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Ashley, thank you so much for joining us today.
Would you like to share a little bit about you?
Sure.
So my name is Ashley and I'm from New Jersey and I'm a junior in high school and I love the beach.
I love working out.
And recently I've been really focused on being a leader in my community and I've been focusing on the topic of cyberbullying.
May I ask what drew you to the topic of cyberbullying?
Had it been your own experiences, peer experiences, the news in general?
I would say my own experiences, but I think in my generation especially social media and phones and technology are really new and I wanted to explore the world of technology and also raise awareness for others based off my prior experience.
And I just really saw the need for education on cyberbullying.
As a former teacher or lifelong teacher, as I should say and as a parent, I really agree with you 110.
What are some other examples that you have, in addition to this huge current topic, that you've taken on as a platform?
I mean, I'm an only child, so from a young age I've always just been a very independent person and I'm also very hardworking.
I work really hard in school and I always try to stay really on top of my schoolwork and challenge myself to do the best that I can.
What are your favorite subjects?
Know if I have a favorite, but I really like writing and I also really like math, which are two very different subjects but I really enjoy them.
Can you share about a time when you showed others how to do something by doing it yourself?
For example the book that you've just written is probably a huge example.
Yeah, I mean with social media usage.
I would say personally, when I was younger I didn't really know what I was doing or getting myself into.
So it's not necessarily using phones, but it's more just teaching others how to properly prepare themselves for the challenges they may face and how to overcome those challenges.
And the tough part is there's not one right answer.
So there's all different strategies that I try to inform young readers about through my book.
And just so that when they do face the challenges, they're not blindsided and they don't have to go through some of the not so great feelings that most people face.
I think you've raised such a good area because I think for all of us, even adults, embarking on this whole technological path, we all don't know what it's going to feel like or be like.
We just know that we would like to learn it and be a part of this online community.
Can we see your book?
Yeah.
I can't wait.
Oh my gosh, it turned out beautiful.
Thank you.
And tell us a little bit about your character and the problem that your character faces.
So the main character's name is Sasha, and she's a dog.
And she receives a phone for her birthday, which is how most kids receive a phone.
And in my personal experience, I got a phone on my birthday and so she receives this phone and at first it's really fun and she gets all the social media platforms and starts posting pictures, but then she faces the challenges of cyber bullying and slides.
The snake is the main problem, and she has to learn how to overcome the obstacles, just like you and I have, and millions of other people.
If you were to go back and do it again, would you want the phone at the same age that you received it?
Or do you think you would want to wait a bit?
I think the age that I received, I was 10 years old when I received my phone.
And although it would make me seem young, you know, it was when I started to have to contact my parents to get me from school.
So in that aspect, I would say I really needed it and it really helped me.
But I think I just wish I knew more about what I was getting myself into and how to overcome the challenges.
And the feelings, I think, that come along with some of the things that you see, whether it's friends.
Because it really is like having the world at your fingertips.
Who is someone that you admire as a leader in your life and why?
This is a tough question because I definitely have many people in mind.
But I would say my parents, because they're both really hardworking and they are very selfless people.
But also my grandpa is one of the best people I know and he always puts others before himself and he always is looking to help others.
And so I definitely look up to him a lot.
I love that you have that.
Grandparents are so important to have as we all grow, because they just have a world of wisdom, because they've experienced more years of life than us.
And it's so interesting to hear it and hear their emotion as they share it with us as we grow.
Yeah.
In our world which, as you know, is so busy and filled with distractions pulling us in all different types of directions, what is an example or what are some ways that we can be true to who we are?
I mean I would say, just don't confine to other people's wants or, like you know, when you face those peer pressures to kind of be your own person and just know that, like you, yourself are worth more than what other people are may think.
And also I would say for myself, I always try to just stay true to myself.
And I think that at your age, it's so wise to know that already and to follow that path.
And in so doing, your book also helps others to do the same, because you have started a nonprofit where people I'll let you tell us about it.
Yeah, so I started a nonprofit and it's called Click With Kindness.
And so my book is available for purchase.
And anyone who buys the book, all the money goes directly into my nonprofit.
And people can also donate directly to the nonprofit.
But then all the money goes to the Cyber Smile Foundation, which helps people raise money for cyberbullying.
What is the name of the website, if I may ask, that they could donate to?
I have my own website and it's ashleybparkercom, and then on there is the link to the website to donate.
That is very generous.
So when people purchase a book, that the proceeds of your book go towards the foundation.
And where can people purchase your book?
My book is also available for purchase on my website.
And there's a link that takes you directly to the book.
Okay, perfect.
If listeners would like to get in touch with you and perhaps look for information about the foundation or, you know, comment on what a beautiful job you've done sharing things today, where can they find you?
My email is ashleyparker08 at iCloudcom and I'm always open to talk with anyone who's experiencing the challenges of cyberbullying.
And do you have any words of advice for young kids that are receiving phones, at whatever age it might be?
I would just say that a phone is a great thing and I think it opens so many opportunities to talk with other people who live in different areas and just explore the online world.
But I would say my biggest piece of advice would be that if you do find yourself facing some challenges or some situations that aren't ideal, try to just disconnect and realize that there's a world that's way bigger outside of social media.
I couldn't agree with you more.
Ashley, thank you so much for joining us today.
And I look forward to sharing your information and this episode with our followers.
Thank you so much for your time today.
Thank you.
Listen to Mitch and Claire's picture book recommendations.
For more information and some cool discussion questions, visit thelittleleaderspodcastcom or at the Little Leaders Podcast on Instagram.
Our next picture book spot is on Polly and the Screen Time Overload, written by Betsy Childs Howard and illustrated by Samara Hardy.
Technology can be a helpful tool and a source for enjoyment for many families, a way to aid children with learning to connect with loved ones and provide entertainment.
But as with many good gifts from God, tech devices are best used in moderation.
In this new picture book, readers meet Polly while on a trip to her grandparents' farm.
During her visit, she spends all of her time on her new tablet instead of enjoying the farm animals and playing with her cousins.
A chat with her grandfather teaches her that, though screen time can be good, it can also keep kids away from learning better things.
Using simple language and beautiful illustrations, children ages 3 to 7 are introduced to the idea that technology is best enjoyed with boundaries.
Our first picture book spotlight is on Sasha Goes to Cyberspace, written and illustrated by Ashley Parker.
We hope you enjoy it as much as we do.
A young dog named Sasha receives a phone for her birthday.
While Sasha is initially excited to engage with online interactions, she quickly encounters the challenges that come with the cyber world.
The cyber bully Sly the Snake causes Sasha to experience a range of negative emotions through the hurtful pictures he posts on the internet.
With the help of her friend Sasha, learns how to overcome online negativity and ultimately influences Sly to change his cruel behavior.
This book aims to tackle cyberbullying and spread awareness among children, providing them with tools and understanding to navigate online interactions positively.
The Little Leaders Podcast is written, edited, and produced by me, Tina Shepardson.
Thank you to Mitch and Claire, our little co-hosts, for today's picture book recommendations.
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Keep reading and keep leading.
