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U.S. NEWS

Doctor’s Orders

Uncle Sam’s doctor is writing a different kind of prescription: put down your phone.

The Surgeon General is the top doctor in the U.S., and his name is Vivek Murthy. Dr. Murthy said in an article this week that "the mental health crisis among young people is an emergency." And he thinks social media is contributing to the crisis. 

He says kids are spending an average of 5 hours per day on social media, and 3+ hours is enough to double kids' chances of anxiety and depression.

Dr. Murthy says that we need to change our social media culture. He asked Congress to require social media platforms to use warning labels like the ones on cigarettes and alcohol. He encouraged parents to introduce phone-free times. He asked schools to ban phones (then actually enforce it). Finally, he wants doctors and nurses to educate families about the risks of social media. 

Adding a warning label on socials requires Congress to pass a law. There is support for online safety laws from both political parties, but social media companies would probably challenge any new laws in court.

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Our ultimate purpose is to glorify God—the Creator of the universe, Great Innovator, and Inventor of everything. However, you approach social media, remember to use technology to point others to eternal hope in him. 

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For everything was created by him, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities — all things have been created through him and for him.” Colossians 1:15-16 (CSB) (read full passage)

What do I want to make sure my kids know in light of this story?
The concerns with social media.

Before listing the fruits of the Spirit we know and love, Paul lists the fleshly things that work against Him. Among them are idolatry, jealousy, anger, and envy—just a few of the things social media stirs up in us.

Instead of just saying “social media is bad,” explain the specific concerns you have. Socials often awaken desires in us that are “against the Spirit…to keep you from doing the things you want to do” (Galatians 5:17 CSB).

What response to this story do I want to model for my children?
Having healthy boundaries with technology and social media.

Even if social media isn't all bad, it’s usually a distraction rather than something that is glorifying God. For our kids, we want to model dwelling on things that are lovely, excellent, and draw us nearer to God (Philippians 4:8). 

Model spending more time seeking the Lord — in the Bible, serving others, giving thanks, and worshiping — than on your phone.

• Set one technology-related boundary for your family. No phones at dinner? No phones after 10 p.m.? Password-enforced time limits on social media? Something different? Even one boundary can help you reclaim family time and model using technology in a healthy way.
  

• Read the Tech-Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Technology in Its Proper Place. This was an excellent book that helped me rethink how my family should use technology. If you see this as a problem in your life but are unsure what practical steps to take… this book will help! - Jason Woodruff (Founder)
  

• Memorize Philippians 4:8 as a family “Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things.”
  

• Pray for your eyes, minds, and fingers to keep in step with the Spirit as you navigate social media, so that you can please the Lord and point others to him.

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As our kids grow, so will their exposure to the news. And, well… that’s terrifying.

Today's news cycle is constant, divisive, and often depressing. Without guidance, most people allow news outlets to drive their emotions and worldviews. Or they end up completely unplugging.

Decaf is designed to help parents raise children to have a spiritually healthy relationship with the news. 

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