The digital age has presented us with incredible opportunities to connect, learn, and grow — but it hasn’t come without its challenges, especially for parents striving to raise children in a world dominated by technology. As the host of our podcast, Screen Guardians, Katie Longhauser shares a personal, powerful story that gives meaning to our mission: protecting and preserving childhood as we continue to focus on the digital health of children.
Through her heartfelt testimony, Katie reveals how her life experiences have shaped her relentless drive to empower parents, schools, and communities with the tools they need to keep children safe in today’s digital landscape. Her mission is rooted not just in professional expertise, but in deeply personal encounters with trauma, resilience, and ultimately, faith.
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From Passive Observer to Vocal Advocate
Katie, a 45-year-old mother of three, business owner, and happily married woman, didn’t begin her journey as an expert in digital health. Instead, she experienced a powerful nudge — something she refers to as a call from God — to step into this space. At first, this calling was met with questions like, “Why me?” and, “How can I make an impact in such an important but daunting arena?”
Her initial foray into this field came as a business development collaborator with Screensanity, where she hosted parent events aimed at educating families on navigating the digital world. While she valued the opportunity to engage with fellow parents, Katie felt compelled to do more. She asked God for clarity — and clarity arrived.
That very day, she received an unexpected invitation to speak on NPR. Sharing how her family had made intentional decisions about phones, social media, and devices, she found herself diving headfirst into a larger conversation about navigating parenting in a digital world. The response was overwhelming. Parents called her with their own struggles, schools wanted her expertise, and a new path began to form.
A Painful Foundation for a Powerful Purpose
Though her entry into the digital health space may seem sudden, the roots of Katie’s determination run far deeper. Katie’s passion for protecting childhood is deeply personal, stemming from a devastating chapter in her own adolescence.
Katie shared how her twin sister, a bright and talented athlete, suffered years of abuse at the hands of a trusted coach while they were in high school. Katie, who described herself as “naive” at the time, only learned of the abuse years later, during their college years. Shocked and heartbroken, Katie and her now-husband confronted the predator directly. They took action, ultimately exposing his decades of abusive behavior and driving critical changes in Kansas state laws to prevent future teacher-student exploitation.
While the trauma deeply impacted Katie and her family, she and her sister channeled their pain into strength. This experience of enduring and overcoming such profound challenges fueled Katie’s drive to use her voice for good. As she puts it, “There are opportunities to intercede and prevent terrible things from happening, to protect and preserve childhood.”
Addressing Today’s Risks: The Digital Age Predators
Katie knows firsthand that predators thrive in secrecy, exploiting vulnerabilities for their gain. Today, those dangers have multiplied as technology has woven itself into the fabric of our children’s lives. From social media to gaming platforms, children are more exposed to online predators than ever before. Katie explains how the transition to remote and digital learning during the pandemic has only increased device usage and, consequently, the risks.
In her work with Kids Digital Health Hub, Katie seeks to educate families on how to approach these challenges proactively. By offering parents critical knowledge, resources, and a place to start, her goal is to empower families to create safe, healthy digital habits for children.
A Call for Action: Empowering Families, Protecting Childhood
Katie’s story is ultimately one of empowerment. What began as painful experiences in her youth have transformed into a purposeful mission to serve others. Through the Screen Guardians podcast and other initiatives, Katie is on a mission to:
- Educate Parents: Helping families understand the risks and benefits of technology in a relatable, actionable way.
- Foster Community Conversations: Creating opportunities for schools, caregivers, and parents to unite around the challenges of the digital age.
- Promote Proactive Change: Encouraging families to implement thoughtful boundaries and systems that foster both safety and a healthy relationship with technology.
As Katie reminds us, “If we can identify potential risks early on, there is an opportunity to protect and preserve childhood.”
Turning Pain into Purpose: Be Part of the Mission for Digital Health for Children
Katie’s journey — from a young woman seeking justice for her sister to a passionate advocate for safer digital landscapes — highlights the power of using our voices for good. Her work serves as an inspiring reminder that vulnerability can lead to immense strength when guided by purpose.
Are you ready to take actionable steps toward safeguarding your children’s digital health? Subscribe to updates here. Together, we can protect and preserve what matters most — our children’s futures.
