Kay Vasey sits down with Kay Lii Howe, Chief Operating Officer at SHE Singapore (SG Her Empowerment), to explore the critical intersection of online safety, gender empowerment, and community support. This conversation delves into Singapore's first dedicated support center for online harm victims and the innovative programs helping women and girls navigate both digital dangers and career opportunities.

1. Online Harms Are More Common Than We Think

Data shows that 2 in 5 people either know someone or have personally encountered online harm. The most prevalent issues include cyberbullying, harassment, and image-based sexual abuse, with cases increasingly involving multiple types of harm simultaneously. Deepfakes now represent emerging threats that can target anyone.

2. Rehabilitation of Perpetrators Is as Important as Supporting Victims

Many online harm cases involve a self-perpetuating cycle where victims become perpetrators. Addressing root causes through programs focused on digital ethics, empathy, and accountability can help break this cycle and reduce reoffending, creating a safer online environment for everyone.

3. Parent Engagement in Gaming Is Essential for Safety

Rather than forbidding gaming entirely, parents should spend time playing games with their children to understand the platforms and potential risks. This hands-on approach enables more informed safety conversations while building trust, making discussions more effective than blanket prohibitions.

Let’s empower families and reshape the digital landscape, together.

Ken Corish shares specific findings from Project Evolve's database of over 4 million student responses, directly contradicting the "digital natives" theory. As Deputy CEO of South West Grid for Learning and UK Safer Internet Centre partner, Ken explains how 15 years of evidence collection has reshaped their approach to children's digital competency.

Key Highlights:

• Ken transitioned from 20 years as a teacher to developing the 360 Degree Safe self-review tool now used by 16,000 UK schools
• Project Evolve receives 3,000 daily visits from 17,000 organisations across 75,000 professionals
• Ken envisions AI interfaces trained on quality-assured content replacing traditional resource repositories
• "Putting a hat and sunglasses on a picture of a dog is not empowered use of technology"
• His research shows parents aren't "clueless" about technology - they need behavioral indicators, not technical skills
• Media literacy is threatened when platforms reduce fact-checking and AI-generated content proliferates

Let’s empower families and reshape the digital landscape, together.

In this powerful episode with Jess Leslie, Director of Online Protection Programs at ChildFund International, we uncover the unsettling truth about digital childhoods—and what it means when a child says, “There are a lot of people here today,” while playing a game. Jess shares how a career in combating gender-based violence and child exploitation led her to the frontlines of online safety, where the threats are invisible but deeply real. Key highlights include:

• Jess’s journey from tackling human trafficking to leading child online protection across 24 countries
• Why screen time limits aren’t enough—and the deeper conversations families need to be having
• The importance of trust-building over rule-setting when guiding children online
• Insights into how trauma and digital risks intersect in today’s childhoods
• How ChildFund is driving global change through education, policy, and platform accountability
• Practical tips for parents: from asking the right questions to creating safe digital spaces at home

Let’s empower families and reshape the digital landscape, together.