Oh My Tech!

The Chromebook Nobody Banned: What School Phone Bans Miss

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

What parents can actually control on a school-issued laptop, and the five questions that get you real answers from your district.

TL;DR

Phone bans are spreading fast. As of mid-2026, at least 38 states plus Washington, D.C. require districts to restrict student phones, and 28 states plus D.C. go bell-to-bell (first bell to last bell, lunch and passing periods included).
The bans are working on the thing they were built for: distraction from phones. Teachers in New York and New Hampshire report better focus, more talking at lunch, less bullying.
The bans mostly do not cover the school-issued Chromebook, laptop, or tablet. In Utah, the bell-to-bell law says so explicitly.
Teachers now rate school laptops as a bigger classroom distraction than phones. In one national survey, 56% called off-task laptop behavior a major distraction, compared to 38% for phones.
From 8:00 to 3:00, you do not have a switch to flip. You have questions to ask. Most districts already own parent-facing tools (GoGuardian Parent, Securly Home, Bark for Schools Parent Portal) that are switched off by default.
Tonight, without anyone’s permission: give the school laptop a bedtime on your home WiFi, and move its charger out of the bedroom.

The comment that started this

A while back I did a whole episode on school phone bans: what to do when your school bans phones, and how to talk to your kids about it. (Linked below if you missed it.)

Then a viewer left a comment that stuck with me. Paraphrasing: phones are banned at school now, so the kids just use their Chromebooks all day.

A couple of other people jumped in underneath it. Somebody brought up smartwatches. And honestly, back in the ’90s our graphing calculators were advanced enough to be distractions too. I wrote programs for my TI-83, so I am not exactly positioned to judge.

But that commenter was right, and the thing they put their finger on deserves a real answer.

Where school phone bans actually stand right now

Here is the quick recap.

As of the most recent Education Week tracking in mid-2026, at least 38 states and Washington, D.C. require districts to ban or restrict student phone use. Twenty-eight of those states, plus D.C., go bell-to-bell. First bell to last bell, lunch and passing periods and study hall included.

These bans were built to solve one specific problem: phones distracting kids during school. And on that specific problem, the early results are genuinely good.

Where	Who was surveyed	What they reported
New York (2026)	585 teachers, administrators, and school staff after year one	80% said the phone-free policy delivered positive results. 76% saw better classroom behavior. 80% saw better social connections. 60% reported a drop in bullying and cyberbullying.
New Hampshire (2026)	1,399 educators in grades 6 to 12	About 75% said students seemed more focused. About 65% said students talked to more people at lunch and during breaks.
Phones in Focus (national, 2026)	More than 68,000 educators	Teachers report less in-class phone use and more face-to-face interaction after bell-to-bell bans.

So the bans are doing their job. The catch is the job description.

The ban covers the most visible screen in the building. It does not cover the only one.

I keep picturing a house with a front door and a side door. We closed the front door. The side door is propped open, and it was propped open by the school itself.

What is still in the backpack every single day?

Three things, mostly.

1. The school-issued tablet, laptop, or Chromebook. This is the big one, and it is the one your kid is required to use.

2. The smartwatch. A lot of ban policies never mention it at all. Utah’s does. Our law specifically names smartwatches, and the newer version that took effect July 1, 2026 goes further. Senate Bill 69 covers cellphones, smartwatches, and “emerging technologies that could act in place of or as an extension of a student’s smartphone.” That is lawmakers looking down the road and saying: we do not know what is coming, but we want it covered too.

Worth noting what that same Utah law explicitly does not cover: school-issued or school-required devices. Which is the entire point of this post.

3. The stuff nobody has written a policy about. A very capable graphing calculator, especially at the high school level. An e-reader, for the kid who really loves books.

Let’s focus on the main screen, though. The one your child is handed and told to use.

Why you cannot just “fix” the school laptop (and why that is not on you)

Here is the most useful way I have found to think about a school Chromebook: it is a work laptop, and your kid is the employee.

The district’s IT department set it up. They decide what is installed, which sites load, which accounts can even sign in. You cannot change the settings on your own work laptop, and you cannot change these either.

That is not a failure of your parenting or your tech skills. It is a question of whose name is on the device.

I have worked in IT for 24 years and I cannot reconfigure a device that somebody else’s management console owns. Neither can the systems administrators in my comment section. If you have been sitting there feeling behind on this one, you were never in the race.

Wait, are laptops really a bigger distraction than phones?

According to teachers, yes.

The EdWeek Research Center surveyed 1,268 teachers, school administrators, and district leaders. 56% said off-task behavior on laptops, tablets, or desktops was a major source of distraction eating into learning time. For personal cellphones, that number was 38%.

School-issued devices outranked phones. In the same survey. By a lot.

And then there is a much bigger one. Phones in Focus is a national research project led by University of Pennsylvania professor Angela Duckworth, with responses from more than 68,000 educators so far. Teachers in that sample estimate that, on average, about one in three students are using their laptops during class for personal things: texting, gaming, social media, YouTube videos that have nothing to do with the lesson.

And here is the part that matters for this conversation: that estimate barely moves depending on whether the school has a phone ban. Ban the phone, do not ban the phone, about a third of the room is still on the laptop.

	Personal cellphones	School-issued laptops and tablets
Rated a major classroom distraction (EdWeek, 1,268 educators)	38%	56%
Covered by most state bell-to-bell bans	Yes	Usually no
Who controls the settings	You (mostly)	The district
Changes when a phone ban starts	Usage drops sharply	Barely moves

“Okay, but my kid isn’t doing that”

Maybe not! I am not saying your kid is the one streaming YouTube during fourth period.

I am saying the option is in the bag every day, at school and at home. Building your plan around the idea that it is not there is where families get caught out.

It reminds me of the line from Jurassic Park I think about constantly in this job: life, uh, finds a way. Kids find a way. They always have.

And finding the way is not a character flaw. That is a 12-year-old with a device and a boring fourth period. I have a whole video on my channel about the ways kids get around controls. It is one of my most watched, so go take a look if you have not.

What about the pouches?

Last time I covered phone bans, I talked about the pouches: a fabric pouch with a magnetic lock. Phones go in at the start of the day, stay with the kid, cannot be opened, and at dismissal the kid taps it on a base to unlock.

You already know how this story goes. Within about a week of any school rolling those out, somebody’s kid has figured out the magnet, or has started putting an old phone in the pouch.

The bigger problem is consistency. My son’s high school is supposed to be bell-to-bell, because we are in Utah, and I still get texts from him during the day. I asked him early in the year how that was happening, and he said nobody really cares during lunch. So, shrug.

If a rule only works while somebody is watching, the rule was not the thing doing the work.

There is a national study on exactly this. Researchers from Stanford, Duke, the University of Michigan, and the University of Pennsylvania looked at more than 43,000 middle and high schools over three years and published the results through the National Bureau of Economic Research in 2026.

The pouches genuinely did cut phone use. In schools with bell-to-bell bans, the share of students teachers reported using phones in class for personal reasons dropped from 61% to 13%. That part held up.

But the first year got harder before it got easier. Disciplinary incidents went up. Student wellbeing went down. By the third year, both of those turned around, with wellbeing landing higher than where it started.

Which tells us something useful: we do not have the full answer yet. A lot of these bans just went into place. Year one is not the verdict.

When your kid gets around something, ask a better question

At some point, one of them will get around something. When that happens, the question that actually gets you somewhere is not “how dare you.”

It is: what were you trying to do?

Because the answer is almost never “I wanted to defy the school.” It is usually:

“I was bored.”
“Everybody was in a group chat and I wasn’t.”
“I wanted to know if you texted me back.”

It is a bit like when your boss has you do something that feels completely pointless, right up until you finally see the bigger picture.

Kids genuinely believe they can manage themselves. They have self-control, they will not look at it, it is fine. But every “I’m just checking for a second” costs more than the second.

Research on interruptions by Gloria Mark at UC Irvine found it takes an average of about 23 minutes to fully return to a task after being interrupted. That study followed office workers rather than eighth graders, so treat it as illustrative rather than a classroom measurement. Still, multiply that shape of thing by a steady trickle of notifications across a class period and you can see how little actual learning time is left.

So is anything going well with these bans? Actually, quite a bit.

The thing teachers keep reporting, survey after survey, is not a test score. It is noise.

Lunchrooms got loud again. Hallways got loud again. Kids are talking to each other in the spaces between things.

And there is real boredom now. Real, unstructured, nothing-to-do boredom, which we spent about 15 years accidentally deleting. Some of that boredom is going to turn into a friendship, a sketchbook, or a very stupid joke they will still be telling at 25.

From 8:00 to 3:00, you do not have a switch. You have questions.

Let’s talk about the school day specifically, because that is what the comment was about. Not 3:00 to bedtime. 8:00 to 3:00.

During those hours, the laptop is the district’s. The network is the district’s. The rules are the district’s.

What you have is questions. And in most districts, the answers already exist. Somebody already set this up. Nobody ever turned on the part that is meant for you.

The classroom view your kid’s teacher may or may not be using

Almost every district running Chromebooks has monitoring software on them. GoGuardian and Securly are the two names you will hear most often.

The first thing that software does is give the teacher a live view of every screen in the room at once. The tab the kid is on, plus every other tab they have open behind it.

So the exact problem that commenter described, a third of the room quietly on something else, is visible to somebody in real time. If they are looking.

Which makes this a completely fair question at parent-teacher conferences. Not as an accusation. Just: do you use the classroom view during class?

Some teachers use it constantly. Some have never opened it. It varies teacher to teacher, in the same building, down the same hallway.

The parent version nobody told you about

Here is the part that surprises people: a lot of that software has a parent version, and it comes with the license your district already bought.

GoGuardian Parent shows you your own kid’s activity on their school device. Depending on what your district enables, it also lets you filter that school-managed device at home and pause the internet on it. Straight from GoGuardian’s own documentation: those parental controls are available only if the school’s IT administrator has enabled them, and they apply only during out-of-school hours. They are switched off by default. Somebody at the district has to go into a settings page and turn them on.

Securly Home works similarly. It is free to families as part of the district’s Securly purchase, and it gives parents a real-time activity feed, home rules on the school device, internet pause, and offline scheduling. Also school-owned devices only, and also only outside school hours.

Notice the pattern. These tools exist, your district may already own them, and nobody is going to send a letter letting you know.

So if you have spent the last few minutes thinking “great, so I have zero control over this machine,” you might actually have some. It may just be turned off.

Bark for Schools: free, and frequently switched off

Before I say a word about this one: I have an affiliate relationship with Bark on their family products. If you buy one of those through a link of mine, I get paid. The school version I am about to describe is free, so there is nothing here for me to sell you. But you should know the relationship exists before I start talking.

Bark for Schools is free. Not discounted, not a trial. Free to every public and private K-12 school in the United States. Your district is not paying for it. So if the answer you get back is “we would love to, but it is not in the budget,” budget is not the barrier on this one.

It also has a Parent Portal that shares your own kid’s alerts with you. Same story as the others: the school has to switch it on and choose the alert settings, and plenty of schools never have.

Bark for Schools and the family version of Bark are two different products

This trips up a lot of families, and the letter that came home in August almost certainly did not make it clear.

Bark for Schools follows the account. The family version of Bark follows the kid.

	Bark for Schools (free)	Bark family plans (paid)
What it watches	Your child’s school Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 account: school email, school chats, school documents, and Chrome browsing tied to that account	The child’s own device and personal accounts
Where it works	Anywhere they sign into that school account, including on their own laptop at home on a Sunday	On the phone or tablet you set it up on
What it does not see	Personal Gmail, texts, TikTok, Snapchat, Discord, anything on their personal phone	Not applicable
Cost	$0	Bark Jr is $5/month. Bark Premium is $14/month, or $99/year.
Who turns it on	Your district	You

So when a district letter says your student is protected by Bark, what that actually means is their school account is covered. Not their entire life.

Covering the personal device is a paid family product you would buy yourself, and that is the one I get paid on, so weigh my enthusiasm accordingly.

One more thing worth asking: some districts negotiate a family deal. Bark partners with schools and organizations to offer family packages, and I have seen partner arrangements where families get the junior version free and the premium version at a discount. Not everybody does it, but enough do that it is worth a question to your district.

If you are in Utah, something just changed

This is new enough that most families have not heard about it yet.

Utah Senate Bill 88, “School Technology Amendments,” passed in the 2026 session and took effect July 1, 2026. It requires public schools to provide a parent-accessible monitoring system for school-managed devices. That means a portal where you can see how long your child spent on their screen and what websites they visited.

It also says that at a parent’s request, the district must use a preapproved content filtering system on a school-approved device. A “white list” of allowed sites rather than a “black list” of blocked ones.

If you are in Utah, that is not a favor you are asking for. Ask your school where the parent portal is.

If you are not in Utah, this is still useful: it tells you what to ask for, and it tells you these systems exist and can be handed to parents.

The email to send your school

Copy this, paste it, change the name at the top.

Hi [Name],

I have a few questions about the device my child uses at school.

What monitoring or classroom software is installed on my child’s school device?

Is there a parent version of that software, and can you enable it for my account?

Do teachers use the classroom view during instruction?

Does the filtering still work when that laptop is on our home WiFi, or only on the school network?

Does the district have any family discount or family package available through our monitoring vendor?

Thank you, [Your name]

Question 4 is the one I would not skip.

Device filtering vs network filtering: the distinction that decides everything

This sounds technical. It is not, and it changes your entire plan.

If the school filters the device, the blocking travels with the laptop. It works at school, at the library, and on your couch.

If the school filters the network, the blocking lives at the school building. The second that laptop joins your home WiFi, it is wide open. Same machine, different address, completely different device.

If nobody can give you a straight answer, which does happen: treat it as unfiltered and plan from there.

Worth knowing too: federal privacy law (FERPA) gives you the right to inspect and review your child’s education records, and schools generally have to respond within 45 days. Whether monitoring logs count as education records is genuinely unsettled right now, so I am not going to promise you it is a magic phrase. But “I would like to review my child’s records” is a valid request, and it is yours to make.

Two settings you can change tonight, without anybody’s permission

While you are waiting to hear back from the school, and you might be waiting a while (it is September), here is the part that is entirely yours.

1. Give that laptop a bedtime on your WiFi

You cannot get into the school’s settings on that device. You can absolutely decide what hours it works on your network.

Open your router’s app, find the school laptop in the device list (it usually shows up by name or by something that looks like a model number), and set a schedule. Internet off at 9:00, or 10:00, or whatever fits your house.

Most routers made in the last several years do this for free. Some charge for fancier filtering, but “this device goes to sleep at 9:00” is almost always included.

Heads up, because this one catches people. If you put a school Chromebook behind your own home filtering and it suddenly will not load anything, just spins and spins, that is usually the school’s software and your router arguing with each other. That is not you breaking it. Back the filtering off and keep the schedule. The schedule is the part doing the work anyway.

2. Decide where it sleeps

The school laptop charges somewhere that is not a bedroom. Kitchen counter, hallway, entry table, wherever.

You are not going to out-configure a bored 14-year-old at midnight. You will absolutely beat them by having the laptop in the kitchen.

3. The sentence worth saying out loud

This is the one I would actually sit down and discuss with your kids, because it applies to any device somebody else issued them:

The school laptop is for school. Everything else happens on the personal device.

That lesson carries straight into adult life, because the same thing is true of a work computer. Whatever you do on a device your employer owns, your employer can generally see. Your browsing, your messages, the personal email you checked at lunch. You do not want your personal life living somewhere that somebody else gets to look at it.

This week’s challenge

Three things. None of them take long.

Send the email. Five questions, copy and paste, done in two minutes.
Set the bedtime. Open your router app, find the school laptop, give it an off-switch at a reasonable hour.
Move the charger. Out of the bedroom, onto a counter.

Then come tell me what your kid’s school is doing in the comments! I want to know how different this looks district to district, because I suspect the answer is wildly.

And here is a good dinner-table version of it for your kids: what is your school actually doing about the phone ban? Do you still use Chromebooks in class? Are kids still goofing off on tech even without their phones?

So did the bans actually solve the problem?

I am in favor of the school phone bans. I want to be clear about that.

I just wish they were more consistent across districts and schools, and clearer about what we are actually trying to accomplish. If we take away the cellphones but the kids are all watching YouTube and chatting with their classmates inside a shared Google Doc, did we solve the problem or did we relocate it?

I would encourage districts to look at everything they are doing with technology at school. And while I love the broad access to so many topics that technology gives us, maybe some of that is better served at home instead of in a classroom with a teacher standing right there.

We never learned anything during film strip day either. How are we expecting today’s kids to learn while they are constantly connected to a screen?

You do not need to solve that question tonight. You need five questions in an email and a charger on the kitchen counter. Start there.

Until next time, this is Family Tech, powering down.

Frequently asked questions

Does a school phone ban cover school-issued Chromebooks and laptops?

Usually not. Most state phone bans are written around personal devices, especially cellphones and, in some states, smartwatches. Utah’s bell-to-bell law explicitly excludes school-issued or school-required devices. So in most districts, the laptop the school handed your child is not covered by the same policy that locked up the phone.

Can parents monitor a school-issued Chromebook?

Often yes, if your district turns on the parent-facing version of the software it already owns. GoGuardian Parent, Securly Home, and Bark for Schools Parent Portal all give parents visibility into their own child’s activity on school devices. These features are typically disabled by default and require a district administrator to enable them.

Is Bark for Schools the same as the Bark app I would buy for my family?

No. Bark for Schools is free and follows the school account: school email, school chats, school documents, and browsing tied to that account, including when the student signs into that account on a personal computer at home. The paid family version follows the child’s own device and personal accounts. They share a logo and do two different jobs.

How much do these tools cost parents?

GoGuardian Parent, Securly Home, and the Bark for Schools Parent Portal are free to families, because the district’s license already covers them. Bark’s paid family plans run $5 per month for Bark Jr and $14 per month, or $99 per year, for Bark Premium. Some districts negotiate family packages through their vendor, so ask.

Can I block websites on my child’s school laptop at home?

Sometimes. If your district enables the parent controls in GoGuardian Parent or Securly Home, you can add restrictions and pause the internet during out-of-school hours. You cannot loosen the school’s rules, only add to them. If those tools are not enabled, the more reliable approach is scheduling that device’s internet access through your own router.

Why does my home filtering break the school Chromebook?

School devices often run their own filtering software, and layering your home filtering on top can create a conflict where pages simply will not load. If the laptop starts spinning endlessly after you add home filtering, remove the filtering and keep a simple internet schedule instead.

Are school phone bans working?

On distraction, largely yes. New York’s first-year survey of 585 educators found 80% reported positive results. New Hampshire’s survey of 1,399 educators found about 75% saw students more focused. A national study of more than 43,000 schools found pouch policies substantially cut phone use, though disciplinary incidents rose and wellbeing dipped in year one before improving by year three.

What should I ask at parent-teacher conferences about device use?

Ask whether the teacher uses the classroom monitoring view during instruction, what software is installed on the device, whether a parent version can be enabled for your account, and whether filtering follows the device home or stops at the school network.

School Phone Bans Episode: https://familytechzone.com/your-kids-school-just-banned-phones-now-what/
Ways kids get around parental controls: https://youtu.be/eZaMNsGSvRE

Disclosure: I have an affiliate relationship with Bark’s family products. Bark for Schools, discussed above, is free and I earn nothing from it.

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 is about to hand your teenager the strictest version of itself: a two hour daily cap across Instagram and Facebook, a midnight to 6 AM lockout, silent notifications during school hours, hidden like counts, and pauses every hour. All of it on by default, and none of it requires you to do anything.

Which sounds like good news until you read the fine print. Every one of those defaults can only be loosened by a linked parent. A teen with nobody attached to their account cannot change a single setting in the entire document. Meta is not allowed to say yes. Somebody has to be.

This week: what a consent judgment is and why it matters, every default that switches on and when, the three things the two hour limit quietly does not count, what parent supervision actually shows you (spoiler: a guest list, not the conversation), how Instagram plans to catch finsta accounts, what happens to a 10 year old's account, and the two scripts for having this conversation depending on what your house already looks like.

This week's task: ten minutes, their phone, not yours. Sit down and train the feed together.

Free one sheet on training your social media algorithm is linked in the show notes.

I read 130 pages of court filing for this one, which is genuinely my idea of a good time. I am not an attorney.

The One Sheet on how to train your social media algorithm: https://familytech.biz/train

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 speaker came to my kids' middle school and put a picture of a handgun next to a picture of a smartphone. Then he told a room full of parents those two things were the same thing. He was giving a similar talk to the students the next day, and I told my kids they had my permission to skip it.

This week: why fear is a business model and you are the customer, why "just take it away" is a wish rather than a plan for most families, and the three question tool that turns any scary headline into a decision in about 90 seconds.

I also get honest about the parts that do not flatter me. What choosing calm costs me in views every single week, why fear creates a faster bond than capability ever will, and the months I spent accepting title suggestions from a scoring tool until I had optimized my own videos out of my own search results without ever noticing.

Plus the reframe at the center of the whole episode: a warning makes a kid anxious, a rehearsal makes a kid ready. Same headline, same facts, completely different result sitting in your kid's head.

One problem: Fear is a business model, and scared parents are an easier audience than capable ones. One fix: Three questions, 90 seconds, run the moment your stomach drops. One task: Catch one scary headline this week, run it through the questions, and decide what you are going to fix or what you are going to stop worrying about.

If you have ever said "I'm just not good at technology," this episode is for you. You are not behind, and you are far more capable of this than anyone has bothered to tell you.

New episodes every Tuesday. This is Family Tech powering down.

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

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

Sarah told parents BeReal was safe. She had good reasons: no filters, no likes, no followers, no ads, and critically, no direct messages. No inbox meant there was no door for a stranger to knock on. That was a real structural protection, not a promise or a policy.

Then BeReal added messaging in 2023. Then ads in 2025. Then a creator program. Then it got acquired by a mobile games company for roughly half a billion dollars.

The advice went bad in about eleven months. Nobody noticed for three years, including the person who reported the change herself.

In this episode, Sarah walks through the pattern behind why this keeps happening to every "safe alternative" app, using three Augusts of receipts from Instagram. Then she hands over the fix: a four-question check that works on any app, forever, because it asks about features instead of asking for a verdict. Messages, discovery, audience, money. About 30 seconds per app, no subscription, no monitoring tool, no cost.

Plus: the one BeReal setting that "is BeReal safe" would never have found, and why "that's not a parenting failure" is not just a nice thing to say.

This week's challenge: pick an app you already said yes to, one you approved so long ago you cannot remember approving it, and run the Four Doors on it. Then come tell Sarah which app it was and which door was open.

No sponsors on this one.

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

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

There are videos on my channel that will never exist. Not because they were bad ideas, but because one of my kids said no. When the word "family" is in your brand name, that is not a small thing to give up. I killed them anyway.

This week I am walking through what about 10 years of asking my own kids for permission before publishing actually taught me, and almost none of it is what the internet will tell you.

We get into why "is this photo embarrassing?" is the wrong question entirely, and what the right one is. Why the most reasonable sounding question in parenting, "why not?", might be quietly turning your kid's consent into an appeals process. What to do during the years when your kid is genuinely too young to answer. And the counterintuitive move I make when a relative posts my kid without asking, which involves me getting out of the middle entirely.

Plus: what Congress and four state legislatures have independently landed on that looks suspiciously like the rule some families were already running at home, and why Matthew McConaughey spent real money on a right your 17 year old already has for free.

Three things you walk away with: the veto, the undo, and the handoff.

This week's challenge: two searches, about five minutes. Google your kid's name, then reverse image search their face. Do that one first, before you touch a single old post, because it is what a classmate would do.

Nobody is asking you to delete a decade. Take a breath. This is a system, not a purge.

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

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

Your fitness tracker is collecting dust and your habit app is buried in a folder. You are not alone, and it is not your fault. Most health technology assumes that access to data will change your behavior, and humans simply do not work that way. What does work is turning it into a game.

This episode is a practical tour of the gamification of health: the points, badges, streaks, and leaderboards that get people moving, and how to use them in a real household without adding one more thing to manage.

Sarah covers what gamification actually is and why your brain responds to it, the difference between doing something for a badge and doing it because it has become normal, and the honest truth about how long habits really take to form. Then it is into the tools: Apple Watch rings and family activity sharing, the Fitbit to Google Health transition and what it now costs, Garmin's absurdly generous badge system, Oura's readiness scores and its full price tag, and habit apps including Habitica, Finch, Streaks, and SuperBetter. Plus chore apps that turn dishes into points, and the games that are genuinely exercise: Ring Fit Adventure, Pokemon Go, Pikmin Bloom, and Zombies Run.

Every cost is stated out loud, subscriptions included, and nobody paid for a single mention.

The episode closes where it should, with the guardrails: orthosomnia and sleep tracker anxiety, streak stress and how to spot when a tool has flipped on you, and what to watch for when your kid is the one using the app.

This week's challenge: pick one tool and use it for seven days. Just one.

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

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

I know how to check my son's browsing history. I have shown thousands of people exactly how to do it. And I have let months go by without checking it once.

This episode is not a tutorial. It is the honest version. Six tech parenting decisions I would make differently, from the parental controls I loosened for a trip and never fixed, to the Discord promise I kept when my gut said not to, to the consequence I announced and never enforced.

They all fall into three patterns: the knowledge gap, the exhaustion trap, and the commitment trap. I walk through each one, why it happens to basically every parent, and the single fix that actually helps.

If you have been quietly carrying some tech regrets of your own, this one is for you. No fear, no judgment, no doom and gloom. Just a conversation about being human at this.

In this episode:

The three patterns behind nearly every tech parenting mistake
Why temporary settings changes become permanent, and the calendar fix
What a family tech agreement actually does, and why I still do not have one signed
How to walk back a promise about an app without breaking your kid's trust
Why fitting the punishment to the crime beats going nuclear every time
Streaks, resets, and why I do not set New Year's resolutions

Free family tech agreement template: http://familytechzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/techcontract.pdf

Subscribe to Oh My Tech for honest, practical family technology guidance every week.

Lurking Counts! How to Find “Your People” Online

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

I've been finding my people online since 1994, and I've never once gone looking for a community on purpose. Once I was looking for a boy. Once I was looking for Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

This episode is what actually works instead: how to tell what a room is really for before you invest six months in it, why you only ever need four usernames, and why lurking counts — for months, for years, however long you need.

Plus the two Facebook groups for the same water bottle that explain everything, and the night my smart lights kept turning off on my husband's game night.

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

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

Twenty-six states now require schools to ban or limit phones, and no two are
doing it the same way. What your state actually requires, what happens in an
emergency, and how to talk to your kid before day one.

Covered: the three tiers of state law and where yours sits, why enforcement
varies school to school, the emergency plan most families skip (a family code
word and a pre-chosen meeting spot), what kids are already doing to get around
the pouches, and where I land on whether any of this will work.

This week's challenge: call your school — not the district — and ask how
enforcement and emergency contact actually work. Then pick your code word and
your meeting spot with your kid.

Less fear, more capability. Family Tech powering down.

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.

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.

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

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.

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?

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.

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

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

We tackle a common question for parents: when is a child truly ready for a phone? It's not about age, but rather a child's and family's readiness level, addressing concerns like phone addiction. This episode offers parenting advice to help families navigate screentime and promote healthy child behavior. We discuss signs of readiness and when a digital detox might be beneficial.

Resources available at https://familytech.biz/tools

Analyzing Viral True Crime Cases: Tech Evidence & Legal Insights

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

On today's episode of Oh My Tech, we're diving into what's been making waves online. We'll explore a couple of stories that have been trending and filling up social media feeds, giving you the TLDR on each. Get ready to understand the latest social media trends and all the trending news everyone's talking about!

Dumbphone Trend Explained: Why People Are Ditching Smartphones

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

With AI advancement, constant overstimulation, and tech addiction, it often feels like we are hurtling toward an overly tech-based world. We now have devices to track our sleep, smart home security, and cars that resemble KITT from Knight Rider. Many of us are longing for the days when technology didn’t seep into every single aspect of our lives. This overwhelming connectivity explains why people are gravitating toward a lower-tech lifestyle. But what does this movement actually entail, and is this trend going to stick around or fade away like crimped hair and pegged jeans? Don’t get me wrong—I adore technology. I’m not about to give up the comforts I’ve become accustomed to, like GPS navigation. How did we even find anything back in the ‘90s? We had paper maps, but I honestly can’t remember how I managed to navigate to a friend’s house. Yet, for all the great things technology helps us accomplish, there are definite downsides. Too often, technology uses us instead of us using it. How People Are Unplugging: Dumbphones and E-Ink To combat this, there is a massive uptick in the “dumbphone” transition. People are gravitating toward minimal devices like the Wisephone, or even buying classic Nokia bricks from the early 2000s. There are even home phone devices like Tin Can and Pinwheel that use VoIP (Voice over IP). These phones plug directly into your internet; they are super limited, don’t allow texting, and force you to actually talk to people from a fixed location. We are also seeing a rise in specialized E-Ink devices. Notetaking tablets like the Kindle Scribe, Kindle Colorsoft, Remarkable, and Supernote have grown incredibly popular. While they can be expensive, they offer a distraction-free, analog-like experience that is much easier on the eyes than an iPad. This shift is even hitting the toy aisle. It used to be that the more buttons, bells, and whistles a toy had, the better. Now, parents are stepping away from that, opting for old-school wooden blocks and screen-free toys that encourage imagination without the digital noise. The Driving Forces: Mental Health and “Sensory Grounding” Why is this happening? A lot of it comes down to mental health. Countless reports highlight the negative psychological impacts of technology and social media, especially on kids and teenagers. There are also physical concerns, like the effects of blue light on our vision. Furthermore, people are experiencing AI fatigue. We are getting tired of looking at photos and having to guess what is real and what is fake. People want a simpler time when a photo was just a definitive snapshot of reality. Interestingly, being offline has shifted from being viewed as “outdated” to becoming a status symbol for mental wellness. Instead of bragging about having the latest and greatest gadget, people now boast about how little they use their phones or watch TV. Ultimately, we are craving tactile experiences. In a world of pixels, we want texture. It’s a concept called sensory grounding. You’ve probably heard the phrase “go touch grass.” It resonates because people want to get outside and experience the physical world rather than staring at the smooth, passive glass of a smartphone screen. Algorithms feed us what they want us to see, whereas low-tech options force us to be active participants in our own entertainment. Practical Ways to Find a Middle Ground How do we achieve a healthier balance without fully living off the grid? The key is intentionality and embracing single-use devices. Back in the day, we had a phone, a pager, an iPod, and a camera. Now, everything is consolidated into one device, making it incredibly easy to overuse. Separating your utilities can break that cycle: Move entertainment to the TV: If you watch a lot of YouTube on your phone, commit to only watching it on your smart TV so you have to sit down intentionally to consume it. Use a dedicated E-reader: Reading on a device without apps prevents you from constantly switching tabs and getting distracted. Get an old-school alarm clock: Keep your phone in the kitchen overnight so it isn’t the first thing you grab when you wake up. Another great strategy is practicing an analog morning and evening routine. For the first 30 minutes after you wake up and the last 30 minutes before bed, turn off all screens. Read a physical book or meditate to give your day a gentler wind-up and wind-down period. Will the Trend Last? Do I think these low-tech products will still be around in two to five years? Honestly, devices like the Tin Can home phone probably won’t last. There is a reason we got rid of landlines—they aren’t convenient. If a child goes to soccer practice, they can’t take a home phone with them. While the nostalgia factor is fun and kitschy right now, it will likely wear off. It’s similar to MapQuest; I am never going to go back to printing out paper directions. The technology we have now is objectively better, which is why we abandoned the old ways. However, the desire for digital boundaries isn’t going anywhere. While everything from our stoves to our water bottles is becoming part of the “Internet of Things,” the urge to disconnect will only grow. Sometimes, we just need to leave our phones at home, step outside, and touch some grass. Over to You Are you participating in the low-tech movement in any way? What do you think the longevity of these “dumbphones” will be? Do you embrace the internet of everything, or are you looking for an exit strategy? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! As always, I’m here to translate the tech so you can go live the life you want. Powering down until next time on Family Tech! https://youtu.be/EWzTkvAMLao

Minimalist Tech Gift Guide: Meaningful Ideas Over Clutter

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

In 2026, our approach to gift-giving has significantly shifted, embracing a philosophy of minimalism. We're moving away from accumulating 'stuff' and using technology to focus on intentional living, questioning what truly brings joy. This trend towards a simple life emphasizes that sometimes, less is more, encouraging us to rethink our habits around possessions.

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

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

Online spaces for kids like Animal Jam and Club Penguin have disappeared. Has this been a benefit or a hindrance to our kids' social development? How can we give our kids the same types of experiences while keeping them safe online?

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

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

Since the internet’s inception, our search habits and the engines we use have evolved significantly. While early users remember the days of AOL and Yahoo, Google has become the primary tool for most. However, even Google has undergone massive changes in how it delivers information, necessitating a shift in how we approach our queries. The Evolution of Search Queries Originally, we searched for specific keywords because search results were less vast than they are today. Over time, this shifted to phrases (e.g., “best water bottle”) and eventually to full sentences. With the rise of AI search, queries have become even more specific, such as “What is the best water bottle to use while on a hike?” This progression reflects our need for increasingly specific answers as the volume of online content continues to grow. Understanding the New Search Layout The structure of search results has also transformed. Initially, Google provided a list of websites ranked by SEO (Search Engine Optimization), where landing on the first page was the ultimate goal for creators. This was followed by the “pay-to-play” model, where ads were placed at the top of the results. Today, the search engine results page (SERP) is multi-layered. You often encounter AI-generated answers first, followed by social media results, videos, and ads before reaching the traditional list of websites. Because the actual search results are pushed so far down, many users find their answers or click away before ever reaching them. Leveraging Google Lens and Audio Search To bypass the clutter, you can use specialized tools like Google Lens. This is particularly effective for identifying products, plants, or birds simply by snapping a photo. Google Lens also includes tabs for translating foreign menus or solving math problems. Similarly, Google’s audio search allows you to identify songs playing in your environment—or even identify an actor’s face while watching a movie—linking you directly to databases like IMDb. Using Search Tabs for Precision Google’s top-level tabs are often overlooked but offer powerful ways to filter information: Shopping: Provides direct price comparisons and locations to purchase items. News: Helps vet information by showing reports from established outlets, which is useful for verifying breaking news. Videos & Shorts: Filters results to show only long-form or short-form video content. Forums: This tab is invaluable for finding authentic, unpaid reviews and community discussions from real people rather than marketing copy. The Reality of AI Results While AI results appear at the top of most searches, it is vital to remember that AI can “hallucinate” or provide inaccurate information. Always vet AI-generated answers by clicking the included links. You may find that the source material contains nuances or contradictions that the AI missed. If you need accurate, high-stakes information, treat the AI summary as a starting point rather than a definitive answer. Alternative Search Engines: Reddit and YouTube For authentic, human-led information, adding “Reddit” to your Google search or searching directly within Reddit is highly effective. It allows you to see pros and cons discussed by real users. Additionally, YouTube is the second-largest search engine in the world. It is the premier destination for “how-to” content—such as changing a tire or an air filter—and product comparison videos that break down features in a visual format. Warning: SEO Hacking and Scams Be wary of “SEO hacking,” where illegitimate websites manipulate the algorithm to appear at the top of results. This is common in two specific areas: Event Tickets: Resale sites often outrank official venues, charging hundreds of dollars more than face value. Always try to navigate directly to the venue or artist’s official website. Tech Support: Scammers create fake support pages for companies like HP. If you call the number provided in a shady search result, they may attempt to gain remote access to your computer. Similarly, be cautious with sensitive data like banking routing numbers. Rather than trusting the snippet that pops up on a search page, take the extra step to click through to your bank’s official website to ensure the information hasn’t been tampered with or misidentified. By being specific and staying vigilant, you can navigate the modern search landscape more safely and efficiently. https://youtu.be/S4_czXpHS5o

How to Spot Sophisticated Online Scams: Red Flags to Watch

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

The landscape of online scams has drastically changed, with email scam tactics becoming increasingly sophisticated. This video explores how artificial intelligence is now being used to create highly convincing scams, making scam awareness more crucial than ever. We dive into the evolution of these threats and offer cyber security insights to help you identify and avoid a deceptive phishing email, especially those powered by AI.

Why Are Electronics So Expensive Right Now? Tech Inflation Explained

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

The cost of consumer electronics is on the rise, and it's not just inflation. This video explains why your favorite gadgets are getting more expensive and offers practical money tips to help you save. Learn about frugal living and effective cost-cutting strategies to manage your spending in the tech industry. 💸

Your Kid Wants to Be a YouTuber—Now What?

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

Ever wondered if being a YouTuber is a real job? This video dives into why so many kids aspire to youtube as a career, despite adult skepticism. We'll explore how to help your child earn money online through platforms like YouTube, and the allure of successful content creators. Learn about the potential for kids as they learn how to grow a youtube channel and the practicalities of starting youtube channel.📱✨

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

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

Have you encountered videos online that seemed a bit off? This episode tackles the widespread issue of fake videos, especially those created through "deepfake" technology and "ai manipulation." We'll show you how to spot these deceptive clips and discuss the motivations behind their creation, helping you improve your "media literacy." Learn essential "digital safety" tips to protect yourself from "online scams" and "social engineering" tactics prevalent on social media.

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

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

In this video, I dive into the recent Los Angeles jury's $6 million verdict against Google and Meta, holding them responsible for a plaintiff's depression and mental health issues. This breaking news highlights growing concerns around social media addiction and its impact. I'll be sharing my candid and perhaps controversial legal analysis on this significant case and similar lawsuits, offering a fresh perspective on the implications for tech giants and users alike.

The Real Reason Parental Controls Don’t Cover Everything

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

Many parents wonder why there isn't a single solution for "parental control" in their children's digital lives. This video addresses the challenges of managing "screen time" and ensuring "internet safety" across various platforms. Understanding your child's "digital footprint" is essential for effective "parenting tips" in today's connected world. Sarah Kimmel is a Microsoft Certified IT Manager, who is also a mom. She currently helps families understand and manage the technology in their homes through YouTube Videos, Instagram posts, podcasts, and her website Family Tech Zone. She can also be found as a family tech expert on various TV news shows and podcasts. SHOP MY FAVORITE PRODUCTS Amazon - https://urlgeni.us/amazon/familytech Bark Parental Controls - https://barkparentalcontrols.pxf.io/FamilyTech Pinwheel Smartphone for kids - https://www.pinwheel.com/?via=familytech Troomi Smartphone for kids - https://troomi.crrnt.app/A7pW5Yry CONNECT WITH OTHER PARENTS On Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/familytechhelp On Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/r/FamilyTech/ On Discord - https://discord.gg/72Sd5QVQuE CONNECT WITH SARAH ON SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: https://instagram.com/FamilyTech Facebook: https://facebook.com/FamilyTech Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyTech Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/FamilyTech TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@FamilyTech PODCAST Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/37cA98zXKyDKbsy0f6H6Yx Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/family-tech-talk/id1413274385 Google Podcasts - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5wb2RjYXN0bWlycm9yLmNvbS9mYW1pbHktdGVjaC10YWxr BUSINESS INQUIRIES sarah@familytech.biz #familytech #technology

The Truth About Online Privacy

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

In an age where "online privacy" is paramount, especially with children, we explore the nuances of digital life. This video discusses the importance of having conversations about a "digital footprint" and the impact of "parental control" on younger generations. Understanding "internet safety" and basic "data privacy" practices is crucial for everyone in 2026.

How I Stopped Being Influenced by the Internet!

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

I recently went on an online journey and realized how easy it is to be influenced. This video shares my experience, detailing the steps and potential pitfalls so you can avoid similar "mistakes." We'll explore the subtle ways "social media" and "internet culture" can shape perceptions, even without direct following. It's important to understand "how you get influenced" so you can recognize it in the modern digital landscape. In the world of "modern media," understanding these dynamics is key.

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 https://troomi.freshdesk.com/a/tickets/179891

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.

The Ultimate Family Tech Talk Guide: From Toddlers to Grandparents

Sat, 02 Mar 2024 00:03:21 +0000

Join Brett, Emilee and Sarah for a breakdown of various tech conversations you should have with your kids for every age group!Here is a blog post based on the podcast episode, written specifically for tech-loving parents who want to keep things fun, safe, and manageable at home.

Is Snapchat Listening to Parents Concerns?

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 12:04:00 +0000

I am interviewing Head of Law Enforcement Outreach at Snap (the creators of Snapchat), Rachel Hochhauser to ask some tough questions about Snapchat's responsibility to make its platform safer for teens. Check out https://parents.snapchat.com for more info

Which Streaming Service Should You Choose?

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 10:47:00 +0000

Bryn and Sarah, the co-hosts of the Series Scrapped podcast discuss the different shows that are available on different streaming platforms and let you know which one they think is best if you had to choose one!

Will Apple Get the Message? Are DVD’s Dead?

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 22:11:46 +0000

These questions and more are discussed in today's episode. Emilee is back to help me talk about the latest in tech news! This week's topics - Samsung joins the "get the message campaign" Netflix to create retail stores, Best Buy stops selling physical media, Utah sues TikTok, and Age Verification Laws

Get your life organized with these productivity apps

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 11:47:00 +0000

Tasia Custode's YouTube channel features some of the best productivity apps, so I wanted to talk to her about her favorites and maybe get some productivity tips! Tasia's YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@UCNQbF87QPV685oFnHxb0zPg Link to Sync Discount - http://sync.com/tasia

[Quick Tip] Is my account hacked or spoofed??

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 11:51:00 +0000

I see so many posts from people saying their account has been hacked. Most of the time, this isn't actually the case. Here is how to tell if your account is hacked or spoofed and what to do about it.

Don’t be influenced! The positives and negatives of momfluencers

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 17:51:22 +0000

Sara Petersen, the author of the book Momfluenced joins me to talk about oversharing your kids lives, and getting influenced by social media and the online world.

Setting and Tracking Goals

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 12:13:00 +0000

I know, it's not January, but it's a perfect time to re-commit to your goals, and set new ones! Join me as I interview Time Management coach and podcaster Erin Woodruff and find out how you can set and track goals with technology helping you to keep on track!

Combating Pornography Addiction

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 14:56:56 +0000

Clay, co-founder of Fight the New Drug, and I discuss fighting pornography and how to keep your kids away from pornography, what to do WHEN they are exposed to it, and how to help those with a pornography addiction. Join us for this very important topic! Addiction Resources - https://www.joinfortify.com/ FREE Parenting resources app - https://www.joinraise.com/ Fight the New Drug - https://fightthenewdrug.org/ Good Pictures Bad Pictures - https://amzn.to/3QSotp7 Good Pictures Bad Pictures Jr - https://amzn.to/3R0FZI8 30 Days of Sex Talks 12+ - https://amzn.to/3Rf80LG 30 Days of Sex Talks - 8-11 - https://amzn.to/3AohDAY 30 Days of Sex Talks 3-7 - https://amzn.to/3AQkd3T

Social Media’s Effect on Mental Health

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 11:36:00 +0000

This week I am talking to Rachel Haack, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist about social media's effect on mental health, not just for our kids but for the rest of the family too! We'll chat about the things we can do to mitigate these effects!

Math Help Resources & Tips to Help Kids Understand Math

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 11:28:00 +0000

This week I'm talking to the Math Teacher Mom, Navi. She has been a high school math teacher for over 16 years, and helps parents teach their kids math and math concepts through her website and social media. Learn some awesome ways to help kids understand math and some of the best math apps for kids.

Will AI Help Kids or Hurt Them?

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 11:10:00 +0000

Calling it a "kids-safe" chatGPT, the creators of the Kids-Safe phone Pinwheel have launched PinwheelGPT. An AI-powered chat engine that is supposed to have parental controls and monitoring in place. Shelley, the Chief Mom of Pinwheel, and I will chat about this new tool and talk about how this technology might be used to help kids. Check out Pinwheel GPT - https://www.pinwheel.com/gpt Pinwheel Smartphone for kids - https://www.pinwheel.com/?via=familytech

[Quick Tip] What are some good podcasts for kids?

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 10:04:00 +0000

Many adults LOVE podcasts, which leads some kids to want to listen to podcasts of their own. With so many podcasts out there, how can you tell which ones are going to be good podcasts for kids to listen to? This week's quick tip will outline some of my favorite podcasts for kids.

Exclusive insights: Government’s role in helping parents navigate social media and technology

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 10:53:00 +0000

I am HONORED to be joined by Aimee Winder Newton who currently serves as a senior advisor to Governor Cox and director of the Office of Families to discuss the recent campaign to educate parents on the harms of social media, and the recent laws passed in Utah about teens and social media. I have some hard questions for Aimee, and I'm excited to have a discussion about it! https://socialharms.utah.gov/

Getting involved in government issues like social media and tech regulations

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 01:58:14 +0000

More states are creating laws and implementing regulations on tech and social media, so I wanted to talk to The American Moms about this legislation and what kind of laws would have an impact, and how we can learn more and get more involved with the laws that will affect us.

[Quick Tip] What is the best digital family calendar?

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 10:45:00 +0000

If you are looking for a cross-platform calendar to help keep your family organized, you have come to the right place! I'll let you know the one productivity tool I absolutely could not live without!

How to talk to your kids about pornography

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 10:27:00 +0000

Author of the hugely successful book "Good Pictures, Bad Pictures" Kristen Jenson joins me to have a discussion about talking to your kids about pornography. Unfortunately, it is not a question of "if" your child will come across porn as they are navigating the online world, it is a question of when. Kristen has some great thoughts and ideas on how to make the digital world a little safer, and how to prepare kids with a plan of action for when they encounter explicit content.

[Quick Tip] What is 2FA or MFA and How Can I Use It to Protect Myself?

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 08:20:00 +0000

The best way to protect your online accounts from hacking is to enable 2FA. So, what is 2FA or MFA and how do I use it to help protect myself from getting hacked?

Preparing Yourself to Combat Online Scams

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 11:29:00 +0000

With ChatGPT, and other types of AI tools, online scams are getting increasingly convincing. Andy, the Secure Dad and I discuss some of the most popular scams and how they are still getting perpetrated today. Find out how you can innoculate yourself from falling for any online scams!

[Quick Tip] What is ChatGPT and How You are Using it WRONG

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 08:55:00 +0000

Many people are jumping on the AI bandwagon and looking to ChatGPT to solve all of their language problems. Well, there are a few limitations of ChatGPT that many people do not understand. So what exactly IS ChatGPT and why are people using it wrong?

Modern manners and etiquette in technology

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 10:09:00 +0000

Brooke Romney has been teaching parents and teenagers how to navigate our modern world with confidence through her book 52 Modern Manners for Today's Teens. Today I'm talking to Brooke about the new etiquette rules around technology and how to teach our kids manners and etiquette both with and on their devices!

[Quick Tip] How to Block a Website

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 10:52:00 +0000

Hundreds of you asked me on Instagram this week how to block a website on your home network. This week's quick tip will let you know a few different ways you can block a website for the devices in your home.

How to Talk to Teenagers About Social Media

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 09:41:00 +0000

Anna Macfarlane joins me to chat about how to talk to your teenagers about social media. What is privacy? How do we train the algorithm? What kind of rules should you set? All of this and more in our conversation. Social media guide - https://www.annamacfarlane.com/offers/v4UPMLFy

[Quick Tip] How to see what you want on social media

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 11:05:00 +0000

What does it mean to "train the algorithm?" Find out how you can customize your social media feed to only show you what you want.

The Best Financial Apps and Tips to Teach Your Kids!

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 10:33:00 +0000

Holly Reid, CPA and creator of the Master Playbook joins me live to talk about apps to help you manage your finances, the best tools to help you build wealth, and how to teach your kids budgeting and finance. Visit Holly's website at https://themasterplaybook.com/ Holly's recommended book list! https://themasterplaybook.com/2021/07/27/money-books-for-kids/

[Quick Tip] Do Parental Controls Disappear When Your Child Turns 13?

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 10:47:00 +0000

James' question was "What app can I use to manage a teen's phone? Google Family Link says I can't use it for anyone over 13 years old??" Is that true? Can you still manage a child's device after they turn 13? Today I'll let you know why this is a myth and how you can still manage your child's devices.

AI use in the home, are we there yet?

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 09:56:00 +0000

Use of AI is on a hockey stick like climb. People are using it to write website copy, emails, court filings, sermons, and so much more. However, are we ready to embrace AI in the home yet? I'm talking with Kevin Doyle, one of my co-hosts from the Not Null podcast all about AI in the home. From teaching our kids about AI, to using it in our everyday lives, we'll go over all the ways you can use AI in your personal life and maybe even some of the dangers.

[Trailer] Welcome to Oh My Tech!

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 18:41:56 +0000

Welcome to Oh My Tech, hosted by me, Sarah Kimmel, also known online as FamilyTech. I have been an IT manager for over 20 years, while raising 2 teenagers. Our homes have become just as complicated as corporate networks, and digital parenting can be overwhelming. You need real tech advice from an expert to help you flip the script and become the tech expert of your own home! The tech news you get on other channels will give you a lot of "speeds and feeds" but here we let you know only about the tech news that is relevant to your home and your family. On Oh My Tech you will get real world advice from experts in their field on how they use technology to make their world a little easier. And since I speak fluent movie quotes, you may find a bit of pop culture sprinkled in. Don't be ruled by technology, take back the power and have a healthy relationship with the technology in your home, I can help you get there.

Learning New Languages With The Best Tech

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 11:04:00 +0000

In this video, I'm chatting with everyone's polygot bestie, Michelle, about language learning. We're going to be discussing some of the best language-learning resources out there, and how you can use them to your advantage in your polyglot journey! If you're looking for language learning tips, then you'll want to watch this video! I'm going to be sharing with you some of the best language-learning resources out there, and how you can use them to improve your vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. Whether you're a beginner or a more advanced learner, this episode is a great place to start your language journey!

BONUS EPISODE: Breaking Down the Social Media and Youth Mental Health Advisory from the US Surgeon General

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 21:48:51 +0000

The US Surgeon General has just released an Advisory on Social Media and Youth Mental Health. Let's look at what it says! Social media guide - https://www.annamacfarlane.com/offers/v4UPMLFy Bark video about mom posing as 11-year-old - https://youtu.be/dbg4hNHsc_8 PDF of Social Media Advisory from the US Surgeon General - https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/sg-youth-mental-health-social-media-advisory.pdf

All About Air Fryers with Cathy Yoder

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 01:14:14 +0000

I reached out to the queen of the Air Fryer, Cathy @fabulesslyfrugal to ask her some questions about how to use your air fryer, the best air fryers, and what to make in an air fryer. LINKS! https://airfryertools.com https://yummyairfryerrecipes.com https://airfryercheatsheet.com In this video, we're going to show you everything you need to know about your air fryer. From how to use it to how to cook with it, we'll cover everything! If you're looking for an easy way to cook healthy, FABULOUS food without any fuss, then your air fryer is the perfect appliance for you! In this video, we're going to show you everything you need to know about your air fryer, from how to use it to how to cook with it. From healthy air-fried foods to delicious and easy recipes, this video has everything you need to get started with your air fryer!

Preparing teens to be adults

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 16:05:55 +0000

Coach Kiana Shaw helps teens all over the country with etiquette, life skills, and confidence. We'll discuss what teens today need to help them become productive and successful adults both online and in the business world.

Tech Tools for your DIY Projects

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 20:23:54 +0000

What are the best tools to use for your DIY projects? The genius brain behind the instagram account buildingitlikeagirl joins me to help you with your DIY!

Technology to help you plan, book, and go on vacation

Thu, 25 May 2023 17:17:32 +0000

Our Family Passport sits down with Sarah to discuss how to find the best travel deals, the technology you should bring on your trip, and how to plan the best trips for your family!

Does monitoring teens destroy trust? Conversation with Titania from Bark

Thu, 18 May 2023 01:23:56 +0000

The debate between privacy and monitoring teens online to keep them safe can be a very tough line to walk. What is the best way to parent teens online and how can we keep trust between parents and teens? I talk to Bark Parental Control's Titania Jordan about it LIVE! Sammy's Law information - https://lrs.sog.unc.edu/bill/let-parents-choosesammys-law-2023#:~:text=AN%20ACT%20TO%20ENACT%20THE,SOCIAL%20MEDIA%20INTERACTIONS%20OF%20CHILDREN Watch the Childhood 2.0 documentary - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=He3IJJhFy-I Catfishing video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbg4hNHsc_8 My reaction video to Childhood 2.0 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0Nnj3fKn9A

How to Improve Your Mobile Photography

Wed, 10 May 2023 21:22:00 +0000

Most people take pictures with their phones these days. Since it's SO easy to take the pictures, we just take a lot and hope that one of them turns out well. Today I talk to Rachelle Packard, a professional photographer to help you improve your photos. Sarah Kimmel is a Microsoft Certified IT Manager, who is also a mom. She currently helps families understand and manage the technology in their homes through YouTube Videos, Instagram posts, podcasts, and her website Family Tech Zone. She can also be found as a family tech expert on various TV news shows and podcasts. SHOP MY FAVORITE PRODUCTS Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/shop/familytech Bark Parental Controls - https://barkparentalcontrols.pxf.io/FamilyTech Pinwheel Smartphone for kids - https://www.pinwheel.com/?via=familytech Troomi Smartphone for kids - https://troomi.crrnt.app/A7pW5Yry CONNECT WITH SARAH ON SOCIAL Instagram: https://instagram.com/FamilyTech Facebook: https://facebook.com/FamilyTech Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyTech Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/FamilyTech TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@FamilyTech PODCAST Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/37cA98zXKyDKbsy0f6H6Yx Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/family-tech-talk/id1413274385 Google Podcasts - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5wb2RjYXN0bWlycm9yLmNvbS9mYW1pbHktdGVjaC10YWxr BLOG https://familytechzone.com BUSINESS INQUIRIES sarah@familytech.biz

Coding for Kids – Advice for Parents!

Wed, 03 May 2023 18:06:17 +0000

High school student Jahan Taila and his friend Nathan have created an app to help kids learn coding. I will talk to Jahan about how his parents have helped encourage his passion for coding and how parents can help their kids learn how to code! Link to the Kickstarter! Let's support this teen! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jahan/codera-a-fun-and-engaging-way-to-teach-kids-how-to-code

Talking to your Teens about Technology

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 14:32:00 +0000

Kristen Duke, the expert in having a great relationship with your teens, talks to me about how to talk to your kids about social media and technology

Streaming Fitness Tips with High Fitness Creator Emily

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 19:23:25 +0000

How can you include a fitness routine in your life? What are the best streaming fitness apps and services? All that and more when I talk to Emily, co-creator of High Fitness

Elder Care and Technology – What you need to know!

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 19:20:01 +0000

One highly neglected area of discussion when it comes to technology is how to best utilize technology to help our senior citizens. This week I sit down with Heather from Elder Care Navigators to discuss the challenges, the various products that can help, and the things we can do to make technology use more comfortable for our seniors.

Growing an Indoor Garden with LittleTechGirl

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 16:17:32 +0000

The digital homesteading expert is here live to discuss indoor gardening tips, tricks, tools and more! Kris' Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/aerogardenkratkyfanatics AeroGarden affiliate link - http://girlte.ch/AeroGarden Coupon code LTG20 takes $20 off a purchase of $100 of more Full list of all gardening (and other) affiliates - https://littletechgirl.com/littletechgirl-affiliate-links/

Online Safety for Kids and Teens with Officer Gomez

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 23:59:03 +0000

School Resource Officer Gomez sees it all when it comes to our kids and teens. He's in the trenches every day and knows the dangers that can exist online for our teens. I love his thoughts on what is cyberbullying and what is not. It was extremely eye-opening!

Crafting with Technology! Interview with Stephanie from Crafting in the Rain

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 19:25:11 +0000

We are talking all things Cricut, 3D Printing, and more! Learn about all of the technology you can use to make crafts, finding simple crafts for you to do with your kids and get started with crafts!

Record and Find Your Family History! Easy Ways to Get Started

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 01:40:56 +0000

Live discussion with Megan Hillyer from Know Your Ancestors about easy ways you can start recording your family history, and how you can get started finding your own ancestors!

Kids and Smartphones with Troomi CEO Bill Brady

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 14:28:00 +0000

Discussion with Bill Brady about kids smartphone use, and how to help keep them safe. Also a little bit about Troomi, a kids safe smart phone, specifically. iGen Book Discussed - https://amzn.to/3Ycdny9 Troomi Phone - https://troomi.crrnt.app/A7pW5Yry

Technology and Special Needs with the Autism Dad

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 01:24:26 +0000

The Autism Dad, Rob Gorski, and Sarah discuss the best technology for kids with special needs, including apps and devices, and how best to manage the technology with your neuro-divergent child. All links to discount codes and products can be found here https://www.theautismdad.com/shop/ Bridging Apps - https://search.bridgingapps.org/all-list Website - https://www.theautismdad.com/ Podcast Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/t... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0Kl8mzC... Google Podcasts - https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=...

Healthy Gaming Tips and Advice for Kids & Family with FamilyGamerTV

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 20:39:31 +0000

Join me as I discuss everything from how to protect your kids on video games, and how to enjoy gaming with your kids and family! Learn about gaming in moderation and healthy gaming with your family. Andy Robertson of FamilyGamerTV and author of Taming Gaming literally wrote the book on healthy video game habits - https://amzn.to/3cXe9Nv Check out his YouTube channel for more tips! - https://www.youtube.com/c/FamilyGamerTV Resources discussed during the live Board Games: https://www.taminggaming.com/board+games Video Games: https://www.taminggaming.com/games Games for Ages: https://www.taminggaming.com/features/Video+Games+For+Children+Of+Different+Ages Which Console: https://www.taminggaming.com/features/Xbox+PlayStation+or+Switch+Which+Is+Right+For+Your+Family Buying a PC: https://www.taminggaming.com/features/PC+or+Console+Which+Is+Right+For+Your+Family

Epic Games vs Apple and Other Tech Lawsuits with Lawyer Liz

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 21:05:00 +0000

Join me for a discussion on some of the most popular tech company court cases like epic games vs apple and parents vs snapchat and other social media sites. How much responsibility do tech companies have to protect children? Should tech companies be forced to comply with certain technology standards? Why can't I purchase digital content outside of the Apple app store or Google play store? All of these questions and more with Lawyer Liz!

How to use MyFitnessPal and Other Tech to Get Fit and Lose Weight

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 16:55:48 +0000

This week I interview Amy Roskelley from Health Beet! We talk about apps and technology you can use to help you lose weight, get healthy, and get fit!

Coparenting Technology with Michelle Dempsey-Multack

Fri, 22 Jul 2022 17:12:56 +0000

Parenting technology is difficult enough, but add divorce and shared custody into the mix, and it gets even harder. Michelle Dempsey-Multack is a divorce coach and has navigated these waters herself. Find out how to coparent technology and what you can do to make coparenting technology work for both parents! Michelle's Website - https://momsmovingon.com/ Buy her book - https://amzn.to/3o6srha

Android and iOS Tips and Tricks

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 17:46:36 +0000

Get the most out of your phone by using some of the advice from Blake and me during this live recording.

Talking to Your Teens About Social Media, Parental Controls and Privacy

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 17:07:18 +0000

Join me for a live conversation with my own teens. Use this conversation as a jumping-off point to talk to your own children about technology. https://www.youtube.com/embed/ObSjYzF0DK0

Productivity & Time Management

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 15:22:28 +0000

This week I sit down with Erin Woodruff from the podcast "Time is On Your Side". We talk about the best productivity apps, tips on managing your time, and discuss if those digital assistants and smart home devices are really helping us be more productive!

Home Security System and Solutions for 2022

Fri, 10 Jun 2022 19:46:56 +0000

Join me and the Secure Dad as we discuss the best home security system, solutions, and setup to help you get your home secured! We will talk about the best products, and how to get started with a DIY home security system, and how to protect yourself from having your system hacked.

Family Tech Tips: Getting Started with Parental Controls

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 17:43:10 +0000

If you are lost on where to get started to help protect your family, listen to this episode of Family Tech Talk to help you get a handle on it!

Family Tech Tips: What is a VPN and why are they dangerous for my kids?

Tue, 07 Dec 2021 20:42:00 +0000

Introducing a new segment of the podcast... Family Tech Tips! These are short episodes that tackle a specific tech question I have been asked. If you are interested in me answering your question, feel free to hit me up on the DMs in Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. My username is FamilyTech on all three! Today's episode tackles the question I probably get asked the MOST. Kids will tell their parents they need this application to help make their phone faster or work better. The app they want is a VPN app. Listen to this episode to find out why I would never let my child install a VPN app and how you can check to see if one is already installed, and how to prevent your child from installing one in the future. VPN tunnel

Interview with Boomerang Parental Control Creator, Justin Payeur

Mon, 24 Aug 2020 21:23:37 +0000

Today I interview Justin Payeur, owner and co-creator of the Boomerang Parental Control app. It is by far my favorite parental control app to help keep kids safe with the technology you hand over to them. Justin and Sarah discuss technology and kids, rules, and how they have changed in this new pandemic.

205: Kids Back to School Online Tech & Hamilton Breakdown

Mon, 17 Aug 2020 21:51:13 +0000

Emilee and Sarah talk back to school tech, in light of heading to school online! We also breakdown the Disney+ release of the Broadway play, Hamilton!

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 and what Verizon is doing to help keep kids safe.

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 them free rein over the device, we definitely recommend putting parental controls in place and using it as a learning tool. By not giving your teen a smartphone, you may actually be hurting their social interactions, and not helping them have healthy habits for the future. We will also discuss Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season One. Not the best season of the bunch, and probably even my least favorite, but there are some classic moments we will discuss.

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 them? find out!

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 us! Tech News: Netflix loses the rights to the Office, Playstation Vue and YouTube TV raise prices, Stranger Things drops a new season and more! Main Topic: Working out from home can be just as effective as the gym, and often more convenient. Find out how to get the most out of your at home workouts. Some of the products we discuss include Fight Camp, Nerd Fitness, DailyBurn, BeachBody On Demand, and Zombie's Run. What We're Watching: Sarah just finished Season 2 of Cobra Kai and LOVED it. Emilee watched the latest Spiderman and they are both currently watching Veronica Mars Season 1-3 in preparation for the new season to be released on Hulu at the end of July. Pop Culture Book Club: Find out what Emilee and Sarah love and hate about Veronica Mars, and why they think Logan is way better than Duncan.

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 you include in your contract? We will break it down and help you get a perfect contract in place. We also are discussing the top 5 TV shows that were canceled WAY before their time.

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.