Oh My Tech!

Your Parents Are Closer Than They Think: Getting an Audiobook Playing in the Car

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 10:14:00 +0000

My mom wanted to listen to an audiobook on a road trip and asked for help. When we got to the driveway, her phone was already paired to the car, Libby was already on her phone, and she'd already borrowed the book. What was missing was one button on the car and knowing the ebook and audiobook are two different loans.

This week: how Bluetooth pairing works (think party introductions), why a connected car can still be silent, the volume and wrong-phone traps, using Libby in the car with CarPlay or Android Auto, why library ebooks have wait lists, how Libby compares to Audible, and how to coach your parent through the last 10% so they don't have to call you next time.

Your task this week: pick one thing on your parent's tech wish list, find the step they're actually stuck on, and help them finish it themselves.

FREE RESOURCES: familytechzone.com/links
JOIN THE DIGITAL VILLAGE: Discord, Facebook group, and Reddit via familytech.biz
CONNECT WITH US: YouTube and Instagram @FamilyTech

Found the App You Said No To? The Two Conversations Your Kid Actually Needs

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 10:33:00 +0000

Your kid has an app you already said no to. Maybe you just found it. Maybe it's on a phone you didn't know existed. This week, we split that moment into the two conversations hiding inside it: one about trust, and one about understanding what really happens to the things she shares. You'll hear why most kids sneak apps (it's usually about not being left out), how to keep them connected to friends without the app, the Discord promise I wish I hadn't made, and how to let Snapchat's own help page do the explaining for you. Your task this week: put a date on the calendar to talk, not a date for a yes.

Resource mentioned: Is This App Safe For My Kid? https://familytechzone.com/is-this-app-safe-for-my-kid/

FREE RESOURCES: https://familytechzone.com/links

Would You Let AI Register Your Car? Meta Muse and Drawing Your AI Line

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 09:45:00 +0000

AI isn't just answering our questions anymore. It's booking things, buying things, and answering messages as us. This week on Oh My Tech, Sarah breaks down Meta's new AI agent, Muse: what it actually does, what it costs, and the Facebook Marketplace story where an AI agent reportedly shared a seller's home address. Then she walks through how to decide what AI can do on its own versus what it has to check with you first, and where to change those settings in Muse. Plus her take on Muse Charm, the cute keychain gadget she'd rather skip. Your 5-minute task works on any phone, no AI required.

Family Tech Newsletter: https://weeklytips.subscribepage.io

** FREE RESOURCES **
From customizable technology use contracts to a full family tech plan. Access your free interactive guides here: https://familytechzone.com/links

** JOIN THE DIGITAL VILLAGE **
Join the Discord Server: https://familytech.biz/discord
Join us on Facebook: https://familytech.biz/facebookgroup
Post on Reddit: https://familytech.biz/reddit

** CONNECT WITH US **
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@familytech?sub_confirmation=1
Instagram: https://instagram.com/familytech

All Your Apps Suddenly Want to Know Your Age

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 10:22:00 +0000

That birthday your kid typed into a signup form years ago? It's now deciding who can message them, what they can download, and when your parental controls loosen up. This week on Oh My Tech, we talk through how Roblox, Discord, and Instagram stopped trusting the birthday, what the new App Store age laws in Utah, Texas, and other states actually do (and which ones are really in force), and the privacy trade-off when everyone, including you, gets checked. Plus, where your child's birthday lives on iPhone, Google, and Instagram, and one small account check to try before next week.

** FREE RESOURCES **
From customizable technology use contracts to a full family tech plan. Access your free interactive guides here: https://familytechzone.com/links

** JOIN THE DIGITAL VILLAGE **
Join the Discord Server: https://familytech.biz/discord
Join us on Facebook: https://familytech.biz/facebookgroup
Post on Reddit: https://familytech.biz/reddit

** CONNECT WITH US **
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@familytech?sub_confirmation=1
Instagram: https://instagram.com/familytech

The Chromebook Nobody Banned: What School Phone Bans Miss

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 09:28:00 +0000

Phone bans are spreading fast, and in a lot of schools they're working. But there's still a screen in the backpack every single day: the school-issued Chromebook. This week on Oh My Tech, we talk about why parents can't just "fix" the school laptop (and why that's not on you), whether laptops are actually a bigger distraction than phones, what to do when your kid finds a way around the rules, and the five questions that get you real answers from your district.

** FREE RESOURCES **
From customizable technology use contracts to a full family tech plan. Access your free interactive guides here: https://familytechzone.com/links

** JOIN THE DIGITAL VILLAGE **
Join the Discord Server: https://familytech.biz/discord
Join us on Facebook: https://familytech.biz/facebookgroup
Post on Reddit: https://familytech.biz/reddit

** CONNECT WITH US **
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@familytech?sub_confirmation=1
Instagram: https://instagram.com/familytech

Instagram’s New Teen Limits, and Why You Want to Be the One Who Can Say Yes

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 09:38:00 +0000

Instagram and Facebook are getting new teen defaults as part of the Meta settlement: a two-hour daily cap, an overnight lockout, quiet school hours, hidden like counts, and more, all switched on automatically. Once they're on, only a linked parent can loosen them. This week on Oh My Tech, we walk through what's actually changing on your kid's phone, what linking an account really lets you see, and the 10-minute couch conversation that makes you the one who can say yes.

** FREE RESOURCES **
From customizable technology use contracts to a full family tech plan. Access your free interactive guides here: https://familytechzone.com/links

** JOIN THE DIGITAL VILLAGE **
Join the Discord Server: https://familytech.biz/discord
Join us on Facebook: https://familytech.biz/facebookgroup
Post on Reddit: https://familytech.biz/reddit

** CONNECT WITH US **
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@familytech?sub_confirmation=1
Instagram: https://instagram.com/familytech

Fear Is a Business Model: The 3 Questions That Turn a Scary Headline Into a Plan

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 09:40:00 +0000

A while back I sat in a middle school auditorium and watched a speaker put a handgun and a smartphone side by side on the screen and tell a room full of parents they were the same thing. Scared parents are an easy audience, and that makes fear a business model. This week on Oh My Tech, I share the three questions I run every scary headline through, including the one that finds the off-ramp. It takes about 90 seconds and turns a knot in your stomach into a plan.

** FREE RESOURCES **
From customizable technology use contracts to a full family tech plan. Access your free interactive guides here: https://familytechzone.com/links

** JOIN THE DIGITAL VILLAGE **
Join the Discord Server: https://familytech.biz/discord
Join us on Facebook: https://familytech.biz/facebookgroup
Post on Reddit: https://familytech.biz/reddit

** CONNECT WITH US **
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@familytech?sub_confirmation=1
Instagram: https://instagram.com/familytech

The 4 Questions That Replace “Is This App Safe?”

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 09:22:00 +0000

"Is this app safe?" is the wrong question, because "safe" is a verdict, and verdicts expire. This week on Oh My Tech, I swap it for four questions you can ask about any app in about 30 seconds: the Message Door (who can message my kid?), the Discovery Door (can strangers find them?), the Audience Door (who actually sees what they post?), and the Money Door (is there anything to buy?). They work on today's apps and on whatever your kid asks for next.

** FREE RESOURCES **
From customizable technology use contracts to a full family tech plan. Access your free interactive guides here: https://familytechzone.com/links

** JOIN THE DIGITAL VILLAGE **
Join the Discord Server: https://familytech.biz/discord
Join us on Facebook: https://familytech.biz/facebookgroup
Post on Reddit: https://familytech.biz/reddit

** CONNECT WITH US **
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@familytech?sub_confirmation=1
Instagram: https://instagram.com/familytech

Asking Your Kids Before You Post: The Veto, The Undo, and The Handoff

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 09:53:00 +0000

Before you post that photo of your kid, the question isn't "is this embarrassing?" It's "whose story is this?" This week on Oh My Tech, we talk about sharing your kids online: why vacation pics are better posted once you're home, plus three simple habits for your family, the veto, the undo, and the handoff. Nobody's asking you to delete a decade of photos. Your challenge this week: Google your kid's name and run a reverse image search on their face before you touch a single old post.

** FREE RESOURCES **
From customizable technology use contracts to a full family tech plan. Access your free interactive guides here: https://familytechzone.com/links

** JOIN THE DIGITAL VILLAGE **
Join the Discord Server: https://familytech.biz/discord
Join us on Facebook: https://familytech.biz/facebookgroup
Post on Reddit: https://familytech.biz/reddit

** CONNECT WITH US **
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@familytech?sub_confirmation=1
Instagram: https://instagram.com/familytech

The Gamification of Health: Why Games Work When Willpower Does not

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 10:58:00 +0000

That fitness tracker sitting on your dresser with a dead battery? You're in good company. Most health tech assumes that having the data will change your behavior, and that's just not how people work. What actually works is games. This week on Oh My Tech, we break down the gamification of health: what it means in plain English, how a game turns into a habit, which trackers and apps do it well, what it all really costs, and how to bring it home so it feels less like a chore and more like fun for the whole family.

** FREE RESOURCES **
From customizable technology use contracts to a full family tech plan. Access your free interactive guides here: https://familytechzone.com/links

** JOIN THE DIGITAL VILLAGE **
Join the Discord Server: https://familytech.biz/discord
Join us on Facebook: https://familytech.biz/facebookgroup
Post on Reddit: https://familytech.biz/reddit

** CONNECT WITH US **
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@familytech?sub_confirmation=1
Instagram: https://instagram.com/familytech

6 Tech Parenting Mistakes I Made, Even Though I Teach This For a Living

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 10:23:00 +0000

I've spent decades in IT and I teach this stuff for a living, and I've still made the tech parenting mistakes I warn other parents about. Parental controls I relaxed for a vacation and never tightened back up. A family tech agreement I made the template for but never actually signed. A Discord promise I should have walked back. This week on Oh My Tech, I walk through six of my own mistakes, the three patterns behind almost all of them, and why patterns are something you can actually fix.

** FREE RESOURCES **
From customizable technology use contracts to a full family tech plan. Access your free interactive guides here: https://familytechzone.com/links

** JOIN THE DIGITAL VILLAGE **
Join the Discord Server: https://familytech.biz/discord
Join us on Facebook: https://familytech.biz/facebookgroup
Post on Reddit: https://familytech.biz/reddit

** CONNECT WITH US **
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@familytech?sub_confirmation=1
Instagram: https://instagram.com/familytech

Lurking Counts! How to Find “Your People” Online

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 10:18:00 +0000

The standard advice (pick a topic, search, join, introduce yourself, post daily) is the reason you feel stuck. It has almost nothing to do with how real online communities actually form.

Most disappointing groups are not the wrong topic. They are the wrong verb. Same subject, completely different activity happening inside.

You do not go find a community. You go find something you needed, and your people are standing right next to it. You find your people sideways.

A community is not 11,000 members. It is three or four people whose brains you enjoy reading.

Lurking counts. It is the first half of the job, done correctly.

Run the 5 minute vibe check on any room before you decide it is a bust: read the comments, find a disagreement, look for a joke, look for repeat names, check for repeated questions.

Not every room needs to be a living room. Some are pharmacies. Some are bulletin boards. All three are legitimate.

** FREE RESOURCES **
From customizable technology use contracts to a full family tech plan. Access your free interactive guides here: https://familytechzone.com/links

** JOIN THE DIGITAL VILLAGE **
Join the Discord Server: https://familytech.biz/discord
Join us on Facebook: https://familytech.biz/facebookgroup
Post on Reddit: https://familytech.biz/reddit

** CONNECT WITH US **
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@familytech?sub_confirmation=1
Instagram: https://instagram.com/familytech

Your Kid’s School Just Banned Phones. Now What?

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 10:57:00 +0000

Picture the first day of school: your kid walks in and their phone gets zipped into a pouch. Phone-free schools are spreading fast, but almost nobody has explained what that actually changes for families. This week on Oh My Tech, we talk about what "bell-to-bell" really means, what changed in Utah, why the rules look so different from state to state, what happens in an emergency, and a simple before-day-one playbook for the conversation to have with your kid.

** FREE RESOURCES **
From customizable technology use contracts to a full family tech plan. Access your free interactive guides here: https://familytechzone.com/links

** JOIN THE DIGITAL VILLAGE **
Join the Discord Server: https://familytech.biz/discord
Join us on Facebook: https://familytech.biz/facebookgroup
Post on Reddit: https://familytech.biz/reddit

** CONNECT WITH US **
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@familytech?sub_confirmation=1
Instagram: https://instagram.com/familytech

Moving Beyond Parental Controls: The Graduation Plan

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 10:49:00 +0000

So, your kid is officially a teenager now.

You know exactly what that means: the parental controls that used to work flawlessly are suddenly useless. Your teen is fighting you on every single restriction; they’ve probably discovered at least three workarounds you didn't know existed, and phone time has turned into a daily household battle.

If you are exhausted from playing the role of the "screen time police," I have some great news for you. We aren't going to talk about how to lock down your teen’s phone today. Instead, we are talking about how to responsibly unlock it.

Welcome to The Graduation Plan—a three-stage framework designed to transition you from a tech warden to the person your teenager actually comes to for tech advice.

** FREE RESOURCES **
From customizable technology use contracts to a full family tech plan. Access your free interactive guides here: https://familytechzone.com/links

** JOIN THE DIGITAL VILLAGE **
Join the Discord Server: https://familytech.biz/discord
Join us on Facebook: https://familytech.biz/facebookgroup
Post on Reddit: https://familytech.biz/reddit

** CONNECT WITH US **
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@familytech?sub_confirmation=1
Instagram: https://instagram.com/familytech

How to Secure Your Family Home Network: Cyber Safety Guide

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Your digital home has grown far beyond a single computer and password—every smart TV, kids' tablet, and connected device represents a potential "window" left cracked open for modern, automated cybercriminals to exploit. This guide breaks down the four biggest digital vulnerabilities families face today: password reuse, phishing/smishing scams, unchanged factory settings on smart gadgets, and delayed software updates.

By taking just ten minutes tonight to implement baseline defenses—like setting up a password manager, enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) on your primary email, automating software patches, and avoiding public Wi-Fi—you can lock down your family's network, protect your parents' devices, and ensure your kids explore technology safely without needing a degree in computer science.

** FREE RESOURCES **
From customizable technology use contracts to a full family tech plan. Access your free interactive guides here: https://familytechzone.com/links

** JOIN THE DIGITAL VILLAGE **
Join the Discord Server: https://familytech.biz/discord
Join us on Facebook: https://familytech.biz/facebookgroup
Post on Reddit: https://familytech.biz/reddit

** CONNECT WITH US **
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@familytech?sub_confirmation=1
Instagram: https://instagram.com/familytech

Tech Safety for Aging Parents: Protection Without Micromanaging

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000

This episode addresses the challenging "role reversal" of the sandwich generation, exploring how parents can protect their aging seniors from sophisticated digital scams and tech fatigue without stripping away their dignity. By breaking down the subtle red flags of cognitive decline—such as financial anomalies, secretive device behavior, and an uptick in support requests—the post offers actionable, collaborative strategies to co-manage their digital footprint. Through the deployment of practical tools like password managers, simplified hardware, and a clever AI-proofing "family password" system, it empowers tech-loving adults to build a protective digital firewall around their parents out of love, not control.

Download the companion guide to help you secure a Senior's Device - http://familytechzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/resource_guide_secure_senior_device.pdf

** FREE RESOURCES **
From customizable technology use contracts to a full family tech plan. Access your free interactive guides here: https://familytechzone.com/links

** JOIN THE DIGITAL VILLAGE **
Join the Discord Server: https://familytech.biz/discord
Join us on Facebook: https://familytech.biz/facebookgroup
Post on Reddit: https://familytech.biz/reddit

** CONNECT WITH US **
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@familytech?sub_confirmation=1
Instagram: https://instagram.com/familytech

How to Backup Family Photos Safely: Step-by-Step Guide

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we break down why relying solely on a single external hard drive or standard cloud syncing puts your family’s precious photos and videos at serious risk of "digital decay" or sudden deletion.

Key Takeaways:

The Hard Drive Trap: Hard drives have mechanical parts that will seize up and die if left in a closet without power for too long—just like an unused car.

The Cloud Illusion: Cloud storage isn't a magical sky; it's a rented digital apartment. If you stop paying, or if automated algorithms mistakenly flag your account, your data can vanish instantly.

Syncing vs. Saving: Syncing is a mirror (delete on your phone, it deletes in the cloud). Saving is a photocopy (a permanent, separate backup).

The Family Tech Solution: We introduce the 2-2 Rule (2 copies, 2 different platforms) and explain why a NAS (Network-Attached Storage) device like a Synology is the ultimate, subscription-free way to protect your memories and even stream your home videos to any TV in the house.

** FREE RESOURCES **
From customizable technology use contracts to a full family tech plan. Access your free interactive guides here: https://familytechzone.com/links

** JOIN THE DIGITAL VILLAGE **
Join the Discord Server: https://familytech.biz/discord
Join us on Facebook: https://familytech.biz/facebookgroup
Post on Reddit: https://familytech.biz/reddit

** CONNECT WITH US **
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@familytech?sub_confirmation=1
Instagram: https://instagram.com/familytech

Digital Parenting vs. Spying: How to Respect Kids’ Privacy

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Managing child digital privacy is becoming a daily challenge. Learn how to balance parental oversight with your child's need for personal space.

Finding the right approach to child digital privacy requires understanding that while total anonymity online is rare, children still need a sense of autonomy. This discussion focuses on the tension between protecting your kids and respecting their boundaries. If you struggle with knowing how much monitoring is too much, this breakdown helps clarify where to draw the line.

We cover practical strategies for effective parental oversight without crossing into invasive territory. You will walk away with a clearer perspective on how to maintain safety while building trust. Implementing these digital parenting tips allows families to navigate the complexities of online life more confidently. Whether your kids are just starting to use devices or are already active online, establishing these internet privacy boundaries early can prevent future conflicts.

By adjusting your strategy regarding online safety for kids, you can create a healthier environment at home. These insights are designed to help you protect your family while preserving the parent-child relationship.

Subscribe for weekly digital parenting breakdowns, and let us know in the comments: what is the hardest part about setting online rules for your children?

** FREE RESOURCES **
From customizable technology use contracts to a full family tech plan. Access your free interactive guides here: https://familytechzone.com/links

** JOIN THE DIGITAL VILLAGE **
Join the Discord Server: https://familytech.biz/discord
Join us on Facebook: https://familytech.biz/facebookgroup
Post on Reddit: https://familytech.biz/reddit

** CONNECT WITH US **
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@familytech?sub_confirmation=1
Instagram: https://instagram.com/familytech

How to Audit Family Subscriptions & Cut Unwanted Monthly Costs

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 09:54:00 +0000

Most people think they spend $80 a month on subscriptions, but the actual cost is over $200. Learn how to audit your bills.

Many of us lose track of recurring charges, leading to subscription spending that silently drains our bank accounts. This episode breaks down why we underestimate our monthly costs and provides a clear strategy to identify wasted money in your budget. If you feel like your finances are slipping away through small, automated payments, this guide is for you.

We examine the psychological habits that lead to subscription bloat and offer practical steps to cancel unused services effectively. By tracking your recurring expenses, you can take control of your cash flow and keep more of your paycheck. Stop letting auto-renewals dictate your savings goals and start managing your subscription spending today.

Subscribe for weekly tech breakdowns, and comment below with the one subscription you find hardest to cancel.

** FREE RESOURCES **
From customizable technology use contracts to a full family tech plan. Access your free interactive guides here: https://familytechzone.com/links

** JOIN THE DIGITAL VILLAGE **
Join the Discord Server: https://familytech.biz/discord
Join us on Facebook: https://familytech.biz/facebookgroup
Post on Reddit: https://familytech.biz/reddit

** CONNECT WITH US **
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@familytech?sub_confirmation=1
Instagram: https://instagram.com/familytech

What Is the Right Age for a Kid to Get a Smartphone?

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 10:08:00 +0000

What's the right age for a kid to get a smartphone? It's not a birthday, it's a readiness level. Some 8-year-olds are ready, and some 16-year-olds... aren't quite there yet. This week on Oh My Tech, I walk through the step-by-step path we use: start with a communication watch, move to a kid-safe smartphone, step up to a monitored Android with Google Family Link and Bark, then loosen the reins as your kid shows they're ready.

** FREE RESOURCES **
From customizable technology use contracts to a full family tech plan. Access your free interactive guides here: https://familytechzone.com/links

** JOIN THE DIGITAL VILLAGE **
Join the Discord Server: https://familytech.biz/discord
Join us on Facebook: https://familytech.biz/facebookgroup
Post on Reddit: https://familytech.biz/reddit

** CONNECT WITH US **
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@familytech?sub_confirmation=1
Instagram: https://instagram.com/familytech

Analyzing Viral True Crime Cases: Tech Evidence & Legal Insights

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 10:34:00 +0000

Two stories took over everyone's feeds recently, and both come down to tech evidence. First, a Florida woman ticketed for holding her phone in her right hand while driving, which is quite a claim, since she doesn't have a right hand. Then, the Netflix documentary The Crash and the case of Mackenzie Shirilla. This week on Oh My Tech, we dig into what the evidence actually showed, bench trials vs. jury trials, and what happens when a PR strategy goes sideways.

** FREE RESOURCES **
From customizable technology use contracts to a full family tech plan. Access your free interactive guides here: https://familytechzone.com/links

** JOIN THE DIGITAL VILLAGE **
Join the Discord Server: https://familytech.biz/discord
Join us on Facebook: https://familytech.biz/facebookgroup
Post on Reddit: https://familytech.biz/reddit

** CONNECT WITH US **
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@familytech?sub_confirmation=1
Instagram: https://instagram.com/familytech

Dumbphone Trend Explained: Why People Are Ditching Smartphones

Mon, 25 May 2026 09:54:00 +0000

Dumbphones, e-ink screens, and going low-tech are having a moment. With constant overstimulation and AI showing up in everything, a lot of people are craving a simpler relationship with their devices. This week on Oh My Tech, we look at how people are unplugging, what's driving the trend, practical ways to find a middle ground without giving up your smartphone, and whether the trend is here to stay.

** FREE RESOURCES **
From customizable technology use contracts to a full family tech plan. Access your free interactive guides here: https://familytechzone.com/links

** JOIN THE DIGITAL VILLAGE **
Join the Discord Server: https://familytech.biz/discord
Join us on Facebook: https://familytech.biz/facebookgroup
Post on Reddit: https://familytech.biz/reddit

** CONNECT WITH US **
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@familytech?sub_confirmation=1
Instagram: https://instagram.com/familytech

Minimalist Tech Gift Guide: Meaningful Ideas Over Clutter

Mon, 18 May 2026 10:44:00 +0000

The days of buying plastic tchotchkes just to have something under the wrapping paper are behind us. This week on Oh My Tech, we talk about gifting with intention: tech gifts and experiences that actually get used, ideas that don't add clutter to anyone's house, and how to give something meaningful without all the extra stuff.

** FREE RESOURCES **
From customizable technology use contracts to a full family tech plan. Access your free interactive guides here: https://familytechzone.com/links

** JOIN THE DIGITAL VILLAGE **
Join the Discord Server: https://familytech.biz/discord
Join us on Facebook: https://familytech.biz/facebookgroup
Post on Reddit: https://familytech.biz/reddit

** CONNECT WITH US **
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@familytech?sub_confirmation=1
Instagram: https://instagram.com/familytech

The History of Kids’ Virtual Worlds: What Happened to Club Penguin?

Mon, 11 May 2026 10:29:00 +0000

Club Penguin is gone, and kid-sized online worlds like it are getting harder to find. Has losing those spaces helped our kids or held them back socially? This week on Oh My Tech, we look back at the history of kids' virtual worlds, what they gave a whole generation, and how you can give your kids that same kind of experience while still keeping them safe.

** FREE RESOURCES **
From customizable technology use contracts to a full family tech plan. Access your free interactive guides here: https://familytechzone.com/links

** JOIN THE DIGITAL VILLAGE **
Join the Discord Server: https://familytech.biz/discord
Join us on Facebook: https://familytech.biz/facebookgroup
Post on Reddit: https://familytech.biz/reddit

** CONNECT WITH US **
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@familytech?sub_confirmation=1
Instagram: https://instagram.com/familytech

How to Get Better Google Search Results: 7 Practical Search Tips

Mon, 04 May 2026 10:06:00 +0000

Google isn't the same search engine it used to be, and the way you search should change with it. This week on Oh My Tech, I share practical tips for getting better results: how to read the new search layout, when to use Google Lens and audio search, how the search tabs help you narrow things down, why AI answers can be wrong, when Reddit or YouTube is the better place to look, and how to spot sketchy results that gamed their way to the top.

** FREE RESOURCES **
From customizable technology use contracts to a full family tech plan. Access your free interactive guides here: https://familytechzone.com/links

** JOIN THE DIGITAL VILLAGE **
Join the Discord Server: https://familytech.biz/discord
Join us on Facebook: https://familytech.biz/facebookgroup
Post on Reddit: https://familytech.biz/reddit

** CONNECT WITH US **
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@familytech?sub_confirmation=1
Instagram: https://instagram.com/familytech

How to Spot Sophisticated Online Scams: Red Flags to Watch

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 09:06:00 +0000

Online scams have gotten a lot more convincing, and AI is a big reason why. The obvious typo-filled emails are being replaced by messages that look and sound legit. This week on Oh My Tech, we look at how scams have evolved, the red flags that still give them away, and simple habits that help you and your family spot an AI-powered phishing message before you click.

** FREE RESOURCES **
From customizable technology use contracts to a full family tech plan. Access your free interactive guides here: https://familytechzone.com/links

** JOIN THE DIGITAL VILLAGE **
Join the Discord Server: https://familytech.biz/discord
Join us on Facebook: https://familytech.biz/facebookgroup
Post on Reddit: https://familytech.biz/reddit

** CONNECT WITH US **
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@familytech?sub_confirmation=1
Instagram: https://instagram.com/familytech

Why Are Electronics So Expensive Right Now? Tech Inflation Explained

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 10:27:00 +0000

Why does every gadget suddenly cost more? It's not just inflation. This week on Oh My Tech, we break down what's driving up the price of consumer electronics, including the AI boom, plus practical ways to save money when your family needs new tech.

** FREE RESOURCES **
From customizable technology use contracts to a full family tech plan. Access your free interactive guides here: https://familytechzone.com/links

** JOIN THE DIGITAL VILLAGE **
Join the Discord Server: https://familytech.biz/discord
Join us on Facebook: https://familytech.biz/facebookgroup
Post on Reddit: https://familytech.biz/reddit

** CONNECT WITH US **
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@familytech?sub_confirmation=1
Instagram: https://instagram.com/familytech

Your Kid Wants to Be a YouTuber—Now What?

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 10:23:00 +0000

Your kid wants to be a YouTuber when they grow up. Before you roll your eyes, it's a real career path for some people. This week on Oh My Tech, we talk about why so many kids dream of being content creators, what it actually takes to start and grow a channel, and how to support your kid's creativity in a way that's safe and age-appropriate.

** FREE RESOURCES **
From customizable technology use contracts to a full family tech plan. Access your free interactive guides here: https://familytechzone.com/links

** JOIN THE DIGITAL VILLAGE **
Join the Discord Server: https://familytech.biz/discord
Join us on Facebook: https://familytech.biz/facebookgroup
Post on Reddit: https://familytech.biz/reddit

** CONNECT WITH US **
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@familytech?sub_confirmation=1
Instagram: https://instagram.com/familytech

FAKE Videos Are Everywhere, Here’s How to Spot Them

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 10:29:00 +0000

Seen a video online that seemed a little... off? Deepfakes and AI-manipulated clips are everywhere now. This week on Oh My Tech, we talk about how to spot fake videos, why people make them in the first place, and the media literacy habits that help your whole family avoid getting fooled or scammed.

** FREE RESOURCES **
From customizable technology use contracts to a full family tech plan. Access your free interactive guides here: https://familytechzone.com/links

** JOIN THE DIGITAL VILLAGE **
Join the Discord Server: https://familytech.biz/discord
Join us on Facebook: https://familytech.biz/facebookgroup
Post on Reddit: https://familytech.biz/reddit

** CONNECT WITH US **
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@familytech?sub_confirmation=1
Instagram: https://instagram.com/familytech

My unpopular opinion on the $6M verdict against Meta and Google

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 10:34:00 +0000

A Los Angeles jury recently ordered Meta and Google to pay $6 million, holding them responsible for a user's mental health struggles tied to social media. This week on Oh My Tech, I share my honest (and maybe unpopular) take on the verdict, the wave of similar lawsuits behind it, and what it could mean for tech companies and the families who use their apps.

** FREE RESOURCES **
From customizable technology use contracts to a full family tech plan. Access your free interactive guides here: https://familytechzone.com/links

** JOIN THE DIGITAL VILLAGE **
Join the Discord Server: https://familytech.biz/discord
Join us on Facebook: https://familytech.biz/facebookgroup
Post on Reddit: https://familytech.biz/reddit

** CONNECT WITH US **
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@familytech?sub_confirmation=1
Instagram: https://instagram.com/familytech

The Real Reason Parental Controls Don’t Cover Everything

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 10:34:00 +0000

Why isn't there just one switch for parental controls that covers everything? This week on Oh My Tech, we talk about why your kid's devices, apps, and platforms each need their own settings, where the gaps are, and how understanding your child's digital footprint helps you build a setup that actually covers your family.

** FREE RESOURCES **
From customizable technology use contracts to a full family tech plan. Access your free interactive guides here: https://familytechzone.com/links

** JOIN THE DIGITAL VILLAGE **
Join the Discord Server: https://familytech.biz/discord
Join us on Facebook: https://familytech.biz/facebookgroup
Post on Reddit: https://familytech.biz/reddit

** CONNECT WITH US **
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@familytech?sub_confirmation=1
Instagram: https://instagram.com/familytech

The Truth About Online Privacy

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 09:46:00 +0000

What does privacy even look like online anymore, especially for kids? This week on Oh My Tech, we talk about digital footprints, the privacy conversations worth having with your kids, and the basic habits that help protect your family's data.

** FREE RESOURCES **
From customizable technology use contracts to a full family tech plan. Access your free interactive guides here: https://familytechzone.com/links

** JOIN THE DIGITAL VILLAGE **
Join the Discord Server: https://familytech.biz/discord
Join us on Facebook: https://familytech.biz/facebookgroup
Post on Reddit: https://familytech.biz/reddit

** CONNECT WITH US **
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@familytech?sub_confirmation=1
Instagram: https://instagram.com/familytech

How I Stopped Being Influenced by the Internet!

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 10:38:00 +0000

Getting "influenced" online isn't always about following influencers. Sometimes it starts with something as simple as shopping for a suitcase. This week on Oh My Tech, I retrace how a search for a new roller bag turned into a feed full of travel gadgets and, eventually, products I never set out to buy. We talk about how the algorithm nudges you from point A to point B, and how to notice it happening.

** FREE RESOURCES **
From customizable technology use contracts to a full family tech plan. Access your free interactive guides here: https://familytechzone.com/links

** JOIN THE DIGITAL VILLAGE **
Join the Discord Server: https://familytech.biz/discord
Join us on Facebook: https://familytech.biz/facebookgroup
Post on Reddit: https://familytech.biz/reddit

** CONNECT WITH US **
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@familytech?sub_confirmation=1
Instagram: https://instagram.com/familytech

Discord Faces MASSIVE Legal Battle Over Child Safety!

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 01:39:07 +0000

New Jersey filed suit this week against Discord over claims the application is making false child safety claims. Find out my thoughts on the lawsuit and if I think the app is doing enough to protect kids.

New Utah tech laws could affect your family! Oh That’s Interesting!

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 01:32:29 +0000

Utah introduces 2 new tech laws that can affect your family! Find out my thoughts on it in today’s Oh My Tech! Podcast episode. Devices in Public Schools – https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/SB0178.html App Store Accountability Act – https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/SB0142.html…

Is Technology REALLY Helping Or Hurting Neurodivergent Kids?

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 22:58:35 +0000

This conversation with Bea Moise, author of Neurodiversity and Technology: Neuroscience-led strategies for parents, is ESSENTIAL listening for anyone trying to parent a neurodiverse child. Get Bea’s book! https://amzn.to/42BWceL…

Oh That’s New! Meta Announces New Filtering

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 21:43:39 +0000

Today Mark Zuckerberg announced that Meta was doing away with the 3rd party fact-checking program it has been using to stop the spread of misinformation, and will instead implement a “Community Notes” based system. What does this mean for you and your family? Listen and find out.

Live Interview with Verizon’s Ethan Arenson

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 02:55:13 +0000

Today I kick off a new series in my podcast called Family Tech Live. These are live interviews with the people making technology happen. The interviews are live on Instagram every Monday at 1 PM PST. This week I interviewed Ethan Arenson, head of Digital Safety at Verizon. We talk all about kids and technology…

204: Just Give Your Teen a Smartphone Already! + Buffy Season One

Mon, 09 Sep 2019 12:30:17 +0000

This episode might be a little controversial, but today we are taking a stand to help the kids! We back up our stance with some data from real-world examples. Our theory is that if your teen is entering jr. high, it is time to give them a smartphone. Obviously we don’t want you to give…

203: Manage Kid’s Chores & Veronica Mars Season 4 Discussion

Mon, 05 Aug 2019 11:33:19 +0000

We promise that this is the last week we talk about Veronica Mars for quite a while (at least until Season 5 comes out). We had a LOT to say about the new season though! We also discuss apps that will help your kids get their chores done once and for all!

202: Pregnancy Tech & What to Expect When You’re Expecting

Mon, 15 Jul 2019 12:41:46 +0000

The guys might want to shy away from this episode as Sarah and Emilee dive into the technology that can help your pregnancy go smoother from conceiving to giving birth. We also discuss the movie What to Expect When You’re Expecting. Have you seen it? Did it make you cry at the same parts as…

201: Home Fitness Tech & Veronica Mars Discussion

Mon, 08 Jul 2019 12:15:29 +0000

In season 2, Emilee and Sarah are changing up the format for Family Tech Talk. First, we talk about the latest relevant tech news, next is our main discussion on technology. We then move on to talk about whatever we are currently watching and finish up with a pop culture “book club” type discussion. Join…

123: Top 5 Products From CES 2019

Mon, 28 Jan 2019 12:04:55 +0000

Sarah and Emilee went to the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas again! This was Emilee’s 3rd year going and Sarah’s 11ish or so, she’s lost count. Check out what they thought the best products were, and a couple of the duds!

122: Setting Parental Controls & The Top 5 Christmas Movies

Mon, 10 Dec 2018 12:05:51 +0000

This week we are talking about setting parental controls on gaming systems, entertainment services and more! Also, as we get closer to Christmas, we list the top 5 Christmas movies. Do you agree with our picks?

121: Creating a Device Contract & Top 5 Canceled TV Shows

Mon, 03 Dec 2018 12:58:39 +0000

With the holiday’s quickly approaching, you may be purchasing some brand new electronic devices for your children. Before you hand over the keys to the kingdom, you may want to set some ground rules with your child. Creating a device contract is a great way to establish these rules, but what kinds of things should…

120: Pet Tech & The Top 5 Pet(Dog) Movies

Mon, 26 Nov 2018 12:33:25 +0000

There is no doubt that we are both a little obsessed with our dogs. Check out all the tech that will change your life as a pet owner. We also run down our top 5 pet movies, which just happen to all be dog movies.

119: Holiday Gift Guide & Top 5 Characters Most Like Us

Mon, 19 Nov 2018 12:32:51 +0000

In this episode, we discuss all of the best gifts for various age groups and people in your life. We also get introspective with our top 5 list and come up with the top 5 fictional characters that most represent our personalities!

118: Black Friday Tips & the Top 5 Movie Presidents

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 12:35:32 +0000

Since Emilee worked at Best Buy for several years, we have some insider tips to getting the best Black Friday deals! We also discuss our top 5 movie presidents…