Read Time: 5 min 44 sec | Reading Level: 7th Grade

Meta’s facing the music algorithm.

The company that owns Facebook and Instagram is facing a lawsuit in court. Accusers say Meta is making its apps addictive on purpose (and lying about it), harming youth’s mental health. They also say Meta collects data on kids under 13 without parents’ permission, which is against the law. 

Meta said it “strongly disagrees” with the accusations and evidence will show it tries to protect kids. 

Earlier this month, Meta lost a similar case in New Mexico. A judge ruled the company failed to warn people about the dangers its apps pose to children. Meta was forced to pay almost $1 billion. This case is an even bigger test. If the company loses, they’ll have to pay between $200 billion and $1.4 trillion. They also might have to change their products. Think: no more likes, no more doomscrolling, and enforcing age restrictions.

Plus, this case is federal. The attorneys general from California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey, and 25 other states are who brought the lawsuit. That means the consequences could affect the whole country, not just one state. The trial is expected to last between six and eight weeks. 

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
As courts discuss the effects of social media, it’s a good time to think about how social media affects our lives, relationships, and heart habits. Whatever tools or tech we use, our goal should be to use them wisely and in ways that grow the fruit of the Spirit. 

“Walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh… The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
Galatians 5:16, 22-23a (CSB) (read full passage)

What do I want to make sure my kids know in light of this story?
Habits shape our hearts. Like eating lots of veggies can train our taste buds to crave carrots over carrot cake, our habits of attention train our hearts toward Christ’s peace… or toward lesser things.

Paul points to this dynamic when he calls believers to “put off” habits that lead to sin and steal our peace (Colossians 3:8) and to “put on” habits that train us to fix our eyes on Christ and experience His love (Colossians 3:12). 

Ultimately, the Holy Spirit changes our hearts, but we can build habits that help us catch the Spirit’s wind rather than fight Him.

Ask your kids what they have already heard about this story.
CEOs, lawmakers, and judges end up creating the social media landscape, but teens actually live through it. Before you share your wisdom or talk about guidelines for social media use, pause to ask: “How do you feel about social media in your life?” “How do you see it affecting your friends?” “What do grown-ups get wrong about social media?”

By listening first, you earn credibility to ask the next-level questions: “What would you change about your relationship with social media?” “What do you think would happen if your friends chose to take a break for a week?”

Gen Z Word of the Week: This scene from SpongeBob lives in my head rent-free.

Family Fun: Summer’s almost over, but we’re still hype from VBS. Add a little nostalgia to the carpool lane with this playlist of iconic VBS songs from the 90s and 2000s.

Whipped Cream on Top: Time of irritation: rn…

Who We’re Having Spiritual Conversations With
Our kids, using tools from this book*

Sobering stat: three out of five kids disengage from church by age fifteen.

But where to even start to break this cycle? Having Spiritual Conversations with Your Kids is a resource that actually helps.

Dr. Saunders brings 30+ years of ministry and three years of doctoral research to the topic, adapting ten ancient Benedictine practices into simple, doable habits for the dinner table, the car, and the ordinary moments in between. Each chapter pairs hands-on family activities with discussion questions, helping you build a “family rule of life” rooted in listening, presence, and connection. 

Get 30% off your copy today with this link!

Where We’re Sending Kids
To school, just by supporting Forward Edge*

Why don’t ~273M children worldwide attend school? The answer might surprise you (hint: it’s not because they don’t want to)... It’s extra costs families can’t afford: the fees, uniforms, books, supplies, transportation, and seasonal clothing. 

Forward Edge is stepping in to provide. By working with local leaders, they’re meeting these needs so kids can get an education. For example, their Kenya program feeds 1,300 kids daily and provides uniforms so they can stay enrolled. A uniform isn’t just clothing; it’s an education. And an education isn’t just learning stuff; it’s the path out of poverty. 

Give just $25 to educate four students for a month.

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