The world of kids media, influencer marketing, and online safety move so quickly, and here are the topics on my brain right now. Let me know how to help.

Overwhelmed with Current Events?

We’re compiling a running list of resources to help families navigate the tumultuous environments we find ourselves in now. What do you need to know?

Data, Data, Everywhere

I remember the 23andMe craze, and I remember even better when someone pointed out all the extensive information someone can learn about you through your DNA, which turned me off to the idea completely. I’ve always tried to steer people away, but it’s hard to keep it up without looking like you’re at a fitting for your very own tin hat.

Now that 23AndMe filed for bankruptcy, however, perhaps I should have gotten that tin hat specially tailored.

Last September, however, Reuters reported how “23andMe (ME.O), will pay $30 million and provide three years of security monitoring to settle a lawsuit accusing the genetics testing company of failing to protect the privacy of 6.9 million customers whose personal information was exposed in a data breach last year.”

Influencer Marketing & Dangers to Kids

We’re kickstarting our second podcast series called Out Think Influencers, with returning guest expert Lauren Mazzarese and a new addition to our community, Jennifer Lawrence from We Fight Cyber Crime. Read our first interview with Jen here. Subscribe to the podcast here.

Before we delve into extreme influencer corners of the internet, listen to the On Boys podcast where I broke down the breadcrumbs that lead minors to those places over a long period of time.

Exit, Pursued by the Metaverse

I’ve made it pretty well known that I’ve decided to take the slow route in extricating myself from Meta’s clutches after nearly 20 years. And please, I beg you, if your children use Messenger Kids, get them off that right now. Here’s more on why.

And so this month I will move our private mailing lists and Facebook groups to either this website that you’re currently on or Patreon (for more bonus material), and you can choose whichever is more convenient for you! Stay tuned for details or join the Patreon and get extra material, sometimes earlier than on here, and extended interviews!

Two Steps Closer to an Accessible Website

We had a great time getting to know the team of volunteers from Knowbility that prioritized a redesign of our website for accessibility. As we move toward more in person and virtual events, I always try to break down as many barriers to a family getting the education on media literacy that they need.

We’ll chronicle more soon, and can’t wait to share the new site!

In more accessibility news, I learned of this amazing organization called “Can I Play That?” who reported the push to unify accessibility tags across the game industry. I didn’t even know what that meant, but it makes so much sense:

New players will often find games to play through the tags that video game companies choose to place on each game. Some companies include tags that detail how accessible the game is, from auditory, gameplay, input, and visual elements, but there is not yet an industry standard. The newly proposed Accessible Games Initiative wants to change that.

The Video Game Industry is Still on Strike

After SAG/AFTRA’s showdown with Hollywood last year, it was only a matter of time before the video game industry votes to strike. Due to the nature of their voicework and motion capture, video game actors are particularly vulnerable to being used and potentially not compensated for future work through the use of AI.

Luckily, in an March 11th update on the SAG/AFTRA website, it details how over 160 games have agreed to interim and independent agreements, which are close to the terms that the union wants to land on. However, the strike continues and is now entering its ninth month.

This may affect new releases or updates, so if you want me to check into it, or interview a favorite video game artist, please let me know.

More Kids Media News of Note

• “Disney Turned a Classic Into a TOURIST TRAP! (Lilo & Stitch 2025) | READUS 101
• This is just the latest reason why I cannot make a Spotify account again.
• If you’re confused about what is legal and what is decidedly not, Legal Eagle on YouTube is a great resource.
• If you need more evidence that professional family vloggers need oversight, read this segment from Shari Franke’s memoir the house of my mother.
• I always enjoy Rowan Ellis’ videos, and her latest, very raw and personal “We need to talk about the ‘Queer Elder’ Crisis” hit hard, as I am researching this exact topic for a workshop I am co-hosting for high schoolers.
• One of the most influential YouTubers in the education space, John Green, wrote a new book called Everything is Tuberculosis, where he details how TB affects very real parts of our own lives. Watch his interview here. Green’s appearance on the podcast Girl Historians is even better.
• I guess the Minecraft movie is coming out. But not even Jack Black can save it.

I have to stop now or this will never end. What’s at the top of your mind? Comment or email editor@outthinkmedia.com!

Read more: 7 Ways to Show Your Kids the Power of YouTube Influencers Over Their Brains

Have questions? Need help? Email Cindy at editor@outthinkmedia.com!