JUSTUS with Jack & Gonzo

We practice law. We seek social justice. We reveal the conflict between them.

Author: Jack DAurora and John Gonzales

Social justice means applying the law equally to all people. But in practice, that doesnt always happen. Were business and trial lawyers with over 60 years experience of practice. Together, we practice law, we seek social justice, and we reveal the conflict between the two. And in this podcast, we bring together guests from a variety of backgrounds to discuss the current issues surrounding social justice and the inequity between these issues and their relation to the legal system. Join with us, so that its not Just Us.
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Language: en

Genres: News, Politics, Society & Culture

Contact email: Get it

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125. Social media puts kids at risk
Episode 125
Tuesday, 17 March, 2026

Chris Vineis, founder of Unite for Safe Social Media, talks with us about the risks that social media presents for kids. The philosophy at Unite for Safe Social Media centers on collaborative action among parents in limiting their children’s access to social media. The group provides a wealth of free resources, focuses on the risks associated with artificial intelligence, and advocates for political action to challenge media influences.Excessive use of social media can lead to changes in behavior, such as withdrawal from family and friends, poor academic performance, and increased anxiety when devices are removed. The American Psychological Association recommends limiting screen time to three and a half hours per day; exceeding this limit doubles the risk of mental health issues.Early and frequent use of digital devices, even for toddlers, can interfere with the development of emotional regulation and problem-solving skills. Additionally, eye and ear strain are becoming more prevalent. Former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has emphasized the need for regulatory action for social media platforms because of the harm they present. Author Jonathan Haidt discusses in his book, “The Anxious Generation, the mental illness epidemic caused by social media.Social media can be used for cyberbullying, which can be relentless and overwhelming, with some teens receiving hundreds of harmful messages daily. A particularly concerning trend is “sextortion,” where teens are manipulated into sending explicit images and then blackmailed for money. Unlike traditional bullying, which might have involved a few individuals, social media can amplify the number of bullies to hundreds, making it difficult for teens to cope and seek help. Cyberbullying and sextortion have led to children committing suicide.Families should openly discuss the role of technology and set clear parameters for its use. Pediatric psychologists recommend that parents only provide smartphones when they are prepared to actively participate in and monitor their child’s online life. This means staying curious, engaging in regular conversations about online activities, and respecting the importance of these devices to children’s social lives.This business model for social media is likened to the addictive qualities of tobacco, with young people specifically targeted for their vulnerability. Legislation such as the Kids Online Safety Act seeks to impose a “duty of care” on social media companies, requiring them to prevent harm rather than simply acting as neutral platforms. Listen to the conversation.