Whether you have very young children or teens with their own smartphones, this talk is relevant for you. If you know very little about this topic, you will learn a great deal. If you have read the Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt and consider yourself an expert, you will come away inspired and determined to act.

The talk is not just for parents but for anyone with children in their lives — or those who want to know how technology is affecting the next generation.

The talk includes:

• An overview of the evidence linking smartphones and social media to harm.
• A quick warning about screens, gaming and AI chatbots.
• Tips for delaying and minimising kids’ persuasive tech use.
• The latest safer-by-design devices for kids.
• Q & A

Biography. Jennifer Powers is founder of the Unplugged Coalition which campaigns to reclaim childhood from addictive technology. Based in London, she speaks to parents about the impact of smartphones and social media on children, works with the private sector to bring safe-by-design products and services to market, and is a frequent media commentator. She has been central to the success of the Smartphone Free Childhood movement in the United Kingdom, acting as voluntary regional leader in SW London and Surrey.

Jennifer has more than twenty-five years’ experience in strategy, public policy, and communications. She was special advisor on energy, business and regulation to Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Since leaving Downing Street, Jennifer has focused on leveraging the power of the private, public and charity sectors to reset social norms around children and technology.

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