Online Safety, Social Media and Parenting in the Digital Age with Anna Sarjantson
Season 3 • Episode 2
41 min
Published July 2025
Online Safety • Parenting • Digital Wellbeing
Episode summary
Rebecca Franks and Beverly Clarke MBE welcome Anna Sarjantson, founder of Screen Safe, to discuss one of the biggest challenges facing families today: helping children grow up safely in an increasingly connected world. Anna shares how her own experiences as a parent inspired her to establish Screen Safe, supporting parents, schools and educators with practical advice on online safety and digital wellbeing.
The conversation explores smartphones, Snapchat, screen time, parental controls, online grooming, digital footprints and why open, age-appropriate conversations are far more effective than relying on technology alone. Anna explains why parents do not need to become technology experts, but instead should learn alongside their children and build trust through ongoing communication.
The episode also discusses cyber security, harmful online trends, the responsibilities of technology companies and the importance of preparing children to become confident, responsible digital citizens. Throughout the conversation, the focus remains on empowering families rather than creating fear, helping parents develop practical strategies for navigating modern technology together.
Journey insights
- Online safety starts with conversations, not just parental controls.
- Parents should explore the apps their children use and learn alongside them.
- Digital literacy is now an essential life skill for every family.
- Technology should be introduced gradually with increasing independence and guidance.
- Building trust encourages children to ask for help when something goes wrong online.
Is this episode for you?
This episode is for you if you are:
- Parents raising children in a digital world.
- Teachers and school leaders supporting online safety.
- Anyone interested in digital wellbeing and responsible technology.
- Professionals working with children and young people.
- Families wanting practical advice on social media and screen time.
About this episode
Rebecca Franks and Beverly Clarke MBE are joined by Anna Sarjantson, founder of Screen Safe, to explore online safety, parenting and digital wellbeing. Together they discuss smartphones, social media, cyber security, harmful online trends and why supporting children with open conversations and practical guidance is more important than ever.
About the speakers
Anna Sarjantson
Anna Sarjantson is the founder of Screen Safe, an online safety organisation that helps parents, schools and educators navigate the challenges of raising children in a digital world. Drawing on her experience as both a parent and online safety educator, Anna provides practical advice on social media, screen time, digital wellbeing and protecting young people online.
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
- Screen Safe
- Snapchat
- TikTok
- Technology Books for Children
- AI Across the Curriculum
- UK Government online safety guidance
- Computer Misuse Act
- M&S cyber attack
- Co-op cyber attack
