Smartphones, AI Images and Fake News: Teaching the Next Generation to Think Critically

ByRebecca Franks

Season 1 • Episode 6
35 min
Published August 2024
Screen Time • AI Images • Digital Literacy

Episode summary

How can families help children develop healthy relationships with technology? Rebecca Franks and Beverly Clarke MBE explore screen time, smartphone use and online safety, reflecting on their own parenting experiences and discussing how open conversations, trust and sensible boundaries can help young people navigate an increasingly digital world.

The discussion highlights the work of Technology Books for Children, showing how stories and shared reading can help families explore topics such as online safety, coding and gaming together. Rebecca and Beverly also discuss AI-generated imagery, using Dove’s Real Beauty campaign as an example of how artificial intelligence can reinforce or challenge bias depending on the data used to train it.

Finally, the conversation turns to fake news, misinformation and media bias, exploring why questioning information, checking sources and developing critical thinking skills are becoming essential in an AI-driven world.

Journey insights

  • Healthy technology use starts with regular conversations rather than strict rules alone.
  • Families should explore technology together and discuss both the opportunities and the risks.
  • AI systems reflect the data they are trained on, making diversity and representation essential.
  • Critical thinking is one of the most valuable skills in the age of AI and social media.
  • Entrepreneurs benefit from strong time management, diversified income and continuous learning.

Is this episode for you?

This episode is for you if you are:

  • Parents navigating children’s use of smartphones and technology.
  • Teachers supporting digital literacy and online safety.
  • Anyone interested in AI bias and responsible technology.
  • Entrepreneurs looking for practical business advice.
  • People wanting to become more confident at spotting misinformation online.

About this episode

Rebecca Franks and Beverly Clarke MBE explore responsible technology use at home, discussing smartphones, online safety and parenting in a digital age. They also examine AI-generated imagery, fake news and media bias, highlighting why questioning information and developing digital literacy skills have never been more important.

About the speakers

Rebecca Franks

Rebecca Franks is an award-winning technology educator, entrepreneur and Co-founder of Flip Computing. With more than 20 years of experience in education, she has authored national computing curricula, developed AI education programmes and speaks internationally about technology, inclusion and innovation. Rebecca is passionate about helping people build confidence, develop digital skills and discover rewarding careers in technology.

Beverly Clarke MBE

Beverly Clarke MBE is a technology leader, educator, coach and author with over 20 years of experience in education and digital skills. She is the author of the Ava and Chip children’s book series and is passionate about digital inclusion, artificial intelligence, coaching and empowering people to achieve their potential. Beverly was awarded an MBE for services to computing and digital education.

Together, Rebecca and Beverly share honest conversations about technology, careers, entrepreneurship and the lessons they are learning along the way.

Resources mentioned

  • Technology Books for Children
  • Smartphone Free Childhood campaign
  • Blank App
  • Dove Real Beauty campaign
  • AI-generated imagery
  • Digital literacy
  • Online safety resources
  • Critical thinking and media literacy

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