26 episodes

No matter how tech savvy you are, your kids likely have you beat. Digital natives see the world in a fundamentally different way than all previous generations. This makes 21st century parenting an unprecedented challenge. Join Marc Groman, an Obama White House tech and privacy adviser, and David Reitman, an adolescent medical doctor, for candid discussions and helpful tips about screen time, social media, sexting, privacy, online gaming, and other challenges facing parents today. Marc and David aren't just experts — they’re also married, and raising a teenage son of their own.

Their Own Devices Marc Groman and David Reitman

    • Kids & Family
    • 5.0 • 88 Ratings

No matter how tech savvy you are, your kids likely have you beat. Digital natives see the world in a fundamentally different way than all previous generations. This makes 21st century parenting an unprecedented challenge. Join Marc Groman, an Obama White House tech and privacy adviser, and David Reitman, an adolescent medical doctor, for candid discussions and helpful tips about screen time, social media, sexting, privacy, online gaming, and other challenges facing parents today. Marc and David aren't just experts — they’re also married, and raising a teenage son of their own.

    Like Adolescence, Season One Ends At 25

    Like Adolescence, Season One Ends At 25

    From sexting to cyberbullying, Finstas to Rinstas, medical advice to parenting tips, Marc and David explore many of the highlights from season one. They share their favorite moments from the podcast including some of their guests' most controversial statements, funniest comments and most surprising revelations. After the important lessons and big laughs, Marc and David provide a preview of season two and answer the #1 question everyone keeps asking: "What does their son think about their podcast?"

    • 36 min
    It's Complicated: Societal Norms, Teens and Tech

    It's Complicated: Societal Norms, Teens and Tech

    On this episode Marc and David bring Their Own Devices to the live stage with guest danah boyd, the world renowned computer scientist and author of “It’s Complicated: The Social Lives of Networked Teens.” danah boyd is skeptical that tech has a negative impact on teens and is concerned that their voices are not heard in debates about the future of the online world. Maybe the debate shouldn't be about tech at all? Marc and David, who are parenting a teen today, are not always on the same page as danah, even when they're on the same stage with danah.

    • 45 min
    Ready Parent One: Learning Fortnite

    Ready Parent One: Learning Fortnite

    Your kid is playing a shooter game. You hear the guns, grenades and mindless shouting. But you know the real battle is coming when you call "dinner" or "bedtime!" The best way to understand your kid's obsession is to pick up a controller yourself and play. If you can't do that, then find a patient 12 year old to explain Fortnite. That's just what Marc and David did. On this episode Jamey, a precocious 7th grader from a small town in Maine, explains Fortnite, digital citizenship, game ratings and more in a way that any technophobe can grasp. You'll learn, you'll laugh and you'll probably be more comfortable with at least some video games after this episode.

    • 37 min
    Different Homes, Different Devices, Different Rules

    Different Homes, Different Devices, Different Rules

    Have you heard about the magic door our kids use? This isn’t a video game. Kids walk through this door and all of the rules, limits and restrictions parents place on technology disappear. You may know this magical gateway by its more common name, “the front door of a friend’s house.” On this episode Marc and David chat with 2 guests: that “embarrassing Dad” who raises tech concerns with other parents before play dates and Laura Tierney, a former digital marketing executive who now works with kids to help them have a positive experience with social media.

    • 38 min
    There's No Delete Button on the Internet

    There's No Delete Button on the Internet

    Parents often warn their kids that everything posted online is permanent and that there's no guarantee that data will remain private. It's good advice but can you actually explain that? What does it really mean when we hit "delete," empty the recycle bin, take down a single post, deactivate a social media account, or set a message to expire? Parents raising digital natives should understand what happens to our kids' data before there's a crisis with a picture, post, snap, or tweet. On this episode, Marc and David are joined by computer science professor Abigail Marsh who breaks down this topic for non-techies, highlighting what parents need to know to keep up with our kids.

    • 41 min
    Finstas: The "Real" Instagram Account

    Finstas: The "Real" Instagram Account

    On this episode Marc & David sit down with 4 high school students and get right to the question most parents are wondering: “If we had access to your Finsta or “fake Instagram” account, what would we find?” The guests don’t hold back and take Marc and David on an entertaining and eye opening journey through the secret digital lives of today’s teens. It turns out Instagram and finstas in particular play a central role in teen culture- for better or for worse.

    • 45 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
88 Ratings

88 Ratings

Hamster Calhoon ,

The 5.0 Rating says it all

One of my favorite tech podcasts of all time. "Their Own Devices" deals with kids’ digital health and their relationship with tech and parent’s concerns. Great conversations asking insightful questions, including frank illuminating interviews with actual teenagers. Still very relevant today and definitely worth a listen. I’m currently re-listening to the entire series and enjoying it immensely.

AbbieB4 ,

So relevant and critical for raising kids in the 21st century

I came across this podcast by happy accident and am so grateful I did. I have a rising 12 year old, followed shortly on the heels by an 11 year old and an 8 year old. I can sense we will be entering the world of personal devices in the foreseeable future, though we are holding off as long as possible. My kids are now in the notable minority among their classmates as kids without personal devices. Anyway, I’ve got a lot to learn, and Dave and Marc don’t shy away from any topic. Plus, they are entertaining, witty and sharp. Their guests provide a comprehensive perspective on all sides of the story. After each episode, I feel
Increasingly prepared to take on this huge topic with my own kids. I highly recommend taking time to become informed and also entertained. We all need schooling in the world of technology.

bbbeee0129 ,

Great podcast!

You guys talk a lot about appropriate age for smart phone... can you explore the difference between smart phone and social media, which are two different things in my house.

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