As our government moves towards restricting social media access for young people, the debate has shifted from whether there is a problem to what we do about it.

In this episode, we sit down with Abi Edmunds, founder of Social Media Resilience, to explore the realities of growing up online and the skills young people need to navigate an increasingly complex digital world.

From social media bans and online safety to AI-generated content, misinformation and emotional resilience, Abi shares what she’s learning from thousands of conversations in classrooms across the UK.

Most importantly, she explains why banning technology alone won’t solve the problem. and why critical thinking, community and open conversations may be our best defence.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, employer or simply trying to make sense of modern life online, this is a conversation that matters.

Key takeaways

The social media ban is the start of a solution, not the solution itself.

Young people don’t need more lectures. They need more conversations.

Social media isn’t just scrolling. It’s community, identity, friendship and belonging.

The most important digital skill may be critical thinking.

We’re about as good at spotting AI content as flipping a coin.

Online resilience starts with one simple habit: pause.

Children often understand the technology better than adults. Adults need to understand the environment better than children.

If we remove one platform, young people will find another. The underlying need for connection remains.

Parents don’t need all the answers. They need better conversations.

The future belongs to people who can question what they see, not just consume it.

Keywords

Social Media Resilience, Abi Edmunds, Online Safety, Digital Wellbeing, Critical Thinking, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Misinformation, Disinformation, Social Media Ban, Online Harm, Parenting, Education, Future Skills, Mental Health, Emotional Resilience, Young People, Schools, Technology, Digital Literacy, Media Literacy, Social Media, TikTok, Instagram, Algorithms, Wit + Grit Podcast

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and episode overview

00:36 Social media restrictions for youth: insights and challenges

01:34 Australian social media trial: what worked and what didn't

02:54 Introducing Social Media Resilience: mission and impact

04:46 Parents' concerns and the importance of resilience education

05:42 The evolving online landscape and youth behavior

07:18 Classroom conversations and engaging young learners

09:29 Building critical thinking skills and online literacy

10:18 The influence of tech companies and behavioral design

11:55 Society, democracy, and the power of algorithms

12:24 Misconceptions about social media among parents

13:38 Hope and opportunities in social media use

14:39 Curriculum design for online critical thinking

17:02 Role of schools and teachers in online safety education

18:31 Success stories and classroom breakthroughs

19:30 Practical tips for parents: grayscale and digital habits

20:14 Teaching critical thinking in a world of AI and deepfakes

21:05 Spotting AI-generated content: challenges and techniques

21:45 The future of media and AI in society

22:28 Personal social media habits and professional boundaries

23:17 Advice for young adults on social media awareness

24:04 Encouraging offline communities and healthy social habits

25:00 The upcoming Screen Smart Parents newsletter

26:27 Closing remarks and key takeaways