In this episode of Family Talk, Linda de Caestecker is joined by Gael Cochrane, Learning, Development and Innovation Lead at Community Justice Scotland, to explore how pornography and the online “manosphere” are shaping the lives, attitudes and relationships of young people today.

Drawing on the Many Good Men project and years of experience in sexual health, relationships education and justice social work, Gael explains:

• How early and often children are now exposed to pornography
• The links between porn, misogyny, the manosphere and influencers like Andrew Tate
• How violent and extreme content is becoming normalised in teenage relationships
• The impact on self-esteem, body image, consent, intimacy and mental health

Most importantly, Linda and Gael talk about what parents, carers and grandparents can actually do: setting boundaries around devices, using parental controls, opening up honest conversations, supporting boys to express their emotions and helping young people recognise healthy relationships and respect.

This is a frank but hopeful conversation, offering practical ideas to help adults support the children and young people they care about to stay safe, informed and connected.

Poverty, Phones and the Future of Childhood
with host Lucy Johnston and guest Mary Glasgow

In this compelling episode, host Lucy Johnston speaks with Mary Glasgow, Chief Executive of Children 1st, about the urgent challenges shaping modern childhood in Scotland. Together they explore how poverty, the digital world, post-lockdown behaviours, family stress, and community strain are impacting children — and what adults can do to genuinely support them.

Mary offers grounded, real-world insight into why children’s behaviour has shifted, why families feel more overwhelmed than ever, and how strong relationships, early intervention and community-based support can transform children’s futures. This conversation is a clear, compassionate look at what childhood needs now — and how we can build a Scotland where every child feels safe, connected and able to thrive.

A must-listen for carers, parents, social workers, educators and anyone invested in the wellbeing of Scotland’s young people.

Host: Humphrey Hawksley
Guests:

• Associate Professor Yvalia Febrer, Associate Professor of Social Work, Kingston University London
• Danny Henderson, Service Manager, Care Visions

Episode Summary:
How do we move beyond systems and structures to create spaces of belonging for young people in residential care? In this thoughtful discussion, Associate Professor Yvalia Febrer and Danny Henderson join Humphrey Hawksley to explore the human side of care — where relationships, trust, and reflection shape real outcomes.

They discuss the roots of social pedagogy, its practical value for teams, and how it empowers both carers and young people to learn, grow, and flourish together.

Listen to explore:

• Why belonging is the foundation for becoming
• The balance between care and education
• What reflective practice really looks like in a team
• How social pedagogy can shift organisational culture

A rich, reflective conversation that reminds us: care is not just what we do — it’s how we connect.