Devices – Siouxland Modern Media Committee

10Dec 2025 by nrcmmc

Child-friendly AI?

Apps, Devices, Filters, Privacy, Resources, Reviews

Edge, Chrome, Firefox, DuckDuckGo, Safari, AngelQ. These could be interesting names for models of cars, but actually these are all variations of web browsers. What is the difference between each of these options? More importantly, which one should you pick for your family to use? The owners of big technology sites won’t even put their own children on their site, states co-founder of AngelQ, Josh Thurman. Their browser, however, was created FOR kids to use - safely. AngelQ was created by Josh Thurman and Tim Estes in May 2025 as a safe alternative for families to give their children internet access without as much risk of finding age-inappropriate content. The AngelQ app uses the power of AI to make searches productive and fun, without accidentally clicking onto a site with…

16Sep 2025 by nrcmmc

Distracted Parenting

Cell Phones, Devices

The Impact of Distracted Parenting: How Cell Phones Affect Our Relationship with Children In today’s fast-paced world, it’s hard to imagine a time when cell phones didn’t dominate our daily lives. While these devices have brought about countless conveniences, they’ve also introduced significant challenges, particularly for parents. The phenomenon of “distracted parenting” where caregivers prioritize digital interactions over face-to-face engagement has become a growing concern. The Rise of Distraction: Cell Phones and Parenting The arrival of smartphones brought a new wave of connectivity and entertainment. While they offer many benefits; their widespread use has led to an increasing phenomenon: distracted parenting. Whether scrolling through social media, responding to work emails, or playing games; many parents today find themselves regularly distracted by their phones, often during critical moments of family time.…

07Apr 2025 by Martin Van't Foort

Topic: Accountability – what and why? Different ways to hold oneself accountable with modern media usage

Cell Phones, Devices, Filters, Guidelines, Resources

For the five years since they had been married, T & R both worked full time jobs. Each enjoyed their job; their work ethic helped them both to excel in their company. They normally spent their evenings doing things together or with friends. They stayed busy enough with their house, jobs, and social life that each one’s use of their phones stayed limited. Even when they were on their phones, they were together, and one would tease the other to ‘be present’ or ‘tell your boy/girlfriend you’re with your wife/husband right now’. There was an understanding between them that they weren’t perfect with it, but together they could hold each other accountable on their devices. It was a system that worked well - openness and honesty with their phone usage…

07Jan 2025 by Martin Van't Foort

U.S. Surgeon General Warning

Devices, Hazards

It is no surprise that social media is addictive. If a person observes others around them, you will notice many who are scrolling through social media. Instagram, YouTube shorts, TikTok and other like platforms are the most popular. The human brain is a very intricate organ with much of its growth and development happening from birth until approximately 20 years old. With the explosion of social media over the past decade, there are some alarming trends, especially in children who are using social media excessively. The U.S. surgeon general has released an executive summary, Social Media and Youth Mental Health: The U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory (executive Summary), which highlights the negative consequences of too much social media use within our younger population along with recommendations on how to deal with…

14Oct 2024 by nrcmmc

Hidden Dangers of Spotify: A Caution for Parents

Apps, Cell Phones, Devices, Hazards

Music streaming platforms like Spotify have millions of tracks at your fingertip, offering a convenience that’s hard to resist, especially to teens. We know many teens and families use these music platforms, but we would suggest with the little 'profitable' material to be obtained that we stay away from them as much as possible. However, as parents, it's important to recognize the potential dangers Spotify might pose to teens and adults. Here are several to consider: 1. Explicit Content One of the most significant dangers on Spotify is the sheer volume of explicit content. Spotify does offer a “clean” version for younger listeners. Many songs feature explicit language, themes of violence, drug use, and sexual content. Spotify does label songs as “explicit,” but it is easy to bypass this. Here…

16Sep 2024 by nrcmmc

The “Dirty Dozen”

Apps, Devices, Hazards

Each year since 2013, the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) releases a list of 12 mainstream companies that facilitate, enable, or profit from sexual exploitation. This list is termed the “Dirty Dozen.” Some companies on the 2024 Dirty Dozen list include Apple, Meta, Spotify, and Roblox. NCOSE explains each company they place on the list. For example, they say that “Apple is rotten when it comes to child protection. This Big Tech titan refuses to scan for child sex abuse material, hosts dangerous apps with deceptive age ratings and descriptions, and won’t default safety features for teens.” NCOSE provides updates for each company throughout the year if they attempt to improve safety for their users. If you go to the NCOSE website, you can find the Dirty Dozen and…

06Feb 2024 by nrcmmc

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…

08Jan 2024 by nrcmmc

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…

03May 2023 by nrcmmc

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.

05Dec 2022 by nrcmmc

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.

Category: Devices