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

In this episode, we sit down with workplace futurist Stuart Evans to explore AI, robotics, the future of work and what it all means for young people.

From agentic AI and humanoid robots to university debt, entry-level jobs, adaptability and the future of human skills, this is a conversation about what happens when work changes faster than our old systems can keep up.

Stuart challenges the idea that young people should simply follow the same paths as previous generations and argues that the most valuable future skills may not be technical at all - but deeply human.

Key takeaways

* Work is shifting from a place you go to something you do.

* AI assistants are only the start; agentic AI is the real shift.

* Repeatable tasks will increasingly move away from humans.

* Young people may be inheriting outdated career advice.

* Degrees won’t always be the best route to meaningful work.

* Adaptability may be the most important future skill.

* Humans tolerate human failure more easily than tech failure.

* Generation Alpha may redefine what work and success mean.

* The future may need fewer traditional jobs, but more human value.

* The big question is how humans and technology work together.

Keywords

AI, future of work, agentic AI, workplace futurist, Stuart Evans, human skills, adaptability, Generation Alpha, robotics, humanoid robots, young people, careers, education, university, employability, automation, leadership, emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, technology, work culture, Wit + Grit.

Chapters List

00:00 The Future of Work: A New Landscape

03:07 AI and Its Impact on Employment

05:42 Humanoid Robotics: The Next Frontier

08:21 The Changing Perception of AI

10:52 Education and the Skills Gap

13:21 The Role of Adaptability in the Future

16:01 Redefining Success for Future Generations

18:24 The Shift in Work Dynamics

20:50 Community and Career Identity

23:38 The Future of Work: A Choice, Not a Necessity

29:30 Understanding Generation Alpha: Digital Natives and Their World

32:48 Education in the Age of AI: Preparing for the Future

35:21 Navigating Career Paths: Embracing Adaptability

37:35 The Ethics of AI: Data Centers and Autonomous Weapons

39:40 Neuralink and the Future of Human Enhancement

41:01 The Metaverse: Reality vs. Virtual Experience

43:11 The Future of Work: A Blended Human-Digital Workforce

In this episode, PJ and Andy reflect on Jess Dunn’s week of work experience with Wit + Grit, what it revealed about young people, confidence, opportunity and the future of work.

From students struggling to secure placements, to AI anxiety, skills shortages, third sector pressure and the need for businesses to “press go”, this is a conversation about moving beyond roundtables and into action.

Let's do this.

Key takeaways

* Young people are more anxious about the future than many adults realise.

* Work experience expectations are often far too low.

* Businesses can make a huge impact by simply opening the door.

* AI is creating both opportunity and fear for the next generation.

* Human skills like critical thinking will matter more than ever.

* The third sector is already doing vital work but often lacks resource.

* We need better infrastructure connecting young people, schools, charities and businesses.

Keywords

Wit + Grit, work experience, young people, future of work, AI, Microsoft Work Trends, Birmingham, skills shortage, employability, third sector, social mobility, opportunity, critical thinking, youth employment, business leadership, placements.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey of Mentorship and Youth Empowerment

02:15 Challenges in Youth Employment and Future Anxiety

05:20 The Role of AI in Shaping Future Careers

06:35 Creating Opportunities Through Collaboration

08:48 The Importance of Human Skills in the AI Era

11:57 Navigating the New Normal in a Changing World

21:41 The Power of Reading and Inspiration

22:24 Daily Habits and Small Efforts

24:17 Creating Opportunities for the Next Generation

25:52 Addressing the Skills Shortage Debate

30:03 Engaging the Community for Change

31:18 Personal Reflections and Future Aspirations

36:30 outro1.mp3