Dr Kathy Weston

How do young people really feel about smartphone bans in schools? We've chatted with Dr Megan Reynolds, postdoctoral researcher at the Anti-Bullying Centre, Dublin City University, whose recent study shines a spotlight on students’ voices in this high-profile debate. Moving beyond statistics, her qualitative research captures how pupils experience restrictions, what they believe works, and the unintended consequences bans can have on school culture, trust and digital literacy.

How are children engaging with generative AI and what do they need to stay safe, informed and empowered? In this wide-ranging and thought-provoking conversation, Dr Nomisha Kurian, a leading researcher on AI and children's wellbeing, talks about the unique ways in which young people are using tools like ChatGPT, Alexa and AI-powered apps. Drawing on developmental psychology, ethics and real-world data, Dr Kurian explores the opportunities and risks of AI as a learning companion, confidante and creative tool. This interview offers practical insights for educators and parents, highlighting what child-safe AI could look like, and why children must be included in the conversation.

In this insightful conversation, Dr Christie speaks with Professor Maria Loades and PhD researcher Natalia Kika from the University of Bath about innovative, evidence-based ways to support adolescent mental health, both for teens and their parents. They explore the development of Unlock Wellbeing, a free website featuring quick single-session interventions designed to deliver positive, accessible and effective support at the point of need. Together, they discuss the barriers that prevent many families from accessing help, the importance of co-designing resources with young people and why early, empowering support can make all the difference.

Dr Weston talks with Dr Maame Afua Nikabs, linguist, author and advocate for justice, about the power of speaking up, and the practical steps we can all take to advance diversity, equity and inclusion. Drawing on her lived experience and her work supporting organisations through LingLab, Dr Nikabs explores how language, bias and silence can hold people back, and considers what it takes to dismantle these barriers. They discuss accent discrimination, inclusive leadership and how to navigate difficult conversations with clarity and courage. A must-listen for anyone committed to creating workplaces where everyone can thrive.

Dr Weston speaks with Professor Steven Roberts and Dr Stephanie Wescott about their research into teachers’ experiences of sexism in Australian schools. They discuss how misogynistic influencers like Andrew Tate seem to be shaping the attitudes and behaviours of some boys (often from a young age) and explore the profound impact this is having on teachers, pupils and the wider school environment. Drawing on interviews with over 130 teachers across diverse school settings, they reveal how gendered disrespect, intimidation and disinformation are affecting educators and discuss the urgent need for systemic, community-wide responses. Essential listening for anyone interested in gender, education, and how we can create safer, more inclusive schools.

We're shining a spotlight on UCL PhD researcher Chiara Fehr, whose thought-provoking work explores the role of social media platforms like TikTok in shaping teenage girls' identities, values and experiences. Chiara shares insights from a group of teenage girls on everything from algorithmic bias to body image, consumer culture and the complexities of growing up online. In this fascinating interview, Chiara discusses how adults can better support young people at home and school through active listening, curiosity and open dialogue.

In this conversation with Dr Cassie Rhodes, Luisa Fassi, PhD researcher at the University of Cambridge and winner of the Psychology of Technology Dissertation Award, discusses her work exploring how teens with and without clinical-level mental health conditions engage with social media. Her findings highlight the complexity of online life for young people, particularly those experiencing internalising symptoms such as anxiety and depression. Luisa’s work pushes us to look beyond screen time alone, and instead to consider emotions, behaviours and vulnerabilities and how these might be reflected in young people's digital experiences.

Professor Deirdre Hughes OBE is one of the UK’s leading experts in careers education. She chats to us about how we can better support young people to enter the world of work. Drawing on over 30 years of research and policy experience, Professor Hughes explores why early, inclusive and aspirational careers education matters, and how parents, schools and technology all have a role to play. From the importance of everyday role models to the rise of AI-powered tools like the CiCi chatbot, this episode offers practical insights for educators and families alike.

Professor Harriet Over is a developmental and social psychologist at the University of York and lead of the EU-funded HATESHIELD Project, which will explore online misogyny and its growing impact on teens. From the influence of the manosphere on young people, to the real-life challenges faced by teachers, this conversation explore both research and possible responses and is essential listening for teachers and parents.

In this episode, we chat with Kyleigh Melville, a PhD candidate at the University of Edinburgh and experienced SEND educator, about the power and potential of multi-sensory environments in schools. Drawing on her research and frontline experience, Kyleigh explores how these spaces can support neurodivergent students, the importance of co-design and staff training, and provides some practical tips for getting started. The conversation also touches on LEGO-based therapy and why inclusive, student-informed practice is key to meaningful outcomes.

Roxana Pomplun, who has recently passed her PhD viva, is our Researcher of the Month for June 2025. Her research focuses on how a group of younger adolescents (11-13 years old) interact with algorithmically curated social media like TikTok and YouTube Shorts during this critical stage of brain development. Through interviews with 19 participants, Roxana uncovered these young people's complex perceptions of the emotional impacts of algorithmically curated feeds, and explored the self-regulating strategies that they subconsciously use to manage their social media use. Learn about her fascinating findings here.

Educator and social scientist joins us to chat about his new book Masculinities in Schools, which aims to help schools and teachers grow their confidence in exploring masculinities with young people. We know that teachers are struggling with issues and conversations around masculinities. How do we discuss problem areas associated with masculinities, without demonising the young men we are engaging with? How do we create safe spaces for young people to discuss and challenge their masculinities together? If you feel confused about where to start, tune in to find out more. 

What does it mean to be a good enough parent in a world full of pressure, perfectionism and parenting ideals? In this warm conversation, Dr Cassie Rhodes is joined by clinical psychologist and bestselling author Dr Tara Porter to explore the messy, complex and rewarding reality of parenting. Drawing on her new book, Good Enough: A Framework for Modern Parents, Dr Porter shares reflections from over 30 years as a clinical psychologist and her own experiences as a mother of three, unpacking the core principles of good enough parenting, connection, balanced expectations and the courage to let go.

Sensory needs are being recognised as a vital part of learning, development and engagement within the classroom. Kim, an occupational therapist, with 20 year's experience supporting sensory needs, talks through how teachers might identify sensory needs and how to use sensory tools effectively in the classroom.

Our latest Researcher of the Month, Dr Victoria Goodyear, is challenging policymakers and educators to move past simple smartphone bans in schools. In this thought-provoking interview, she shares the latest findings from her NIHR-funded SMART Schools Study, which reveals that restrictive phone policies alone do not improve adolescent mental health or reduce overall phone use. Dr Goodyear calls for a rights-based, education-led approach, empowering young people with the skills, agency and support they need to navigate digital spaces safely and meaningfully.

We chat to one of the world's leading experts on men, masculinities, gender, and violence prevention. In this wide-ranging interview, Professor Michael Flood shares decades of insight into how we can foster healthier relationships, challenge gender stereotypes, and meaningfully prevent violence against women and girls. Drawing on extensive scholarship and frontline advocacy, Professor Flood offers evidence-based, practical advice for educators and parents, capturing key messages and actionable guidance for supporting boys and young men to grow into respectful, responsible and resilient adults.

Thinking about talking to children if you or a close loved one has been diagnosed with a serious illness may feel very difficult and it’s completely understandable to want to protect them from pain. However, we know that being open and honest is important for their mental health. Professor Louise Dalton joins us to chat about her work on this important issue, one which touches many families. It also contains advice for schools supporting pupils.

Ellie Softley, Head of Education at Everyone's Invited, talks to us about a new programme of work with UK primary schools, which the organisation is running in conjunction with researchers from the University of Surrey. Tune in for numerous tips which will help parents or educators navigate potentially challenging conversations with children and teens about issues surround misogyny. Please note that this interview contains adult themes and isn't suitable for younger ears.

Ever wanted to know how important adventurous play is in young children's development? April's Researchers of the Month, Dr Kathryn Hesketh and Professor Helen Dodd, chat to us about new findings from a new national survey of play in preschool-aged children. Find out more about the benefits of adventurous play for both mental and physical health, learn some surprising gendered findings around how very young boys and girls play, and get some top tips about how we can help to facilitate adventurous play (even if the thought of letting our children climb higher in that tree gives us butterflies and a racing heart). Professor Dodd and Dr Hesketh also tell us about some exciting new projects that they are embarking on.

Spoiler alert: This interview discusses events and themes from the hit Netflix show, Adolescence. In this informal and informative chat, Dr Weston talks with Dr Elly Hanson, a clinical psychologist who focuses on tackling abuse and online harms. The conversation focuses on themes that have emerged from the show, immediate impressions from the programme, and provides some actions that parents and educators can take to help children and teens navigate the digital world and potentially harmful gender expectations.