Show Notes
How do we help our kids navigate the digital world — without losing the real-life connection that matters most?
In this episode of The Scroll Less Podcast, Gia is joined by Australia’s queen of common-sense parenting, Maggie Dent, to talk about her new book Digital Freedom, co-written with online safety expert Kirra Pendergast.
From algorithms and AI to social media and online harms, Maggie breaks down some big topics in her trademark relatable way — and offers practical advice for families navigating an ever-changing digital world.
But this conversation isn’t just about our kids’ technology use. It’s also about our own.
Gia and Maggie explore what technology can quietly displace when it comes to connection with our children and the people we love, why our own phone habits matter, and why parents have more power than they might think.
🎧 What You’ll Hear • What parents need to understand about algorithms and AI • Why algorithms can learn from what we avoid, not just what we engage with • The online harms parents need to be aware of• What technology may be displacing when it comes to family connection • Why our own phone habits as parents matter • Practical ways to help kids build healthier relationships with technology • Why Maggie believes parents have enormous power to make a difference
🎙 About Maggie Dent Maggie Dent is one of Australia’s best-known parenting authors, educators and speakers, affectionately known as Australia’s “queen of common sense.”
Her latest book, Digital Freedom: A Guide to Less Screen Time for Safer, Happier and Healthier Families, co-written with online safety expert Kirra Pendergast, offers practical strategies for helping families navigate the digital world.
💙 Scroll Less September The Scroll Less Podcast is the official podcast of Scroll Less September — an Australian campaign helping us spend less time on our phones and more time living real life.
Scroll Less September [email protected]
More Life. Less Scroll.
🔗 Resources Maggie Dent Digital Freedome Safety Commissioner Control Shift
⚠️ A Gentle Reminder This episode contains a brief mention of eating disorders and self-harm.
This podcast is for general information and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalised medical, psychological or professional advice.
For mental health support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
Acknowledgement of Country The Scroll Less Podcast is recorded on the traditional lands of the Kaurna people of the Adelaide Plains. We acknowledge the Kaurna people as the Traditional Custodians of this land and pay our respects to Elders past and present.
🙏 Thanks for Listening If you enjoyed this episode, please follow The Scroll Less Podcast, leave a review and share it with a friend. 💙
More Life. Less Scroll.
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⚠️ Content Advice This episode contains discussion of suicide, the death of a young person and sexual extortion. Please take care while listening. If this isn’t the right time for you to hear this conversation, please choose another episode and come back when you feel ready.
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