With all the recent discussion of the potential catastrophic impacts AI might cause in the future, we’re losing track of the significant harms it is already causing right now. In this episode, Cal goes deep into a serious and tragic topic that he recently learned about in a panel discussion about children and technology. He has an urgent warning for parents that has implications for all of us as well. More from Cal Download Cal’s FREE guide to cultivating a deeper life: calnewport.com/ideas Learn more about Cal’s books: calnewport.com/books Listen to Cal’s podcast: thedeeplife.com/listen Resources Mentioned: Buy Cal’s latest book, “Slow Productivity” at www.calnewport.com/slow Get a signed copy of Cal’s “Slow Productivity” at https://peoplesbooktakoma.com/event/cal-newport/ https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/09/19/nx-s1-5545749/ai-chatbots-safety-openai-meta-characterai-teens-suicide https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce3xgwyywe4o https://www.cbsnews.com/news/parents-allege-harmful-character-ai-chatbot-content-60-minutes/ https://www.wwnytv.com/2026/04/08/alleged-florida-state-shooter-used-chatgpt-plan-attack-victims-attorneys-claim/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12967755/ https://parentstogetheraction.org/character-ai/ https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/16/opinion/dumbphone-smartphone-friendship.html https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/20/opinion/ai-ban-self-improvement-recursive-models.html?eafs_enabled=false Sponsors: https://www.masterclass.com/deep https://www.calderalab.com/deep https://www.vanta.com/deepquestions https://www.pipedrive.com/deep Credits: Podcast Production: Jesse Miller Newsletter/Research: Nate Mechler Theme Music: Jay Kerstens