Teen Social Media and Mental Health

Teen Social Media and Mental Health

Devices, Guidelines, Hazards, Resources
We all want to feel loved. We all want to be seen and heard for who we are.   When we are beside our spouse, with our parents, amongst our family, friends, classmates and co-workers, we want to be acknowledged as a worthy person. As young people, the human brain is developing and learning to be able to live in an adult world. The need to feel loved and accepted is especially strong in teenagers. Many teens have turned to social media in an attempt to feel known, connected, and loved. This is evident by the number of teenagers using social media.  Universally, up to 95% of teenagers ages 13-17 use social media and as many as one-third say they are addicted! Social media provides a false feeling of love and…
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Media and the Mind: Pediatricians guide to screen time.

Media and the Mind: Pediatricians guide to screen time.

Devices, Guidelines, Hazards, Resources, Reviews
Like the snowflakes that fall from the sky, no two people are exactly alike. Psalm 139 tells us of God’s craftsmanship and knowledge of each individual He created. The psalmist praises,”I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Each person's needs vary from one another. And our children are no exception. In fact, a child's brain needs guidance and instruction from caring adults at all ages. Screen time and media usage is an area of attentiveness adults must be aware of when raising children.  In an article covering this major topic, Mayo Clinic guides parents and caretakers on digital literacy, problems, developing rules, and teaching good behaviors with screens.  https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/screen-time/art-20047952 In a general Q & A article, the American Academy of Pediatricians reiterates the previously mentioned topics. They have also included a…
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The Appetite for Man’s Heart

The Appetite for Man’s Heart

Devices, Guidelines, Hazards, Privacy
On Feb 10, 2023, Elder Klein presented a topic in Rock Valley at the NRC School, called The Appetite for Man's Heart.  Watch Elder Klein's presentation here. https://www.loom.com/share/7e1ac2383dcb4a15978b485d6429e2ba How to guide our children with the dangers of social media                         What is the aim of modern media?                                            -Missing                                 -Evolving                                              -Deceiving                                 -Individualizing                                    -Addicting                 We are empty/naked without our phones                 We can be blackmailed if we have ever shared something vulnerable online                 Exposed us to dangerous content                 Loss of Privacy. *Please note, that although we have found valuable information from an external web page for our blog post, we do not endorse all information, religious views and opinions posted on these third-party websites.
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Technology Addiction

Technology Addiction

Cell Phones, Devices, Hazards
Click here--> Technology Addiction | First NRC Modern Media Committee *Please note, that although we have found valuable information from an external web page for our blog post, we do not endorse all information, religious views and opinions posted on these third-party websites.
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Bark App Review 

Bark App Review 

Apps, Cell Phones, Devices, Filters, Hazards
Get details about your child’s digital activities. Bark is able to monitor content 24/7, limit access to inappropriate and distracting material, set healthy boundaries with custom screen time limits and location updates.  Learn more about this filter by clicking on this link:   https://www.safewise.com/blog/bark-parental-control-app-review/ *Please note, that although we have found valuable information from an external web page for our blog post, we do not endorse all information, religious views and opinions posted on these third-party websites.
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Google Family Link

Google Family Link

Apps, Cell Phones, Devices, Guidelines, Resources
Google Family Link is an app used to regulate usage of a child’s phone. Google Family Link’s purpose is to “help your family create healthy digital habits.” Key features of Family Link: It lets you view your child’s phone activity; which apps they’re using, and how much time they’re spending on each app.Whitelist for websites.  Start by approving a website like Google for search results and phone numbers.  If your child requests to visit a website, the parent must Approve or Decline before the child can access that website.You can decide if they can download apps from the App Store, and if they’re allowed to make in-app purchases.You can set limits on the amount of Screen Time they’re allowed to have each day.  You can also set a bedtime for…
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What Should Christians Make of the Metaverse?

What Should Christians Make of the Metaverse?

Devices, Gaming, Hazards
For most people, “metaverse” is a new word, and we’ve only heard it because of Mark Zuckerberg’s recent announcement that Facebook’s parent company is changing its name to Meta. The new name is a nod to the future. Meta is positioning itself as the first mover of a new digital universe. In his latest announcement, Mark Zuckerberg's "reality" is that he is going to move beyond Facebook with an alternative reality to real life that encompasses a Utopian life, that among other things will "one day let you show up in a virtual space as a full-bodied avatar, or as a hologram of yourself in a real-world living room of your friend who lives across the planet." What should the church and Christians think of these things?  Following is one…
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Oculus Quest 2 Review

Oculus Quest 2 Review

Devices, Gaming, Hazards, Reviews
According to the webpage, oculus.com/quest-2/, Oculus Quest 2 is “an all-in-one headset filled with hundreds of unique experiences.” These experiences include playing games, doing a virtual tour of places around the world, and working out. It appears the main focus is to get teens and young adults to play games and “lose track of time” (also cited on their webpage).  To “lose track of time” is a very dangerous reality many gamers face. Time is a God-given gift that He instructs us to use to seek Him. Ephesians 5:16 speaks about “redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” This tells us that we must be wise about how we spend our time. In regards to the gaming aspect and being “immersed” in a virtual reality, Oculus Quest 2 can…
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