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Children

Child safety, child privacy, and parenting online.

Social media vs. parasocial media vs. social networking

May 15, 2026

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5 min read

Social media vs. parasocial media vs. social networking

The “social media” platforms we demonize today are actually multiple suspects in a trench coat. Separating out key use cases makes it easier to talk about practical ways to reduce harm and take back control.

Meta unleashes a haiku of PR bullsh*t after being found guilty of harming children

May 8, 2026

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4 min read

Meta unleashes a haiku of PR bullsh*t after being found guilty of harming children

Yet again, Meta’s VP of Communications Andy Stone has responded to his company’s indefensible conduct with an insulting and ineffective public statement. Why does he keep doing this? Let’s break it down.

Reader mailbag #3: age verification follow-up

May 1, 2026

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4 min read

Reader mailbag #3: age verification follow-up

Reader feedback on my piece criticizing social media age verification, plus more bumps on the road in the EU and Australia.

Why I don’t like age verification for social media

Apr 17, 2026

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5 min read

Why I don’t like age verification for social media

Age verification laws for social media are sweeping the world. The EU just announced their own solution is ready to go. I am worried that we are making big platforms stronger without being clear about what problem we’re trying to solve.

Why Is Every Parent I Know Frustrated With Parental Controls?

Jul 25, 2025

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9 min read

Why Is Every Parent I Know Frustrated With Parental Controls?

Platforms offer us features, but we actually need context and customization. Believe it or not, AI could help. Call it Vibe Parenting.

How tech companies became unelected governments and what to do about it, as told by a former Google executive.

© 2026 Jonathan Bellack.
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