A new app has emerged over the last few years, gaining popularity among preteens. No doubt because the app markets itself as “Gen Alpha’s social media.”

Coverstar has the feel of TikTok, but with stricter community guidelines for content, zero tolerance for violations, and no direct messages. While it is perhaps “safer” than TikTok, what does an app that encourages young girls to put themselves on public display and compete for likes and follows actually do for their developing self-worth? Or for their future integrity?

In this episode, Kelly digs into the influencer economy and culture, and how this, specifically, is the crux of social media’s harm. Tragically, this economy of harm is thriving on Coverstar.

Articles referenced:

Brave Parenting Guide to Yope
Brave Parenting Guide to Coverstar
Reddit: r/apps
Pew Research: High School Seniors and Marriage
The Dark Side of Social Media Influencers: A Research Agenda for Analysing Deceptive Practices and Regulatory Challenges
The influencer effect: Current findings and future directions for research on social media influencers and body image
The Impact of Following Instagram Influencers on Women’s Body Dissatisfaction and Eating Disorder Symptoms
New Research on Church Attendance: Decline of Women or the Rise of Men?

Scripture referenced:

Galatians 5
Galatians 6:14
Philippians 3:3
2 Corinthians 10:12

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It’s Deactivation Week!! On December 10th in Australia (which is really December 9 in the US), the first-ever social media ban will take effect. The major platforms are required by law to deactivate the accounts of children and teens under 16. Kelly reviews the details of the new law, the pushback from Big Tech, advocacy groups, parents, and teens, and why all of this is so important.

While we watch and see how this works in Australia, here are some takeaways:

1. Do not wait for the government to save your kids from social media.
2. Social Media is optional for you, too, parents!
3. The burden is on Big Tech, but the opportunity is still on you.
4. Expect pushback, but persevere.
5. Fill the void with real life.

Brave Parenting Guides to Lemon8 and Yope (Where Australian kids are rumored to be heading.)

Articles referenced:

Is This the End of Kids on Social Media?
Social Media Ban: Everything You Need to Know Before Deactivation Day
Australia says world will follow social media ban
Australia is banning social media for teens – others could follow
How Australian Teens Plan to Get Around the Social Media Ban
Meta Starts Kicking Australian Children Off Instagram and Facebook
TikTok to Comply with Australia’s ‘Upsetting’ Social Media Ban
YouTube Says it Will Comply With Australian Social Media Ban
Australia wants to end the era of kids on social media with international ban hailed as “first domino” in global movement

Scripture referenced:

2 Corinthians 11:14
Romans 12
Psalm 82:3-4
Jeremiah 17:9
Ephesians 2:1-3
Romans 1:18-32
Ephesians 6:12
Deuteronomy 6:6-7

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Book a Speaking Event!!

Buy the NEWLY UPDATED book: Managing Media Creating Character (2024 Revised & Updated)

Get Kelly’s new Study Guide & Workbook, with video teachings for small groups.

Check out our brand new Brave Parenting Merch

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

Today, we talk about the connection between sleep (or lack thereof), screens, and spiritual apathy. Kelly walks through five ways screens contribute to sleep deprivation and how children and teens who are sleep deprived are more likely to experience poor mental health, among other negative outcomes. More important for Christian parents is the spiritual apathy that arises in kids who are sleep-deprived. In this episode, you will learn how sleep is both biblical and necessary for children’s and teens’ spiritual health. Armed with this knowledge, you will be encouraged and equipped to make changes to your family structure to reprioritize sleep, remove screens from the bedroom, and reinforce the biblical importance of getting enough rest.

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Articles referenced:

Teens & Sleep: The Hidden Cost of Sleep Deprivation
How to help your child get enough healthy brain-boosting sleep
Teens with insomnia who lack sleep may be at risk for high blood pressure
The Critical Connection between Teens’ Sleep and Mental Health
Contemporary Screen Time Modalities among Children 9–10 years old and Binge-Eating Disorder at One-Year Follow-Up: A Prospective Cohort Study
Sleep in High School Students
Maybe the teen mental health crisis is actually a sleep crisis

Scripture referenced:

Psalm 121:3-4
Genesis 2:2-3
Mathew 11:29
Psalm 62:1
Psalm 23:2-3
Psalm 116:7
Psalm 46:10
Psalm 3:5
Psalm 4:8
Psalm 127:2
1 Peter 1:13, 4:7, 5:8
2 Samuel 11:2-3
Luke 22:45-46, 50, 52

Book a Speaking Event!!

Buy the NEWLY UPDATED book: Managing Media Creating Character (2024 Revised & Updated)

Get Kelly’s new Study Guide & Workbook, with video teachings for small groups.

Check out our brand new Brave Parenting Merch

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