Episode 255: Parenting in a Tech World with Matt McKee

Nick Blevins Family Ministry Podcast: Children | Youth | Students | NextGen

In this episode, I speak with my friend Matt McKee, one of the leading voices on the topic of online safety for kids and parenting within a tech world. Matt also shares some practical principles and mindset shifts in regard to technology and helps clarify some goals for parents who have questions about boundaries with technology.

Matt McKee

Connect with Matt on Twitter | Instagram | Website

Clearstream

Clearstream works with thousands of churches worldwide and integrates with tools your church already uses such as MailChimp, Church Community Builder, Rock RMS, Planning Center, and more. Find out more at Clearstream.io.

Episode Notes

Parenting in a Tech World

• Number one question/fear of most parents = What do I do with my kid and technology?
• Goal: Helping make kids good digital citizens no matter what is out there
• Parents/families don’t have to be experts in a specific technology, but we must learn how to ask “how does it work” or “can you teach me how…”

A couple of principles to help:

• Stop asking “how much time should they spend on the device” and start asking “what is the purpose of them spending time on the device”?
  • • Ex: One hour of Youtube… What’s the purpose? (consumption vs. creation)
• Some purposes to rally behind:
  • • Create
    • Collect
    • Compete
• Build a relationship with your kids around technology

Info on Bark:

• Artificial Intelligence operating inside of programs
• Allows kids to make minor mistakes online, but with the filters to screen content
• Helps give some intelligence and data for parents to better understand how technology is being used

Action Items

1. Get the book and course
2. Create a plan to share it with your church
3. Check out Bark – for you (if you're a parent) and church

**BONUS: If you plan on attending the Orange Conference, use the discount code BLEVINSPOD to receive 10% off tickets

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Special Sponsor: Clearstream

This episode is sponsored by Clearstream. Clearstream.io works with thousands of churches worldwide and integrates with tools your church already uses such as MailChimp, Church Community Builder, Rock RMS, Planning Center, and more. You can get started on a free-trial, and if you're with a new church plant under 1 year old can use Clearstream free for 12 months.