Is YouTube Kids really safe? These videos will probably make you say “no.”
It’s been a rough couple of weeks for YouTube, first with the news about their growing pedophile problem. And now, YouTube Kids is under fire. We know lots of parents, including us, have found a little sigh of relief letting kids watch videos on YouTube Kids,...
What you need to know about YouTube’s pedophile problem
Over the years, we’ve written about many issues that parents need to be aware of when it comes to the content on YouTube. But this recent report from Wired should really throw the huge red flag of caution up for parents, particularly if you have kids posting...
You can now unsend messages on Facebook Messenger. This is not a drill.
If you’re still using Facebook and Facebook Messenger, then you might have missed some big news that makes life a little bit better: you can now unsend messages on Facebook Messenger. Hey, it only took 10 months, and wasn’t even a thing until it was made...
Get ready, parents! Facebook will soon integrate WhatsApp, Instagram, and Messenger
According to an article in the New York TimesĀ that just came out today, Mark Zuckerberg is planning to integrate WhatsApp, Instagram, and Messenger. That’s right, over the course of 2019 and into 2020, these apps will be reconfigured in a way that would allow...
A Facebook feature you can use instead of adding “Following!” in the comments
You’ve probably seen the letter “F” in the comments of a Facebook post. Or perhaps you’ve typed the word “Following” yourself, because when you comment, you’ll get notifications of other comments and get to follow along....
A new study says teens feel social media has an positive impact on their lives
Our friends over at Common Sense Media recently conducted a survey study of teens 13-17 years old, and we have to admit that the results are fascinating, and well, reassuring. If you have a tween or teen, it’s worth taking the few minutes to read their summary,...
Here’s how to use the new Instagram video chat feature!
If you suddenly see someone trying to call you from Instagram, don’t freak out. It’s the new Instagram video chat feature that just launched. Related: How to post photos from your Instagram Feed to your Instagram Story To make a call, you’ll click...
Here’s what you need to know about IGTV
If you noticed a new little TV icon at the top of your Instagram feed, then you’ve already discovered IGTV (Instagram TV), a new app from Instagram that allows users to upload longer form videos for their followers to watch. And yes, it sounds like YouTube...
Poll your friends with the new Instagram emoji slider!
If you were already a big fan of the Instagram Story poll feature, but felt like it was a little limiting (why only two answers, Instagram?), they just launched a new emoji slider poll that might just give you the voting nuance you were hoping for. Related: How to...
Facebook users: Here’s how to check to see if your data was stolen by Cambridge Analytica.
Updated on 4/11/18 below Today, Facebook will be rolling out a feature to help you check to see if your data, along with around 87 million other people, was stolen by Cambridge Analytica. While we haven’t seen anything on our own Newsfeeds yet, here’s what...
A Design Kit: The fabulous new type overlay and stickers app to keep your Insta stories on point
Last year, I fell in love with theĀ A Color Story appĀ for photo editing, and named it my cool pick of the week on our Spawned podcast. Just this weekend, they launched A Design Kit, their equally fun, friendly, and really wonderful app this time for design. Especially...NEW: The podcast that helps you be a savvier digital parent in under 15 minutes a week
Hi! We’re Kristen + Liz
We started Cool Mom Tech in 2010 to help make our increasingly digital lives easier, more organized, more meaningful, and more fun, however old your kids may be.
We love that it's grown to become the go-to source for millions of parents who want commonsense info about tech delivered with a smile.
We even have the privilege of sharing our tips + tricks with The TODAY Show, CNN, HLN, GMA, Nightline, newspapers and magazines around the country, and our favorite -- regular parents who stop us at PTA meetings and ask us how old kids need to be to get a smartphone, and whether they really need to panic about Snapchat.
(Answer: It's complicated.)
We're so glad you're here! And we hope we can help you too.
The Spawned Podcast. (It’s won awards and everything!)
At-Home Learning Help
* 14 very cool virtual summer camps for kids
* 8 of our favorite online educational resources
* 10 awesome online STEM camps for kids this summer
* Homeschooling 101: Tips for newbies
* 8 ideas for homeschool schedules that may work for you
* Creative ways to socialize online
* 5 audiobook apps keep us entertained and learning
* The best ways to clean and disinfect your phones and gadgets
* 15 awesome podcasts to keep kids engaged
“Are you guys okay with Facebook Messenger for your kids to stay in touch with friends?”
Parents have questions, we have answers
So they want to get a smartphone…
Work with us!
