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How do we keep our kids safe online? How do we protect our children in an overexposed, sexualized culture? Join Mandy Majors (award-winning author of "TALK" and "Keeping Kids Safe in a Digital World") for real conversations about the intersection of tech, culture and faith.nextTalk is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization keeping kids safe by creating a culture of open communication in families, churches and schools. 

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    Online Gambling and Teens: What Parents Need to Know

    Send us Fan Mail Online gambling is growing fast—and it’s reaching kids through their phones, games, and social feeds.  In this episode, we break down why sports betting has exploded, how gaming mechanics like loot boxes can mimic gambling, and why young men are especially vulnerable.  We also share practical, preventative conversations to start early, plus clear red flags to watch for if your teen is already struggling.  You’ll learn:  • how the 2018 Supreme Court decision changed sports betting  • the connection between gaming and gambling behavior  • why prop betting is spreading quickly  • warning signs like secrecy and chasing losses  • simple guardrails for money, access, and apps  • how to approach your teen with empathy and clarity  We’re learning together how to keep kids safe online—one honest conversation at a time.  RESOURCES How a 2018 Supreme Court decision paved the way for meteoric growth in legal sports betting | AP News   Commercial Gaming Revenue Hits $78.7 Billion in 2025, Driving Record $18.1 Billion in Gaming Taxes Nationwide - American Gaming Association   Dave Ramsey Warns: DraftKings and FanDuel Are ‘Destroying a Generation of Young Men’ - Michael Foust | Crosswalk.com   2025 Sports Betting and Debt Survey   National Survey Finds Widespread Gambling Participation Before Age 21 Amid Public Concern About Youth Exposure Risk - National Council on Problem Gambling   How Loot Boxes In Children’s Video Games Encourage Gambling My kid is addicted to screens. Help! - nextTalk  Screen Addiction - nextTalk  My 12yo is spending all his money on V-Bucks. Should I be concerned? - nextTalk  Pornography - nextTalk  Face Your Fears - nextTalk  Build a Safe Place - nextTalk Avoid Crazy-Parent Mode - nextTalk How do we talk to our kids about Money? - nextTalk Support the show KEEPING KIDS SAFE ONLINE Connect with us... www.nextTalk.org Facebook Instagram Contact Us... admin@nextTalk.org P.O. BOX 160111 San Antonio, TX 78280

    32 min
  2. 24 MAR

    Something Feels Off with My Teen… Should I Be Worried?

    Send us Fan Mail Parent Question: Something Is Off with My Teen—Now What?   When your teen suddenly seems different, it’s easy for your brain to jump to the worst-case scenario. New clothes, new friends, sharper attitude—and suddenly you’re wondering if something is seriously wrong.  In this episode, we talk about what to do when something feels off with your teen and how to take that concern seriously without jumping straight to panic. We introduce the “chapter 10 parent vs. chapter 3 kid” framework and share practical ways to stay curious, check devices, and keep kids safe online.  We discuss:  • trusting your gut without spiraling into fear  • separating urgent self-harm risk from normal teen changes  • understanding how social media algorithms can influence teens  • asking curious questions instead of accusing or shaming  • doing random phone checks with clear expectations  • checking influencer feeds and algorithm recommendations  • staying calm and engaged when attitude shows up  If there are signs of self-harm or immediate danger, involve medical or mental health professionals right away. For everything else in the gray zone, this episode will help you respond thoughtfully instead of reacting from fear.  To support our work helping families navigate the digital world, visit nextTalk.org.  RESOURCES Random Phone Checks? - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/random-phone-checks/ What would you tell your 9th grade self? - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/what-would-you-tell-your-9th-grade-self/ 3 Things Every Kid Needs (From a Youth Pastor) - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/3-things-every-kid-needs-from-a-youth-pastor/ Influenced - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/influenced/ How do I get my kids to tell me what they’re seeing online? - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/how-do-i-get-my-kids-to-tell-me-what-theyre-seeing-online/ How do I get my kids to talk? - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/how-do-i-get-my-kids-to-talk/ Build a Safe Place - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/build-a-safe-place/ It feels like I’m losing my kid. Why is my kid pulling away? - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/it-feels-like-im-losing-my-kid-why-is-my-kid-pulling-away/ Music: https://www.purple-planet.com Support the show KEEPING KIDS SAFE ONLINE Connect with us... www.nextTalk.org Facebook Instagram Contact Us... admin@nextTalk.org P.O. BOX 160111 San Antonio, TX 78280

    12 min
  3. 3 MAR

    NCMEC: The Hidden Online Threat Targeting Kids

    Send us Fan Mail Belinda Swan brings front-line insight from NCMEC’s CyberTipline, where reports of sadistic online exploitation (SOE) jumped more than 200%. Unlike traditional sextortion, the goal here isn’t profit or sexual contact—it’s terror. It’s a threat that twists fear into action: hurt yourself, hurt someone else, or we’ll ruin you. We discuss how parents can spot it, stop it, and protect their kids. Belinda Swan is the Partnerships Program Manager for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Belinda manages NCMEC's programmatic relationships with government and nonprofit organizations across the country. She also implements NCMEC's Community Education Partner Program and delivers NCMEC's child safety programming. Belinda is passionate about bringing communities and organizations together to recognize, address, and prevent safety issues affecting children, especially online exploitation.    Resources:  My child was a victim of sextortion. What should I do? - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/my-child-was-a-victim-of-sextortion-what-should-i-do/  Sextortion: The Hidden Epidemic Killing Teens - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/16-year-olds-suicide-from-sextortion-how-do-we-protect-our-kids/  Teach Red Flag Reporting - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/teach-red-flag-reporting/  Talking to Kids about Grooming - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/talking-to-your-kid-about-grooming/  AI, Deepfakes, and Nudes - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvGll8RVkxc  FREE Guide: Red Flag Alert - https://nexttalk.org/red-flag-alert/  K2P Tips2Protect Against Sadistic Online Exploitation for Law Enforcement  Support the show KEEPING KIDS SAFE ONLINE Connect with us... www.nextTalk.org Facebook Instagram Contact Us... admin@nextTalk.org P.O. BOX 160111 San Antonio, TX 78280

    34 min
  4. 24 FEB

    Raising Athletes Without Losing What Matters Most

    Send us Fan Mail What if the real win in youth sports isn’t a trophy or scholarship, but a kid who knows who they are?  In this episode, we sit down with Merideth Zingelmann, Operations Manager at nextTalk and mom of three college athletes, to unpack a practical path for families who love sports but refuse to let it run their lives. From backyard games and rec leagues to varsity pressure and recruiting, we talk about how to build community, protect identity, and keep faith at the center. RESOURCES Be A Safe Space - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/build-a-safe-place/ Let Your Kid Struggle - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/let-your-kid-struggle/ Influenced - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/influenced/ 4 Reasons to Keep Screens Out of Bedrooms and Bathrooms - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/four-reasons-i-kept-screens-out-of-my-kids-bedroom-and-bathroom/ Phone Free Schools - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/phone-free-schools-mom-on-a-mission/ Boundaries - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/boundaries/ Pornography - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/pornography/ Consent - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/consent/ Good counselors are booked. What can I do while I wait? - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/good-counselors-are-booked-what-can-i-do-while-we-wait/ Music: https://www.purple-planet.com   Support the show KEEPING KIDS SAFE ONLINE Connect with us... www.nextTalk.org Facebook Instagram Contact Us... admin@nextTalk.org P.O. BOX 160111 San Antonio, TX 78280

    1hr 5min
  5. 17 FEB

    Gender-Affirming Care: 3 Major Developments (Landmark Verdict + New Medical Positions)

    Send us Fan Mail A landmark verdict and two powerful medical pivots leave parents asking: how do we love kids well while pressing pause on irreversible decisions?   RESOURCES Detransitioner wins $2 million against New York docs who pushed double mastectomy - https://nypost.com/2026/01/31/us-news/detransitioner-wins-2-million-against-new-york-docs-who-pushed-double-mastectomy/ US plastic surgeons group advises delaying gender surgery until age 19 due to insufficient evidence | Reuters - https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/us-plastic-surgeons-group-advises-delaying-gender-surgery-until-age-19-due-2026-02-03/ Washington Post - https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/02/03/plastic-surgeons-youth-gender-surgeries-guidance/ American Medical Association Says Gender Surgeries For Minors Should Wait - https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2026-02-06/american-medical-association-says-gender-surgeries-for-minors-should-wait Gender: Hot Take on the President’s Executive Order - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/gender-hot-take-on-the-presidents-executive-order/ Pronouns - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/pronouns/ My kid came home and asked, “Is Jesus Trans?” - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/my-kid-came-home-and-asked-is-jesus-trans/ Mr. Beast’s friend is transitioning. How do I talk with my kid? - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/mr-beasts-friend-is-transitioning-how-do-i-talk-with-my-kid/ My kid says I’m a homophobe. Am I? - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/my-kid-says-im-a-homophobe-am-i/ How do I respond if my child is questioning their sexuality or gender? - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/how-do-i-respond-if-my-child-is-questioning-their-sexuality-or-gender/ "TALK" by Mandy Majorshttps://a.co/d/1rsMxB9 Music: https://www.purple-planet.com Support the show KEEPING KIDS SAFE ONLINE Connect with us... www.nextTalk.org Facebook Instagram Contact Us... admin@nextTalk.org P.O. BOX 160111 San Antonio, TX 78280

    17 min

About

How do we keep our kids safe online? How do we protect our children in an overexposed, sexualized culture? Join Mandy Majors (award-winning author of "TALK" and "Keeping Kids Safe in a Digital World") for real conversations about the intersection of tech, culture and faith.nextTalk is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization keeping kids safe by creating a culture of open communication in families, churches and schools. 

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