates on the Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt Sentencing
Ruby Franke, the former family vlogger on the “8 Passengers” channel, and her former business partner Jodi Hildebrandt are being…
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What the Pink Shirt Couple Can Teach Us About Break Ups
The Pink Shirt Couple is just one of the latest YouTube couples who broke up after rising to fame -…
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Fortnite and Disney? A Parent Primer if You’re Still Unsure
If your kids give you the old “I need to play Fortnite so I know what my friends are talking…
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The Perils of Writing About Your Kids: A.A. Milne, Christopher Robin, and Family Vloggers
Let’s use Milne’s birthday as an opportunity to explore the whys, wherefores, and drawbacks of writing or filming about your…
YouTube Review: Al-A is Great at Fortnite, But Avoid His React Channels
We’ve avoided Ali-A for a bit in our house, but every once in a while, he creeps back in.
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Wonka, MrBeast, and Clickbait Philanthropy
Imagine my surprise to hear a video essayist proclaim MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) as the modern Wonka: “Clickbait Wonka.”
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Listen to Out Think the Classics EP 5: Willy Wonka, Roald Dahl, and Separating the Art From the Artist
How can we enjoy Willy Wonka once we know that Roald Dahl was antisemitic? How can we separate the art…
Why Did Tiny Tim Die? Explaining Poverty to Kids
Explaining all the reasons why Tiny Tim died is like explaining why poverty itself exists.
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What are the Signs of My Child Being Radicalized?
I was a guest for the “On Boys” podcast, and we discussed how to see the clues that extremists might…
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Death, Grief, The Boy, and the Heron
How can you talk to kids about death and grief? How hard is it to watch “The Boy and the…
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Listen to “Out Think the Classics” EP 4: Studio Ghibli’s ”The Boy and the Heron”, When a Master Paints Himself as the Villain
Now it’s time to explore the renowned Studio Ghibli, the man behind its success and impact on our culture, and…
Listen to “Out Think the Classics” EP 3: Loki Pt 2 with Dr. Drea Letamendi & Julia Washington
We continue our first series, “Exploring Evil,” exploring the concept of evil in classical stories and how it relates to…
Pixar, Periods, and Puberty: Inside Out 2
Given the great news that Pixar is not shying away from tackling puberty in Inside Out 2, let’s bring our…
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