Brave Parenting

In today’s episode, we look at four major news headlines over the past two weeks. The Surgeon General’s advisory on social media and kids, Early smartphone ownership linked with greater mental health issues, Montana bans TikTok, and Stephen & Ayesha Curry’s social media regret. This episode is great to listen to as a family, and Kelly & Chelsea give thought-provoking questions you can begin with your kids.

Articles referenced:

Surgeon General Fears Social Media is Harming the Well-being of Our Children

Scripture referenced:

Mark 9:42

Sponsor

Aro – Spend more time intentionally away from your phone this summer. Use promo code: BRAVE

Every year the National Center on Sexual Exploitation researches and compiles a list of the twelve mainstream entities that facilitate, enable, and even profit from sexual abuse and exploitation. This campaign is called the Dirty Dozen list, and on today’s episode, Kelly and Chelsea discuss the twelve and what parents are to do with information like this. Do you boycott? Do you advocate for change? Do you use it to train others? The short answer: Yes.

Articles referenced:

NCOSE 2023 Dirty Dozen List

Scripture referenced:

Psalm 34:14-16

On May 9, 2023, the American Psychological Association released its first Health Advisory Report on adolescents’ use of social media. Parents everywhere await expert organizations like the APA to guide and direct their decisions and even affirm their concerns regarding the risks of kids’ use of social media. Unfortunately, this report provides nothing of value that the everyday non-psychological scientist parent doesn’t already know.  Kelly and Chelsea walk through the recommendations provided in this report and counter them with the truth and sufficiency of Scripture.

Articles referenced:

Full APA Health Advisory Report (PDF)

Scripture referenced:

Hebrews 10:24

Sponsor:

Aro – The best way to decrease your family’s screen time! Use code: BRAVE to get one month free subscription!

Summer is upon us and in this episode, Kelly & Chelsea help you prepare for the desire and propensity for extra screen time! First, they discuss the general boundaries every family needs in their home, and based on that, they discuss the common ways kids get around boundaries and parental controls. Frustrating, but it is the reality. Finally, Kelly & Chelsea look at preparing your kid’s heart for the boundaries and limits by demonstrating obedience to Christ through God’s word.

Scripture referenced:

Matthew 5:1-7:29 (The Sermon on the Mount)

Articles referenced:

Best Home Routers with Parental Controls

Podcasts to be sure to check out!

The Heart & Online Influence

This week’s Worldview Wednesday covers three recent headlines of young people who are bullied and then take their own lives. If bullies have always been a part of every generation – what is so different about bullying today that it leads to such tragic ends? Even more, why is suicide now the go-to solution for kids? Kelly and Chelsea look at scripture to find answers to these questions.

Articles referenced:

In His Final Moments, Indiana Middle Schooler Blamed His Bullies

New Jersey school suicide: Mother of 11-year-old discovers ominous cellphone recording

New Jersey school superintendent resigns after 14-year-old student’s suicide. 

Veteran teacher breaks down why teachers are quitting

Scripture referenced:

John 10:7-15

This week Kelly & Chelsea tackle what it means to grow up living a “Content Driven Life.” This refers to the online content consumed or created that shapes their thoughts, behaviors, and beliefs. More specifically, we address the Social Contagions that take hold in a content driven life and how dangerous that is.

Articles Referenced:

Psychology Today: Nihilism

Scripture Referenced:

Proverbs 4:23

Book References:

Not Enough Faith to be an Atheist Teen/Young Adult edition

This week we are looking into the reality of alcohol delivery to minors through apps like UberEats and DoorDash. It’s a growing problem that these delivery services are trying to navigate, but as we know, teens have a lot of time and a lot of tech savviness to find workarounds. As always, we look at this issue through the lens of Scripture.

Articles referenced:

Investigators Find Delivery Service Apps Getting Alcohol to Underage Students

DEA Emojis Decoded

Scripture referenced:

Galatians 5:19

Nothing Safe About Secret Sin

To live in the world but not be of the world can be a challenge for every Christian. In the age of social media it is all too easy to slowly slip into believing lies. Whether that be bad or false ideologies or that social media itself poses no risks to you.

Today, Kelly & Chelsea discuss 5 common myths Christians often believe about social media and their presence on it. This episode might set your defenses up but we pray that the Holy Spirit would reveal to you whether you believe these myths and restore a holy and kingdom-centered mindset. All for the glory of God!

Scripture referenced:

Ephesians 5:1-21

Resources mentioned:

John MacArthur Study Bible

What is the impact on kids when their parent is (or wants to be) an online influencer? What about when the kids are the content?

In this Worldview Wednesday episode we look at headlines surrounding what is known as Sharenting: the sharing of kids pictures, videos, and lives by parents. What are the long term benefits (if any)? What are the unseen consequences? Most importantly, what does God’s word say about this issue?

Articles referenced:

Influencer Parents and The Kids Who Had Their Childhood Made Into Content

Scripture referenced:

1 Tim 5:8

Brave Parenting is always looking for like-minded organizations that passionately care about the effect media and technology have on children, adults, and relationships. Today we are talking with Joey Odom, co-founder of Aro, the first in-home digital wellbeing solution designed for families. You are going to love this interview with Joey, Aro’s mission, and their product!

CHECK OUT ARO – GET 1 MONTH FREE WITH BRAVE PARENTING 

www.goaro.com/brave