If you’ve ever wondered why certain phrases or videos keep slipping through even though social media platforms promise strict moderation, the answer may lie in a fast-moving trend called algospeak. It’s the coded language teens use to outsmart the systems designed to filter harmful content.

The idea of a digital companion isn’t new. Kids have long poked at Tamagotchis, asked Siri or Alexa for jokes, and chatted with simple virtual pet apps.

What’s changed is how far AI companions have evolved. Apps like Replika and Character.AI now hold conversations, remember details of past chats, and build personas that many children and teenagers describe as friend-like.

If your child has asked for a social media account, you’re not alone.

While social media apps are undeniably part of growing up today, allowing your kids access to them brings risks that many families would rather not take too early.

That’s why parents everywhere are trying to decide when the right time comes to hand over that kind of responsibility. But the answer isn’t simple.

The tactics of cybercriminals evolve constantly. One attack vector growing rapidly in both scope and sophistication is known as SIM Swap, and criminals are using it to target your personal information through your mobile devices.

SIM stands for Subscriber Identity Module, and it’s essentially your digital fingerprint. SIM cards are inserted directly into your phone, while eSIM-enabled devices store this information inside the phone digitally.

Getting a tax refund means you’re in a prime spot to make meaningful investments in your family’s future. And with internet access now essential for virtually every work and school scenario they encounter, as well as entertainment and safety, upgrading your connectivity will position your home team for success.

Whether you're looking to upgrade devices, enhance communication or improve digital security, here are some smart ways to use your tax refund to keep your family connected.

The mindless gaze. We’ve all seen it, and many of us have done it ourselves. But when our children are staring at screens for hours, it brings a whole new level of worry for parents: “How much time should my kid spend in front of a screen?”