Brave Parenting

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 132: Why 41 States are Suing Meta Nov 08, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, Kelly and Chelsea discuss the recently filed lawsuit against Facebook and Instagram’s parent company, Meta. Currently, the attorney generals of forty-one states have united against one common enemy in order to protect and preserve the well-being of one common victim: children. Is this legitimate? Why are the states taking action instead of the parents? What harm is actually done by algorithm-driven social media platforms? Brave Parenting has identified five core ways social media leads to the demise of mental health and well-being among young people today. These should help motivate you to wait and limit social media until after age 16.

Articles referenced:

Meta’s Instagram linked to depression, anxiety, insomnia in kids – US states’ lawsuit
Here’s Why States Are Suing Meta for Hurting Teens with Facebook and Instagram
‘Social Dilemma’ star says Meta lawsuit will have ‘lasting impact’ compares Facebook to Big Tobacco

Scripture referenced:

Ezekiel 13:8
John 14:6
John 6:22
John 8:12
Matthew 6:24

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Get your Aro box to help motivate more 0ff-screen time in your life! Consider giving a year’s subscription as a gift for Christmas – it’s the best investment you can make in someone’s life.
Use PROMO CODE: BRAVE to receive your first month free!

Check out the Pinwheel phone – it’s our favorite not-as-smart kid-safe smartphone on the market.

Sign up for the Brave Bullet Points newsletter! This helps us communicate what’s new without social media – a win for everyone!

Ep. 131: “Ethical” AI Porn Nov 01, 2023

Show notes

November is the month that we shine a light on the dark reality of online pornography. And today, we specifically highlight the newest debate on the ethics of AI porn. Is it now “ethical” since it doesn’t exploit people in the making of it? We provide clear definitions for you to understand the intricacies and an apologetic (defense) for you to use when dealing with this topic.

Articles referenced:
Women’s Health Magazine: Ethical Porn
Tech Crunch: As AI Porn Generators Get Better the Stakes Get Higher
NCOSE: Why Ethical Porn is a Myth
Fight the New Drug: Would AI Generated Nudes Solve the Ethical Problems of Porn Sites
Fight the New Drug: Exposing the New Wave of Extreme Hentai Animated Porn
Inside Edition: Meet Milla Sofia the AI Influencer
Influencer Creates AI Version of Herself That You Can Rent as a Girlfriend
AI Porn is Colloding With Human Sexuality and Raising Some Ethical Red Flags
Wired: Deepfake Porn is Out of Control
Viewing Porn Increases Unethical Behavior

Scripture referenced:
Isaiah 5:20
1 Corinthians 6:18
Romans 1:18-32

Resource Recommendation:
Brain Heart World by Fight the New Drug

Check out last year’s No Porn November podcasts for more on this topic: Episodes 79, 80, 81, and 82
and our No Porn November Resource Guide

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Ep. 130: Busy, Productive, or Fruitful Oct 25, 2023

Show notes

Have you ever answered someone’s “How are you?” question with “Busy”? Today, we aim to define the difference between busyness and productivity and seek to honestly answer how much of that would change if our media/screen/entertainment time went down (or away completely). The word of God tells us we are to “be careful how we live, not as unwise but wise, making use of every opportunity because the days are evil” (Eph 5:15-16). Therefore, our “careful” approach to living should involve scrutiny of where and how we spend our time.

This episode was a requested topic by a Youth Pastor who recognized all of the church’s families were becoming too “busy” for church.

Articles referenced:

BlueLetter Bible
BetterUp – What is productivity?

Scripture referenced:

Ephesians 5:15-16
1 Peter 1:13
Genesis 1:26
Genesis 1:12
Habbakuk 3:17-18
Matthew 7:18
John 15
Deuteronomy 6:7
Ephesians 6:4
Matthew 22:37-39
1 Corinthians 16:14
Genesis 3:15
Galatians 5:22
Matthew 28:19-20

______________________

Get your Aro box to help motivate more 0ff-screen time in your life! Consider giving a year’s subscription as a gift for Christmas – it’s the best investment you can make in someone’s life.
Use PROMO CODE: BRAVE to receive your first month free!

Check out the Pinwheel phone – it’s our favorite not-as-smart kid-safe smartphone on the market.

Sign up for the Brave Bullet Points newsletter! This helps us communicate what’s new without social media – a win for everyone!

Ep. 129: Social Media News Headlines Oct 18, 2023

Show notes

Today we are talking about some recent news headlines surrounding social media and the culture it breeds. How do parents handle Snapchat? Do you know what the new research reveals about teens notifications? Why are Gen Z young adults so lonely? Should I got to college to be an influencer? All of this from a biblical worldview.

Articles Referenced:

Should I let my kid use Snapchat?
Kids and Teens Are Inundated With Phone Prompts Day and Night.
Cell Phone Shocker as 97% of Kids Use Their Device During School
Photo-Sharing App Lapse Hits Top of the App Store By Forcing You to Invite Your Friends
Gen Z Loneliness is So Bad That Some Young Adults Are Spending Thousands to Make Friends Through Gym Memberships and Social Clubs
Many in Gen Z Hope to be Influencers. There’s Now a Degree For It.

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Make time away from your screen easier and fun! Get you Aro box and subscription – better yet, but a year’s subscription for a loved one for Christmas!
Use PROMO CODE: BRAVE for your first month free!

Ep. 128: Babies & Toddler Screen Time – Beneficial? or Detrimental? with Dr. Vivian Carlin Oct 04, 2023

Show notes

Continuing our conversation about baby and toddler screen time, today we have Dr. Vivian Carlin providing her expert insight as a pediatrician. We discuss the potential benefits and detriments of consistent screen time at young ages (whether that be television, iPads, smartphones, or video games). Dr. Carlin explains the nuances of research out there and provides practical ways parents can navigate the ubiquity of screens while raising young children.

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Get your Aro box to help motivate more 0ff-screen time in your life! Consider giving a year’s subscription as a gift for Christmas – it’s the best investment you can make in someone’s life. Use PROMO CODE: BRAVE to receive your first month free.

Ep. 127: Babies, Toddlers, & Screens: A Win-Win? or Win-Lose? Sep 27, 2023

Show notes

In today’s episode, we’re reflecting on and wading through the murky waters of screen time for our youngest kiddos. We look at the pros and cons of screen time for babies and toddlers and discuss the nuanced nature of scientific research surrounding this topic. As online media and screen technology continue to advance at a rapid speed, this topic isn’t as black and white as we’d like it to be, but the word of God is sufficient to help us.

Overall, we want to encourage every parent to simply consider whether the screen time is a Win-Win for you and the child or a Win-Lose (where you win, but they lose).

Scripture referenced:

Ephesians 6:4
Matthew 16:24-26
Matthew 4:1-11
Matthew 14:13-21
Philippians 2:3-4

Articles referenced:

World Health Organization recommendations
American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations

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Check out the Kid-Safe phone we love the best: PINWHEEL!

Ep. 126: Kids & Smartwatches Sep 20, 2023

Show notes

This week, we are sharing our best practices for giving kids smartwatches. Are they appropriate? At what age? What type of watch is best for kids? We’ve got answers to all these questions and more. We also analyze the narrative surrounding smartwatches on parenting websites and blogs through a biblical lens.

Scripture referenced:

Psalm 119:11
Proverbs 22:6
1 Cor 7:35

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Sign up for Aro (the BEST digital well-being solution for your home) and get your first month free with our promo code: BRAVE.

Check out the Pinwheel phone – it’s the best not-as-smart kid-safe smartphone on the market.

Ep. 125: Applying Biblical Boundaries & Restrictions Sep 13, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, Kelly discusses the WHY of boundaries and restrictions for media and internet-connected devices. Parents, you must know the WHY before you can APPLY. Otherwise, when it gets tough, you’ll give up. Also, Kelly reviews the best kid-safe smartphone for parents to consider and reviews all of Brave Parenting’s best practices for boundaries and restrictions for the devices in your home.

Bottom line: We cannot be afraid of our kids! Don’t fear their anger at you for enforcing boundaries or fear they will find a way to access the internet regardless. We must fear God and be good stewards of our children’s souls.

Scripture referenced:

Matthew 16:26
Ephesians 6:4
Ephesians 6:1
Hosea 14:9
Exodus 20:12
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
James 4:1
1 Peter 5:8
James 4:4

Books referenced:

The Toxic War on Masculinity by Nancey Pearcey
Managing Media Creating Character by Kelly Newcom

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Thinking of a FIRST phone? Our best recommendation is the Pinwheel!

Did you hear Kelly mention the ARO box? Let this brilliant box help you be off your phone and with your family more! Check out Aro today! Use promo code BRAVE for your first month free!

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Ep. 124: Learning the Bible at Home with Sam Langenbahn Sep 06, 2023

Show notes

While it seems like Gen Z has lost their faith and their way, we have another guest today who will shatter that presumption. Sam Langenbahn is finishing his senior year at Texas A&M while simultaneously in seminary at Dallas Theological Seminary. He shares with us how his home life growing up: learning to study Scripture, praying as a family, attending and serving in church, and (you guessed it!) limited access to social media helped shape his faith and, ultimately, his calling into full-time ministry.

Sam has a ton of wisdom and insight to share; you will love him!

Looking for the best not-so-smart smartphone for your pre-teen? Pinwheel is our top choice!

Foster freedom from the smartphone for the whole family with Aro.

Ep. 123: Learning Theology at a Young Age with Mary Katherine Aug 30, 2023

Show notes

Every small, next, right step parents take to help raise their children in the knowledge and discipline of the Lord makes an impact. If that’s prayer, if it’s family devotionals, Bible reading, or if that step is private school or home curriculum on worldview or theology – every bit of that adds to the foundation of a child’s faith.

Today, our Gen Z ambassador Mary Katherine is back talking about how God used her parent’s faith and dedication to the Church, as well as taking theology classes in high school shaped her strong Christian faith. You don’t have to wait until your child is an adult to move away from Bible “stories” to doctrinal truths and theological training!

Books referenced:

You’re Not Enough (And That’s Okay) by Allie Beth Stuckey
Holiness Day by Day and The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges

Looking for the best kid-safe smartphone on the market? Check out PINWHEEL – we love it!

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