In this episode, Darren takes a candid look at a challenge many schools and presenters face: low parent turnout for digital literacy and internet safety sessions, even when those very sessions are requested by parents and caregivers themselves.

Despite rising concerns around screen time, sextortion, cyberbullying, online predators, and AI generated content, most parent education nights are sparsely attended. So, what’s going on?

Darren unpacks six of the most common reasons parents give for not showing up, from busy schedules to believing their child is “a good kid”, and challenges each with thoughtful, experience-backed insight. Drawing on over three decades in law enforcement and over 655,000 student interactions through The White Hatter’s programs, Darren explains why education before exposure is key, why filters and monitoring tools aren’t enough, and why good kids can still make risky choices in today’s “onlife” world.

This isn’t a call-out, it’s a call-in. A reminder that meaningful digital parenting requires more than concern. It requires action.

If you’ve ever skipped a parent night thinking, “We’re fine,” or “I already know this stuff,” this is the episode you need to hear. Because when it comes to keeping kids safe online, nothing replaces a parent who’s informed, involved, and ready to meet their child in the digital spaces they already live in.

In this episode of The White Hatter: Parenting in an Online World, we tackle the growing influence of AI chatbots in the lives of youth and teens. From homework help to emotional support and even digital companionship, these tools are no longer just futuristic experiments, they’re quietly becoming part of daily life for many kids. Drawing on peer-reviewed research, real conversations with youth, and national survey data, Darren unpacks how AI chatbots are being used, what risks and benefits they bring, and why parental involvement matters now more than ever.

We explore three main uses, academic support, advice seeking, and emotional connection, and highlight how tools like ChatGPT, My AI on Snapchat, and Character.ai are shaping how youth think, feel, and relate. Most importantly, we offer practical, realistic steps for parents and caregivers to help guide their kids through this evolving tech landscape with curiosity, confidence, and care.

This episode isn’t about fear, it’s about facts. It’s not about banning AI, it’s about building trust and digital literacy. If you’ve ever wondered what role chatbots are playing in your child’s life, this conversation is for you.

In this episode of The White Hatter: Parenting in an Online World, we dive into an issue that’s become more relevant than ever, when harm happens to teens online, where does parental accountability begin, and does it end with tech companies?

Host Darren Laur explores why it’s important to distinguish between blame and accountability in the digital parenting conversation. Drawing from decades of experience and conversations with families, we unpack why placing all the responsibility on platforms and ignoring the role of parents can leave teens more vulnerable.

You’ll hear insights on how to prepare kids with the right skills, boundaries, and support before giving them access to the digital world. We also share practical tips for building trust, setting structure, and having the hard conversations early—before a crisis hits.

This isn’t about guilt. It’s about growth. It’s about being present, not perfect.