THRIVING MINDS PODCAST

• Episode #194. Unlocking Childhood: How One School Is Leading the Safe Tech Revolution, Anthony England, Pymble Ladies' College – Watch us change the world

  Anthony England, Director of Innovation at Pymble Ladies’ College, discusses a bold grassroots initiative to reclaim childhood from the grip of digital addiction. With screen time skyrocketing and mental health declining, Anthony and his team took action—rolling out over 800 custom-managed smartphones designed to grow with students, limit harmful content, and foster real-world connection.Pymble has chosen a new and courageous path—one that protects wellbeing while preparing students to thrive in a complex digital world.At the centre of this conversation is the Pymble Wise Phone Initiative, launching in 2025. This school-wide program will provide a wiser mobile phone choice to students in Years 4 to 8, replacing traditional smartphones with custom-managed devices that grow with the child. Designed to be boring by design—but brilliant in impact—these phones limit harmful content while enabling connection, safety, and gradual digital independence.We dive into:Why they created affordable, safe phones that don’t steal attentionHow a $5 alarm clock and a Wi-Fi timer can transform home tech habitsThe ripple effects: more sleep, stronger friendships, time for hobbies and outdoor playThe digital licence approach: like P-plates for phones, helping students earn responsibilityHow joy is being restored—through go-karts, bikes, and parent-child pledges to live life wellThis initiative is not about restriction—it’s about protection and empowerment. By uniting the school and home in a shared mission, Pymble is creating a spring-free trampoline for digital life—a safe ecosystem where children can grow stronger, not more stressed.✨ “We are choosing a new and courageous path to make the world a better place for our girls.” – Pymble Ladies’ College💡 If you’re a parent, teacher, policymaker, or school leader searching for practical answers, this episode will inspire, inform, and empower you to take the next step toward a wiser digital future.This is a hopeful and practical blueprint for schools, parents, and policymakers navigating the digital age. It’s not about banning tech but making it safer, smarter, and developmentally appropriate.💡If you’re a parent, teacher, or school leader wondering how to make meaningful change, this episode will inspire and empower you with real-world solutions.Support the showSubscribe and support the podcast at https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/newLearn more at www.profselenabartlett.com

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• Episode #193 Off limits, Body Safety Rules, Prevention Team, Feather Berkower, Parenting Safe Children Expert

  ‘Parents who are so worried about offending others by setting boundaries for their kids make it so easy for me to offend” :  Relayed from repeat offender to Feather Berkower, expert in parenting safe children. In an era where information is at our fingertips, one of the most critical skills for parents and educators in 2024 is empowering our children to navigate their world safely, especially when it comes to protecting them from sexual abuse. "Off Limits: A Parent’s Guide to Keeping Kids Safe from Sexual Abuse" is a groundbreaking resource that has become indispensable in achieving this goal.Crafted by  Feather Berkower, MSW, and Sandy K. Wurtele, Ph.D., two leading sexual assault prevention specialists, and featuring a foreword by Marilyn Van Derbur, former Miss America 1957, incest survivor, and motivational speaker, this book is a beacon of hope and empowerment. It equips us with the necessary tools and knowledge to act as the first line of defense in our children's safety."Off Limits" offers invaluable insights into:Age-appropriate sexual development,Body-safety rules,Effective communication strategies for discussing body safety,Screening questions for caregivers,Handling disclosures of sexual assault.Parents who have embraced these strategies share transformative stories of improved communication and safety within their families. This guide is more than a book; it's a movement towards empowering our children with the understanding of their rights, the ability to recognize their instincts, and the courage to advocate for their privacy and safety.To further facilitate these crucial conversations, the Parenting Safe Children "Conversation-Starter Cards" are an innovative tool, making it easier to discuss body safety with all caregivers involved in your child's life.As we navigate the complexities of parenting and education in 2024, let's prioritize equipping our children with the skills to protect themselves. "Off Limits" and the accompanying conversation cards are essential tools in this mission, reminding us that prevention begins with education and that safeguarding our children is a collective effort.👉 Check out the visuals for a sneak peek at the book and some of the powerful conversation cards!Interested in making a difference in the lives of the children you care for? Click the link in bio to learn more about how you can integrate these critical resources into your family or classroom safety plan.Together, we can ensure that all children are off-limits to sexual predators.#ParentingSafeChildren #ChildSafety #OffLimits #PreventionIsPossible #EmpowermentThroughEducation #FamilySafetyhttps://parentingsafechildren.com/about/Please join the #BEINGSEEN movement to safeguard children on-line.Buy the book www.profselenabartlett.com and pass the word to as many parents as possible.https://www.amazon.com/Being-Seen-Master-Parenting-Digital/dp/0999099736/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1PZH7KRLUDEPY&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CICkiFwRMe-5m1Zp0oWoR5Ln50Fl7i0ZQIgGDxKiUF8.pl_L_7uy2rp8KOfJpxEBEzvU5PfqTEQRg3O1zDe4Y_Y&dib_tag=se&keywords=being+seen+selena+bartlett&qid=1709953306&sprefix=being+seen%2Caps%2C321&sr=8-1Support the showSubscribe and support the podcast at https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/newLearn more at www.profselenabartlett.com

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• Episode #192. Free to Learn: How Embracing Play Makes Children Happier, Self-Reliant, and Lifelong Learners. Professor Peter Gray, Boston College

  In this episode, we dive into the revolutionary ideas of developmental psychologist Peter Gray, author of Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life. Gray challenges conventional education by making a bold case for self-directed, play-based learning – or "unschooling" – as the best path to prepare kids for a rapidly changing world.Drawing on insights from anthropology, psychology, and history, Gray argues that unstructured play is essential for developing problem-solving skills, emotional resilience, and social competence. We’ll explore how freeing children from rigid educational systems can unlock their potential, foster independence, and nurture a lifelong love of learning.Join us as we question the traditional schooling model and discover why trusting children to take charge of their learning could be the key to their happiness and success. Learn about Dr Peter Gray herehttps://www.bc.edu/bc-web/schools/morrissey/departments/psychology-neuroscience/people/affiliated-and-emeritus/peter-gray.htmlLearn about Sudbury Valley free to learn school here.https://sudburyvalley.org/Support the showSubscribe and support the podcast at https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/newLearn more at www.profselenabartlett.com

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• Episode #191 Stop Stuffing the Duck, Unlocking Childhood, Why Educators Need Support, ACES too High and More, Mary Hewitt, CEO of Unlocking Childhood.

  Stop Stuffing the Duck with Mary HewittIn this insightful episode of Unlocking Childhood, Mary Hewitt unpacks the idea of "Stop Stuffing the Duck"—a powerful metaphor for how we often overload children with expectations, information, and stress. Mary explores how society's approach to childhood can inadvertently suffocate natural curiosity and resilience, rather than nurturing it.Drawing on the groundbreaking ACEs Too High study, Mary highlights how Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) significantly impact long-term health and well-being. Conducted by Dr. Robert Anda, the CDC, and Kaiser Permanente, this study examined how traumatic events in childhood lead to serious health challenges in adulthood, such as heart disease, depression, addiction, and even autoimmune diseases like mastocytosis. Mary bravely shares her own story as a “textbook case” of the effects of trauma and how understanding her ACE score opened the door to personal healing.Through her journey of self-discovery and transformation, Mary found hope in the science of neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to rewire itself and break the cycle of stress and trauma. She shares how practices like meditation, yoga, and the teachings of Byron Katie helped her overcome bulimia, anxiety, depression, and the debilitating symptoms of mastocytosis. This episode offers listeners practical strategies to move from survival mode to thriving, breaking free from the toxic stress response ingrained by childhood trauma.Tune in to learn how we can stop overloading children and ourselves, and instead focus on building resilient, peaceful minds. Join Mary Hewitt as she inspires us to reimagine childhood and create nurturing environments that honor the uniqueness and natural growth of every child.Listen now to discover how to let go of the pressure, embrace healing, and truly unlock childhood.Support the showSubscribe and support the podcast at https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/newLearn more at www.profselenabartlett.com

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• Episode #190 Wired for Good. The Intersection of Neuroscience, Connection and Success. Shand Taylor Lawyers Ladies Function for IWD 2025

  “Wired for Good: The Intersection of Neuroscience, Connection, and Success” 🎙️ Live from the Shand Taylor Lawyers Ladies Function for IWD 2025This special International Women’s Day episode explores the fascinating intersection of neuroscience, connection, and success—how our brains are wired for good and what that means for leadership, resilience, and well-being.Recorded live at the Shand Taylor Lawyers Ladies Function for IWD 2025, this episode unpacks the science of connection, the power of inter-brain synchrony, and how we can harness neuroplasticity to lead with clarity, courage, and compassion.Professor Selena Bartlett shares cutting-edge insights into the field of neuroscience and the brain, how our emotions and interactions shape our neural networks, and practical strategies to rewire stress into strength.Whether you're a leader, a professional, or simply passionate about thriving in the digital age, this episode will inspire you to leverage the brain’s untapped potential for personal and professional success.🔹 How connection fuels resilience and leadership 🔹 The neuroscience behind influence and decision-making 🔹 Practical ways to rewire stress into strengthThank you for the invitation at Shand Taylor Lawyers for bringing a fantastic group of powerful women together to celebrate them.https://www.shandtaylor.com.au/Listen now and get ready to transform the way you think, lead, and connect. #IWD2025 #ThrivingMinds #Neuroscience #WomenInLeadershipSupport the showSubscribe and support the podcast at https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/newLearn more at www.profselenabartlett.com

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