Kids are growing up with technology in a way none of us did. Phones, games, social media, school devices, and now AI are all part of everyday life, and parents are left trying to figure out how much access is too much. Keeping kids completely away from technology probably isn't realistic, but neither is handing them everything and hoping they figure it out.
My guest today is Chris McKenna, founder of Protect Young Eyes, author, and digital safety advocate. Chris works with families, schools, churches, legislators, and technology companies to help create safer digital spaces for kids. His path into this work began after a career in business and ministry, where he started seeing firsthand how quickly smartphones and other devices were changing childhood and the kinds of risks young people were encountering.
In our conversation, we discuss what "the right tech at the right time" can look like, how parents can introduce more independence without handing over everything at once, and why relationships and conversations matter just as much as parental controls. We also get into social media, smartphones, gaming, AI, and the pressure kids face when everyone around them seems to have access to the same platforms. Chris also shares practical ways families can lower risk, build digital discernment, and give kids room to make smaller mistakes while they are still learning.
Show Notes:
- [00:50] Chris McKenna shares how his background in business and ministry eventually led him to work in digital safety and launch Protect Young Eyes.
- [02:52] We discuss why parents began giving smartphones and tablets to younger children and how technology gradually became part of nearly every area of life.
- [07:39] We look at the pressure parents face when other kids already have smartphones, social media, and unrestricted access to the internet.
- [10:54] We discuss how online risks have changed the old idea of "stranger danger" and why kids need to recognize concerning behaviors instead of simply avoiding strangers.
- [12:09] Chris explains why he believes in giving kids the right technology at the right time instead of either banning technology completely or giving them unrestricted access.
- [17:00] We discuss the five habits Chris recommends for families, including modeling healthy technology use, building strong relationships, delaying addictive technology, and adding layers of protection.
- [20:32] We talk about digital leadership and why adults and kids both need to learn how to slow down before reacting emotionally online.
- [22:19] We discuss what parents should consider before giving young teens access to smartphones and social media.
- [25:44] Chris explains how parents can create a gradual path toward greater technology access instead of simply saying no without explaining what comes next.
- [30:00] We discuss the shared responsibility of parents, technology companies, schools, policymakers, and others when it comes to protecting children online.
- [35:12] We turn to artificial intelligence and discuss how parents can begin conversations with kids about AI through curiosity rather than condemnation.
- [36:16] Chris explains the difference between relational and technical tools for managing AI and why parents should know which apps their children are downloading.
- [38:28] We discuss AI companions and why Chris believes minors should not be using highly personalized AI relationships without strong boundaries.
- [40:11] Chris explains his seven-day rule and why parents should try apps themselves before deciding whether their children are ready to use them.
- [44:24] We discuss some of Chris's strongest recommendations for families, including monitoring devices and keeping parents in charge of the technology in their homes.
- [46:03] Chris explains the idea of helping kids "fail small" so they can develop better judgment while parents are still there to guide them.
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