Internet Safety with Donna Rice Hughes

The Real and Present Danger of AI, Chatbots and Online Gangs

In this episode, host Donna Rice Hughes talks with internet safety expert Rick Lane and retired ICAC commander John Pizzuro about how AI, chatbots, and online gangs are putting kids in danger. They explain how AI “digital companions” can mirror a child’s emotions, build unhealthy attachments, and even coach vulnerable teens toward self-harm, while online gangs like “764” use AI, deepfakes, and social media to groom and extort children. 

Our guests explain why AI is so hard to detect, how predators no longer need to be tech-savvy, and why strong safety-by-design laws, age verification, and accountability for tech companies are urgently needed.

The Impact of Pornography on a Child’s Brain

Donna and her guest, neurosurgeon, Dr. Donald L. Hilton, Jr. , discuss the impact of  pornography and screen addiction on brain development, particularly focusing on how early exposure can create lasting neural pathways and influence sexual attitudes and behavior. They explore the dangers of online pornography for children, including its effects on risky sexual behaviors and mental health, while discussing scientific studies, the role of government and the critical importance of active parental involvement to protect children from harmful online content.

From Algorithms to AI Chat Bots: A Youth's Perspective

In this episode of "Internet Safety with Donna Rice Hughes", Donna is joined by Ava Smithing, Advocacy Director at The Young People's Alliance to examine how social media algorithms expose kids and teens to harmful content. Ava reveals how algorithms on Pinterest and Instagram fueled her social media feeds—and ultimately her struggle with a devastating eating disorder.

She and Donna discuss AI chat bots and the tragic suicide of a young man influenced by an AI companion on ChatGPT, which his parents claim acted as a 'suicide coach.'  Ava highlights the need for open parent-child communication and warns of the unregulated dangers AI companions pose to youth.

Video Games and Excessive Screen Time Linked to Sleep Deprivation

In this episode of ‘Internet Safety with Donna Rice Hughes’, Donna is joined by the director of Grossman on Truth, Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, U.S. Army (Ret.), to discuss the eye-opening effects of digital media on youth. The conversation highlights how video games, social media, and other digital activities are contributing to sleep deprivation, mental illness, and increased rates of suicide.  Dave shares insights from his extensive experience and research, and emphasizes the importance of managing children's screen time and ensuring adequate sleep.

Learn More! Our Quick Guides contain valuable information including warning signs, red flags and conversation starters for many internet safety related topics. Click to access and download: https://internetsafety101.org/quickguide

DOJ Child Predator Busts, AI Chatbots and Current Legislation to Rein in Big Tech

In this episode of "Internet Safety with Donna Rice Hughes"-- In this episode of Internet Safety with Donna Rice Hughes, Joel Thayer, President of the Digital Progress Institute joins Donna to discuss recent legislative efforts to protect children online, enforcement of anti-pornography laws and the role of tech companies in safeguarding minors. Key topics include the App Store Accountability Act (passed in Texas on 5/28/25 after this podcast was recorded), the ongoing challenges with Big Tech's data monopolization, and efforts to limit minors' social media usage. 

Kid-Safe Phones: What Every Parent Needs to Know

In this episode, Donna Rice Hughes discusses concerns parents face when deciding the right time and method to introduce smartphones to their children. She is joined by Bill Brady, CEO of Troomi, a company that creates kid-safe phones promoting digital wellness. 

 

Bill shares his passion for helping families navigate technology safely, stemming from an early insight into the dehumanizing effects of uncontrolled tech use. The conversation highlights the key features of the Troomi phone, including advanced content filtering, app management, remote monitoring, and the safe listing of contacts.They emphasize the common pitfalls of traditional smartphones, the negative mental health impacts of social media use and the importance of parental control in the digital age. They also discuss broader movements like schools limiting smartphone use and the need for stronger age verification on social media platforms. Donna introduces the 'Smartphone Guide for Parents' from Enough is Enough, which provides a comparative analysis of various kid-safe phones including Troomi, Bark, and Gabb among others, helping parents make informed decisions.

Good Pictures Bad Pictures: Keeping Young Minds Safe

In this episode of 'Internet Safety with Donna Rice Hughes,' Donna is joined by special guest Kristen Jenson, founder of Defend Young Minds and bestselling author of 'Good Pictures Bad Pictures.' Kristen and Donna share valuable insights on how to protect children from online pornography and other harmful digital content. The discussion covers the importance of educating children about Internet safety, teaching them to recognize and reject inappropriate content, and the effects of pornography on young minds.

Learn More! Our Quick Guides contain valuable information including warning signs, red flags and conversation starters for many internet safety related topics. Click to access and download: https://internetsafety101.org/quickguides

Missing Kids at the Southern Border

In this episode of Internet Safety with Donna Rice Hughes, Donna welcomes Tatiana Kotlyarenko, an international expert on violence against women, girls, and human trafficking to discuss the crisis of missing and potentially trafficked children at the southern U.S. border. Tatiana highlights the vulnerabilities these children face, the roles of smugglers and traffickers, and the urgent need for effective systems to protect them. Donna and Tatiana also explore online predation, grooming techniques, and the connections between child pornography, trafficking, and online exploitation.

Sex Trafficking: The Invisible Population - Male Victims

In this episode, Donna Rice Hughes discusses the issue of male victims of sex trafficking with her guest, Jerome Elam, president and CEO of the Trafficking in America Task Force. Jerome shares his hispersonal story as a survivor of child abuse, sex trafficking, and child pornography. The episode touches on several issues, including the significant role the internet plays in trafficking, the tactics traffickers use to maintain control, and the importance of recognizing signs of trafficking in various settings such as schools and public spaces.

They also discuss significant pieces of legislation aimed at combating child abuse and exploitation, including the Take It Down Act, the App Store Accountability Act, and age verification laws, while emphasizing the need for parents to be vigilant with their children’s internet usage.

TikTok Choking Challenge: Matthew Minor’s Tragic Story and His Dad’s Fight for Change

In this episode, Donna speaks with Todd Minor, the father of Matthew Minor, a 12-year-old who tragically lost his life to the TikTok Choking Challenge. Dive into the critical conversation about the hidden dangers of social media, the importance of parental involvement  and the advocacy efforts to protect children online.