The new season of Parental Guidance puts the subject of raising children in a digital age – and the dangers that come with it – in the spotlight.
In a recent challenge, the children were observed while they played in an online gaming room. Alongside the families, co-host Ally Langdon witnessed some of the kids telling strangers where they were.
“Our hearts broke, because you realise what that could have meant if that was real life,” Ally, 44, tells TV WEEK.
“It was a profound moment that brought the group together. We had to take a break and clear our heads. It was confronting in a lot of ways.”
Ally, who has two children – son Mack, six, and daughter Scout, four, with her TV journalist husband Michael Willesee Jr – says she’s “angry” that these are issues in modern society.
“Kids should just be safe in this world, whether they’re online or out at the park,” she says.
Despite the topics raised on Parental Guidance being sometimes confronting, Ally commends the show for being able to explore them.
“As parents, we want to know what the advice is around these situations,” she says.
As the host of A Current Affair since January, Ally has had tough conversations with families from all walks of life, which has boosted her ability to guide the families on this season of Parental Guidance.
“I recently spoke to a family whose 13-year-old daughter died at a sleepover while chroming [inhaling the fumes of harmful substances such as deodorants, paint or glue to get a high],” Ally reveals.
“It’s heavy and it’s hard, but they’re important conversations to have.
“I’m so appreciative when families going through the hardest time find the strength to sit down and share their story in the hope that it will save others from the pain they’re suffering.”