Cath is an author, clinician with children and adults, supervisor, researcher, educator, speaker and mum with a background in the Armed Forces Engineering and Optronics, IT, Gaming and Psychology alongside Functional Health and her other passion of Neuroscience. She is a polymath and pattern recognition nerd.

New book October 2024; https://www.routledge.com/Managing-Your-Gaming-and-Social-Media-Habits-From-Science-to-Solutions/Knibbs/p/book/9781032607597?srsltid=AfmBOorerHCkQT7xJXx1IatOE8aWTU2c6-Q3fxfu9QSuEfocbaBKW2pa

Summary

Catherine Knibbs, a psychotherapist and expert in cyber trauma, discusses her journey into psychotherapy and her expertise in online harm. She shares how her upbringing in a military family and exposure to stories from Wakefield Prison influenced her interest in understanding why people engage in harmful behaviors. Catherine explains how her background in engineering and computing led her to become knowledgeable about cyber trauma and online harm. She highlights the prevalence of cyber criminals and the alarming rates of sextortion and grooming of children online. Catherine also discusses the impact of technology on attachment patterns in children and the need for education and awareness to protect children online. The conversation explores the impact of technology on mental health, particularly in relation to boredom, attention, and online harms. It discusses the need for digital literacy and responsible parenting, rather than a complete ban on smartphones. The conversation also highlights the lack of support for professionals working in the field of online harm. The guest emphasizes the importance of self-care and personal well-being in dealing with the challenges of technology.

Website; https://www.childrenandtech.co.uk/

Takeaways

• Catherine's upbringing in a military family and exposure to stories from Wakefield Prison sparked her interest in understanding harmful behaviors.
• Her background in engineering and computing led her to become knowledgeable about cyber trauma and online harm.
• There is a prevalence of cyber criminals who engage in sextortion and grooming of children online.
• Technology has a significant impact on attachment patterns in children, and there is a need for education and awareness to protect children online. Technology can be both a tool and a medium, and its impact on mental health is complex.
• Boredom and attention are affected by technology, but it's not just about eliminating boredom; it's about recognizing internal processes.
• Banning smartphones is not the solution; digital literacy and responsible parenting are crucial.
• Professionals working in the field of online harm need more support and resources.
• Self-care and personal well-being are essential in navigating the challenges of technology.

Cath is an author, clinician with children and adults, supervisor, researcher, educator, speaker and mum with a background in the Armed Forces Engineering and Optronics, IT, Gaming and Psychology alongside Functional Health and her other passion of Neuroscience. She is a polymath and pattern recognition nerd.

New book out October 2024

https://www.routledge.com/Managing-Your-Gaming-and-Social-Media-Habits-From-Science-to-Solutions/Knibbs/p/book/9781032607597?srsltid=AfmBOorerHCkQT7xJXx1IatOE8aWTU2c6-Q3fxfu9QSuEfocbaBKW2pa

Summary

Catherine Knibbs, a psychotherapist and expert in cyber trauma, discusses her journey into psychotherapy and her expertise in online harm. She shares how her upbringing in a military family and exposure to stories from Wakefield Prison influenced her interest in understanding why people engage in harmful behaviors. Catherine explains how her background in engineering and computing led her to become knowledgeable about cyber trauma and online harm. She highlights the prevalence of cyber criminals and the alarming rates of sextortion and grooming of children online. Catherine also discusses the impact of technology on attachment patterns in children and the need for education and awareness to protect children online. The conversation explores the impact of technology on mental health, particularly in relation to boredom, attention, and online harms. It discusses the need for digital literacy and responsible parenting, rather than a complete ban on smartphones. The conversation also highlights the lack of support for professionals working in the field of online harm. The guest emphasizes the importance of self-care and personal well-being in dealing with the challenges of technology.

Website; https://www.childrenandtech.co.uk/

Takeaways

• Catherine's upbringing in a military family and exposure to stories from Wakefield Prison sparked her interest in understanding harmful behaviors.
• Her background in engineering and computing led her to become knowledgeable about cyber trauma and online harm.
• There is a prevalence of cyber criminals who engage in sextortion and grooming of children online.
• Technology has a significant impact on attachment patterns in children, and there is a need for education and awareness to protect children online. Technology can be both a tool and a medium, and its impact on mental health is complex.
• Boredom and attention are affected by technology, but it's not just about eliminating boredom; it's about recognizing internal processes.
• Banning smartphones is not the solution; digital literacy and responsible parenting are crucial.
• Professionals working in the field of online harm need more support and resources.
• Self-care and personal well-being are essential in navigating the challenges of technology.

Summary

In this conversation, Alex South, a former prison officer with nearly a decade of experience, shares her journey through the prison system, discussing the challenges, culture, and dynamics of working in prisons. She reflects on her training, the impact of staffing shortages, and the mental health challenges faced by both staff and inmates. She also speaks of the deep bonds of trust which develop with colleagues and, in the right circumstances, with some convicted people. Alex also highlights the changes in prison culture over the years and the importance of advocating for better conditions and support for prison officers. Her insights are drawn from personal experiences and her memoir, 'Behind these Doors', which aims to shed light on the realities of prison life and the potential for change.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Behind-these-Doors-Strength-Suffering/dp/1399707558

Takeaways

• Alex South worked as a prison officer for almost 10 years.
• The prison environment is unique and requires strong interpersonal skills.
• Training for prison officers is often insufficient for real-life challenges.
• Prison culture varies significantly based on demographics and management.
• Staff welfare is crucial for effective prison management.
• The role of a prison officer has changed dramatically over the years.
• Mental health support for staff is often lacking in the prison system.
• International examples show better staff welfare practices in prisons.
• Alex's decision to leave was influenced by burnout and stress.
• Writing and advocacy are important for raising awareness about prison issues.