Brave Parenting

Perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised that teens have taken up the “tradwife” mantle and have begun building their personal brands and influencer content by adulterating the sanctity of marriage.  Over the past month, there has been a whirlwind of commentary surrounding the teen tradwife trend – teens who’ve opted to get married early and share on social media how much they love marriage, submitting to their husbands, and not working. It’s obvious that teens absorb and assimiliate to much of the viral content they see on social media. Now, teens and young adults are creating content around traditional m...

Astrology has been around for thousands of years, but it’s seen a resurgence in the last decade thanks to social media. Today’s astrology is much deeper than pithy horoscopes – it’s about birth charts, planetary movements, and houses. Many astrology content creators use persuasive language that lures young people in, promising to help them understand who they really are and what their purpose is.

Many Christians don’t know whether, or how, astrology fits into the biblical worldview. In today’s episode, Kelly explains the bible’s clear instructions surrounding the practice of astrology. For parents with t...

True Crime is the most popular form of entertainment right now. There is no shortage of podcasts, documentaries, shows, movies, books, Facebook groups, TikTok communities, and subreddits dedicated to True Crime. What causes people (mostly women) to be so intrigued and infatuated with true crime content? In this episode, Kelly explains the cultural phenomenon of True Crime entertainment and provides cautionary examples as to how the content distorts honest curiosity into something more debased.

Can Christians engage with True Crime? Is it okay for teens? Kelly examines Scripture in light of the modern distortions of attraction and...

Meta has settled a landmark lawsuit for billions of dollars and agreed to sweeping changes for teens’ experience on Facebook and Instagram. In this briefing, Kelly debates whether these changes will be the start of a reformation for how social media is used. What is the role of Christian parents and believers of all ages in this reformation?

Articles referenced:

Meta Agrees to Pay $18 Billion to Settle US Lawsuits Over Children’s Social Media Addiction

Scripture referenced:

1 John 1:15
Romans 12:2
Ephesians 2:10

NEW!! The Managing Media Creating Chara...

Parents are repeatedly told in culture that their work is exhausting, difficult, and inequitable. Technology then comes along, offering ways parents can automate the difficult parts of parenting to reduce their mental labor. Lost in all of this is the necessary friction that helps children develop competencies, routines, resilience, and purpose. In this podcast, Kelly takes a look into a newly released tech tool that promises children “less help from grown-ups.” By examining their marketing ploy alongside Scripture, she offers clarity for how parenting and childhood are meant to be.  Parents must challenge the common narrative that parenting should be ea...

In this six-part podcast series, we walk through Freya India’s book GIRLS: Gen Z and the Commodification of Everything, examining how online culture has shaped young women and how Christian parents can respond with biblical truth.

In this fifth episode on Chapter 6, “Empowered,” Freya reveals multiple ways the culture sold a lie of empowerment to girls: New Age spirituality, manifesting, social justice causes, girlboss hustle culture, influencers, consumerism, and delayed adulthood. She describes the search for meaning and purpose in life but concludes that instead of turning to organized faith and religion, girls only mimicked faith practi...

In this six-part podcast series, we walk through Freya India’s book GIRLS: Gen Z and the Commodification of Everything, examining how online culture has shaped young women and how Christian parents can respond with biblical truth.
**This episode continues MATURE themes and is NOT recommended for children.**

In this fifth episode on Chapter 5, “Detached,” Freya reveals how flirting, sexting, dating apps, hookups, and pornography have led to a grave state of relational and emotional detachment among Gen Z. Kelly summarizes Freya’s evidence and assertions about how online media and technology contributed to a generation feeling...

In this six-part podcast series, we walk through Freya India’s book GIRLS: Gen Z and the Commodification of Everything, examining how online culture has shaped young women and how Christian parents can respond with biblical truth.

In this fourth episode on Chapter 4, “Disconnected,” Kelly summarizes how Freya India describes the redefinition of friendship and community by online platforms and social media networks. Can an AI pendant named “Friend” be our answer? The problem is that the new definition of friend (along with the terms and conditions that apply) leaves only feelings of disconnection and loneliness. Today, the soluti...

In this six-part podcast series, we walk through Freya India’s book GIRLS: Gen Z and the Commodification of Everything, examining how online culture has shaped young women and how Christian parents can respond with biblical truth.

In this third episode on Chapter 3, “Documented,” Kelly examines the way smartphones and social media have trained young people to turn daily life, relationships, drama, opinions, and even children into content. This episode considers how documentation shifted from memory-keeping to performance, curation, voyeurism, and public approval. Kelly offers a biblical response rooted in living Coreum Deo (before the face of God...

In this six-part podcast series, we walk through Freya India’s book GIRLS: Gen Z and the Commodification of Everything, examining how online culture has shaped young women and how Christian parents can respond with biblical truth.

In this second episode on Chapter 2, “Diagnosed,” Kelly unpacks Freya’s evidence of how  “the market” began to profit off of the anxiety and distress of adolescents.  Also, considering how mental health influencers, therapy apps, telehealth, medication culture, and peer contagion have taught girls to find their identity in their anxiety, depression, and diagnostic labels. Kelly offers biblical support for these concerns...

In this six-part podcast series, we walk through Freya India’s book GIRLS: Gen Z and the Commodification of Everything, examining how online culture has shaped young women and how Christian parents can respond with biblical truth.

In this first episode on Chapter 1, “Filtered,” Kelly considers how Freya India’s argument that filters, FaceTune, beauty influencers, selfies, and algorithmic feeds have trained girls to inspect, alter, and display themselves for approval. The evidence makes it clear that this is not merely a beauty trend; it is a discipleship system rooted in an anti-Christian anthropology. Parents are encouraged not only...

There is a growing trend of “friction-maxxing” and going analog, especially among Gen Z. People are seeking slower, more friction-intensive technology so they can spend less time on it. And it appears that the market is responding accordingly. In this episode, Kelly reviews the increasing range of frictional products on the market. From turning your smartphone dumb to apps that take 2 weeks to deliver a message via carrier pigeon, all the way to boomboxes and bookstores, the trend is clear: we want to make tech slow again!

We believe that behind the trendiness of analog life lies a sp...

The Switch 2 and the Steam Deck handheld gaming devices are growing in popularity as people recognize the convenience of playing anywhere, anytime. In today’s episode, Kelly explains the basics of the Switch 2 and the Steam Deck, while exploring the similarities and differences between these personal gaming devices and a smartphone. A growing narrative surrounding these personal gaming devices is how they allow parents to continue gaming during the fragmented time of parenting.

How should Christians think about handheld gaming – or any other personal screen time in front of kids?

Articles referenced:

Switch 2

Apple and Google both announced new parental controls for their iOS and Android devices within days of each other. Ironic? Probably not. Will these new controls be revolutionary? Probably not. In this episode, Kelly highlights the pressure these companies face to prove they can protect children. Meanwhile, Apple’s press release shows that they are still positioning themselves as the authority on what children need, while continuously pointing back to parents, saying, “This is your job – you can limit, you can control, you can approve, you can monitor…”

Should new and improved parental controls be a permission slip to al...

Toy Story 5 is capitalizing on a truly devastating part of our culture: the loss of childhood to technology. In this briefing, Kelly highlights some of the most important aspects of the movie to help parents grasp the weight of what it depicts. Can a tablet be the problem with kids no longer playing, and the solution to making more friends? What does it mean to grow up too fast? Is gaming the same as playing? Is the age of toys really over?

Articles referenced:

Plugged In: Toy Story 5

Scripture referenced:

Proverbs 22:6<...

We live in a culture where it seems that the generations are at war with one another, families are falling apart – some going no contact, and children are increasingly without skills, purpose, and hope. Perhaps this is because we’ve lost sight of the benefits that intergenerational relationships bring. What children need to learn and experience is not what the internet offers. They need the slow, offline activities that grandparents can teach. They need to be reminded of their roots and to receive a heritage of faith, traditions, memories, virtue, and skills.

In today’s podcast, Kelly argues...

AI tools can perform incredible feats of computation. They can also displace human relationships, outsource learning, distort reality, and pretend to have wisdom. Christian families have a responsibility not to conform to the patterns of this world (Rom 12:2) but to test everything, hold on to what is good, and reject what is evil (1 Thes. 5:21). In this episode, Kelly provides a four-pillar biblical framework for evaluating AI tools and whether they are appropriate or beneficial for children. The four pillars are (1) Imago Dei, (2) Attributes of God, (3) Truth, and (4) Formation. Each pillar offers a preventative or protective measure and a practical...

The Enhanced Games took place over Memorial Day weekend in Las Vegas, Nevada. The founders boasted they were making history and redefining what the human body is capable of. What was the evidence for this? Performance-enhancing drugs and bio-hacking in the name of becoming ‘superhuman.’

In this briefing, Kelly explains why stories like this matter and are valuable opportunities to talk to kids about what it means to be human. Kids are bombarded with messages to ‘enhance themselves’ with everything from skin care rituals to looksmaxxing. It is critical for parents to start this conversation.

Articles...

When it comes to a kid having their own smartphone, trust is a much more complex issue than Peter Gray alludes to. Allowing a smartphone requires a parent to trust the child, their own parenting, Big Tech, the attention economy, and the whole of sinful mankind with access to the internet. In today’s episode – Part 10 of 10 – Kelly counters the benefit of “being trusted” as a benefit to smartphone ownership. In reality, trust can be given and earned in many ways that do not involve persuasive and personalized design features. Scripture gives so much wisdom on how and who we are to...

Recent Barna research revealed that teens spend an average of 4.8 hours a day on social media. In this time, are they learning critical digital skills essential for success in life? When kids play games on iPads or watch YouTube videos, are they learning essential skills? In today’s episode, Kelly continues the examination of Peter’s Gray list of benefits for kids’ smartphone ownership: Developing Digital Skills.

What exactly are digital skills? Are they learned by swiping, tapping, and watching? And most importantly, what is God’s purpose for childhood – is it to master skills or to grow in wi...

Summer is an amazing time of rest and refreshing. Because screen time is a central part of so many students’ lives, this detail often feels most important. But beyond screen time, we want to encourage parents to take a different approach and ask the question: “What kind of character will be formed in my child this summer?”

Discipleship is teaching and reinforcing Christ-like Character in every aspect of life – and that doesn’t get a summer vacation.

Scripture referenced:

Romans 12:2
James 1:15

ANNOUNCING: The Managing Media Creating Character STUDENT Study Guide!

An 8...

We all know that friendship and connection to peers are a critical part of what it means to be human, especially during childhood. The question parents must contend with is what kind of peer connection do children need, and how does that connection shape a child’s character, faith, and worldview? Because we all know the smartphone is the most convenient tool for this connection, but at what cost and with what risk?

In Part 9 of our series evaluating the proposed benefits of smartphones for kids, as described by Dr. Peter Gray on his Substack, “Play Makes Us H...

Enjoyment and entertainment are not inherently sinful, but because smartphones are engineered to capture time and attention, entertainment can grow to master a person’s life. And this is true for any age! In today’s episode, we are evaluating the benefit of smartphones for “amusement” as described by Dr. Peter Gray. Is this a real benefit for kids? Is it a biblically faithful way to raise kids? What is lost when airpods are always in? When distraction is always available? When ‘not thinking’ becomes the goal?

Resources referenced:

Episode #162 “The Problem with Music”
Episode #200 “Th...

How did kids creatively express themselves before digital screens and the internet? Do smartphone kids “build” and “express” themselves in ways that are beneficial – or biblical? In this episode, Kelly continues her series countering the beneficial claims Dr. Peter Gray cites in his Substack, Play Makes Us Human. This week, the claim is that the smartphone is a beneficial tool for creative self-expression. Kelly argues that biblical creativity is meant for God’s glory and the edification of others, rather than the self-promotion and audience-driven validation that occurs when sharing one’s creativity online.

Articles referenced:

Helping Kids...

What does it say about the online world when a 20-year-old cybercriminal feels relieved to be caught? This Brave Briefing looks at Matthew Lane’s repentance, the consequences he is now willing to bear, and the sobering reality that tech savvy and tech intelligence are not the same as tech wisdom or spiritual maturity.  There is an important lesson and hope for parents in this story.

Articles referenced:

‘Addicted to Hacking’: Young hacker behind historic breach speaks out for 1st time, before reporting to prison

Scripture referenced:

Hebrews 12:11
Proverbs 22:6
Matthew...

Is the smartphone the greatest educational tool ever created? In today’s episode, Kelly counters Dr. Peter Gray’s claim, arguing that smartphones provide information and convenience, which are not the same as education. Even if you don’t define education as structured, systematic instruction by adults, the smartphone still isn’t a tool that positively shapes a child’s character, work ethic, and spiritual wisdom.

Books referenced:

The Digital Delusion: How Classroom Technology Harms Our Kids’ Learning and How to Help Them Thrive Again

Product referenced:

Leap Frog Magical Adventures Globe

Art...

A smartphone lets you document life with an ever-present camera and note-taking capabilities. Is this something beneficial for kids? Will it build character? Will it help them be present and more aware of their reality? On the other hand, what does growing up not having access to these smartphone features lead to? Will they be worse off? Have less documented memories?

In today’s episode, Kelly evaluates this claimed benefit of “documentation” from both Dr. Peter Gray’s perspective and historical and biblical perspectives.

Articles referenced:

Helping Kids (and Ourselves) Use Smartphones Safely
Mo...

The smartphone is an undeniable benefit to adult drivers navigating in their vehicles. But is it equally beneficial for kids who cannot drive yet? Would using smartphone navigation displace formative and fundamental lessons a child is meant to learn while growing up? Even more, are God’s “directions” and “way” missed when reliance rests on technology?

In today’s episode, Kelly evaluates this claimed benefit of “navigation” from both Dr. Peter Gray’s perspective and historical and biblical perspectives

Articles referenced:

Helping Kids (and Ourselves) Use Smartphones Safely

Scripture referenced:

Hebrews 5:14

Does having a smartphone during childhood make a child “safer” when they are outdoors?  Is having access to a flashlight, GPS, and a phone to call 911 an essential addition to a child’s outdoor play? What are the downsides or detriments to having a smartphone while playing outdoors? Will children play outdoors as much if they have a smartphone?

In today’s episode, Kelly evaluates this claimed benefit from both Dr. Peter Gray’s perspective and historical and biblical perspectives.

Articles referenced:

Helping Kids (and Ourselves) Use Smartphones Safely
Why Did Teen Suicides (E...

The verdict of the landmark social media addiction/harms trial came back GUILTY. For more than a decade, those who spoke out against social media and its harm to children were accused of “moral panic.” While there was always an urgency to warn others, it was never fear or panic. But the persuasive and personalized design features embedded in social media platforms remain a moral problem in our society. Now, finally, we are starting to see some moral accountability.

Articles referenced:

What did jury decide in social media case against Meta and Google?
Jury Find...

Many tech advocates and secular experts believe and promote the idea that children should have their own smartphones. They tout the benefits of self-expression (Ep. 212), education, and outdoor safety. Are these benefits really beneficial? Or, are they just convenient? Because Brave Parenting recommends delaying smartphones until age 16, there’s a full decade gap between their recommendations and ours.

This episode is the INTRODUCTION to a series of 10 podcasts evaluating whether the claimed benefits are beneficial from a biblical and discipleship standpoint. While there are many voices promoting that kids have their own smartphones, Kelly will evaluate the li...

A landmark social media addiction trial is happening in California. Meta (Instagram) and Google (YouTube) versus a child who got captured by the content-driven life, which drove her to mental illness and suicidal thoughts. When YouTube VP Chrisos Goodrow took the stand, he noted that they don’t want people addicted to YouTube any more than they’re addicted to reading….”

Is YouTube neutral? Sure, it can be used as a utility for learning, but in the hands of kids who want to be seen, heard, validated, and viral – is this platform actually in the same category as books?<...

There is a short walk between video games and gambling. The risk-reward and microtransaction economy mirrors casinos. Now, with the rise of sports betting apps and prediction market platforms like Kalshi, teens are falling into “get rich quick” gambling schemes. They are being fed a lie that the modern economy and market no longer reward prudence and delayed gratification. Of course, this issue runs much deeper than apps and games – it’s a worldview and anthropological issue about what it means to be human. In this episode, Kelly explains the growing and concerning trend of gablification and offers wisdom and next...

Flowing from the idea that children need to express themselves online to form an identity, video game avatars serve as an introductory and primary portal for this. The cosmetic economy of avatar customization generates billions in revenue for game makers, while users pay and play their way into discovering their identity.

The ability to customize your appearance in the game isn’t just a fun feature. As we reveal in this episode, avatar customization can shape children’s real-world identities. But identities are not created or curated – they are given by God. This is one more way video...

The freedom of self-expression has become a catch-all justification for everything done online. Why should children be allowed to have social media at a young age? Because they need to express themselves! Mark Zuckerberg even used this justification of ‘self-expression’ under oath in the landmark social media addiction trial. In this episode, Kelly exposes how ‘self-expression’ has been hijacked to exploit children and steal childhood. What was once “play” is now “performance,” and what used to be “creativity” is now “content.”

This is a foundational episode that helps parents understand the larger cultural narrative at play. Also, upcoming episodes build...

Meta Ray-Ban Smart glasses have exploded in popularity. They allow people to film strangers without consent or even their awareness, which means that ordinary public interactions can now be turned into social media content. 

How are Christian parents to think about this latest tech gadget? And strangers becoming content?

Articles referenced:

Pranksters and pickup artists are using Meta Ray-Ban glasses to harass strangers for content
So-called ‘manfluencers’ are filming themselves trying to pick up women. Smart glasses are their perfect tool

Scripture referenced:

Genesis 1:26-27
Genesis 9:6
James...

Generative AI apps such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Grok, and Claude have rapidly become the go-to parenting sages. Every type of parenting question can be answered efficiently and with (what sounds like) expertise.  Undoubtedly, these apps offer parents help during stressful times. But is this the way God intends for us to receive parenting advice and practical wisdom? What is lost when human relationships and struggle are removed from the parenting equation?

Articles referenced:

OpenAI CEO Can’t Imagine Parenting Without AI
I Co-Parent with ChatGPT – I love turning off my brain and letting AI help...

Often, apps begin with noble intentions of “connection” or “education.” While they promise to be different, they inevitably resort to classic tactics for maximum engagement: streaks, coins, leaderboards, FOMO, and notifications. In this episode, Kelly uncovers this trend using Duolingo and Zigazoo as examples. This trend of app devolution is important for parents to understand. You may not be able to keep track of every app update, but you know your child, and you can recognize when something has changed.

Articles referenced:

Brave Parenting Guide to Duolingo
Brave Parenting Guide to Zigazoo
TED Talk: Ho...

After years of doing nothing, Big Tech social platforms started releasing new “teen safety” and “parental controls” to show how much they care about and prioritize children’s safety. The problem with these new safety features is that they are not enough. It’s the design of social media and games that creates spaces of chaos where everyone does what is right in their own eyes.

Articles referenced:

Time Limits for YouTube Shorts Scrolling
Deeper Insights with Snapchat’s New Family Center Features
Roblox’s AI-Powered Age Verification
TikTok to Tighten Age Checks in Europe...

In today’s Brave Briefing, Kelly reviews the new book, The Amazing Generation by Jonathon Haidt and Catherine Price. Written for a Gen Alpha audience, this book aims to inspire rebels who don’t let technology use them. This book serves almost as a hopeful sequel to The Anxious Generation, which highlighted the harms done to Gen Z by online media and technology.  Listen in to this brief episode to get our take on this book.

Get The Amazing Generation on Amazon.

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