Tech Tips for Kids & Parents

26.04.2023

Many good things have a side that can do us harm.

I’m grateful for all that technology does. I’m stoked that I can connect via social media with people around the world. I love that I can spend special time with all my ‘Ohana mothers and daughters every week via zoom!

However, technology also has a dark side that almost all of us have experienced to some degree.

I was pumped that Chris Mckenna joined my Live ‘Ohana Event to give us an insider’s point of view on technology. Chris McKenna is the founder of Protect Young Eyes, an app that creates safer digital spaces for youth. Filled with blogs and insightful faith-based resources, this platform helps parents understand and control the tech that their kids use. Chris travels all over the country sharing his knowledge. In 2019, he even testified before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee which resulted in both federal and online child protection laws!

Chris believes that when you know who you are and that you matter, you use technology differently.

If we know that we are loved and wonderfully made by God, we won’t have to search for our identity through likes, followers and online popularity. We will also be able to say, ‘no’ to the dangerous things that tech can bring such as pornography.

What makes technology so difficult is that it is designed to make us addicted to it. The algorithms for apps like TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat are tailored specifically for each person. They also are based on extensive science on the human brain. I was horrified as I listened to Chris explain it all!

Here’s a quick little snippet:

This is the reality we live in, unfortunately, so let’s find a way to use this tech well!

Here are a couple of Chris’s top technology tips for parents & kids:

Parents

Be curious, not condemning
Make tech off-limits for kids in bedrooms and darkness

Kids

Be with people, not pixels, as much as possible
Delete toxic people
Take breaks from social media
Track your time

I encourage to think about how you can control your tech. Don’t let it control you!

And most of all, I am cheering you on today to look at things that are uplifting! Be grateful for the beautiful blessings in you’re life. The Bible calls us to use discernment and focus on God-honoring things.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Philippians 4:8