Keeping Kids Safe Online Without Fear, Control, or Shame
Guests: Derek Jackson and Jeff Gottfurcht, Co-Founders of CyberDive
Episode Summary
Every parent knows the feeling.
Your kid has a phone.
You know the internet never sleeps.
And you are pretty sure the rules you grew up with no longer apply.
In this episode, Joe sits down with two dads who came at the problem from opposite worlds and built a real solution together.
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Derek Jackson, a former U.S. Army Intelligence Officer who tracked extremist activity online
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Jeff Gottfurcht, a finance professional whose life changed after learning about a tragic case of online exploitation
This is not a panic episode.
It is not a tech lecture.
It is a grounded, honest conversation about digital safety, trust, transparency, and parenting in a connected world.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode
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Why banning phones and apps often backfires with kids
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How online bullying has changed now that kids can never “go home” from it
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The real dangers parents underestimate on social platforms
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Why shame-based parenting fails in digital spaces
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How algorithms shape behavior, tone, and identity in kids
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The difference between privacy and safety for children
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Why involvement beats restriction every time
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How transparency can actually improve parent-child conversations
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The true story behind online sextortion and why it matters
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What parents should look for before giving a child their first phone
A Key Takeaway for Parents
Your child does not need fear.
They do not need silence.
They do not need you pretending the internet is not there.
They need a connection.
They need guidance.
They need you involved early, not reacting late.
About the Aqua One Phone
Joe and his guests discuss the Aqua One Phone by CyberDive, a device designed specifically for families that want visibility without constant confrontation.
Key features discussed include:
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Full-screen activity transparency for parents
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Instant Replay to review on-screen activity
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Built-in nudity prevention to stop sextortion before it starts
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No blind spots across apps, texts, or encrypted platforms
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Designed to encourage conversations instead of punishment
Resources & Links
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Learn more about CyberDive and the Aqua One Phone: https://cyberdive.co
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More episodes and resources: https://nosittingonthesideline.com
Why This Episode Matters
This conversation goes beyond apps and settings.
It is about how parents show up in a world their kids already live in.
If you are raising a child today, this episode is not optional listening.
Thank you for listening to the show!!!!
Please Subscribe to the show and tell a friend!!!!!!
Co-Founders of Cyber Dive
Jeff Gottfurcht and Derek Jackson are the Co-Founders of Cyber Dive, a technology company revolutionizing how families and recovery programs experience the digital world—turning smartphones from a source of disconnection into a force for awareness, growth, and human connection.
As COO, Derek Jackson drives precision and purpose across Cyber Dive’s operations, ensuring that its Aqua smartphones deliver meaningful insight into digital behavior. A former U.S. Army Captain and military intelligence officer, Derek’s service across Kuwait, Jordan, and Syria shaped his understanding of how technology can both empower and endanger. His academic journey—spanning a B.S. in Criminology (ASU), MBA (Liberty University), and Ph.D. pursuit in Human Systems Engineering (ASU)—reflects his multidisciplinary expertise. Recognized in the Phoenix Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, Derek fuses behavioral science, data, and design to advance Cyber Dive’s vision of safer, more connected communities.
As CEO, Jeff Gottfurcht leads Cyber Dive with a mission to empower parents and recovery centers to understand and support those they care for in today’s hyper-connected world. A former Wall Street Senior Vice President with 14 years of experience, Jeff brings strategic acumen, resilience, and a passion for impact to his role. His historic ascent as the first person with Rheumatoid Arthritis to summit Mount Everest exemplifies his grit and refusal to accept limits, qualities that define his leadership. Named Man of the Year by the United Nations and their International School, Jeff earn… Read More
