Mondays with Mike: Navigating the Digital Age

As we prepare for the new school year (two weeks from today), I invite you to listen to our latest podcast episode featuring Susan Arico, a seasoned consultant and writer on digital wellness. In this conversation, we delve into the profound impact that smartphones and social media have on our children’s spiritual and mental well-being.

If you take away one thing, let it be this: the choices we make as parents today in managing our children’s technology use can significantly shape who they become tomorrow. Some may think the genie is out of the bottle, but Susan and others (linked below) challenge that assumption winsomely and helpfully.

I encourage you to explore the insights and practical steps we discuss in the podcast below and continue with us in the conversation.

Summary of Podcast

Join Mike as he interviews Susan Arico, a consultant and writer specializing in digital wellness (she is also a PCA Mom of 4–1 alum, 3 current students). They dive into the critical topic of how mobile devices and social media shape the lives of students and families. Drawing from Susan’s professional and personal experiences, they discuss the profound impact of technology on spiritual and cultural formation, especially among children and adolescents.

Susan shares her journey into digital wellness, highlighting the intersection of faith and culture. She emphasizes how smartphones and social media have rapidly changed our lives and the lives of our children, often in ways that we do not fully understand. They explore the balance between the benefits and the potential dangers of these technologies, particularly concerning mental health and social development.

A key focus is the importance of proactive parenting in the digital age. Susan advocates for setting clear boundaries and guidelines around technology use, emphasizing that parents should delay introducing smartphones and social media to children as long as possible. She also discusses the concept of digital wellness as a form of spiritual formation, where parents and educators play a crucial role in guiding children toward healthy and balanced use of technology.

The conversation also touches on practical steps parents can take, such as setting screen time limits, removing certain apps, and encouraging alternative activities that foster real-world interactions and relationships. Susan encourages parents to lead by example, be courageous in setting counter-cultural standards, and prioritize their children’s long-term well-being over short-term convenience.

A list of 10 books titled "10 Great Books about Phones & Our Souls" by Susan B. Arico, highlighting books for personal growth, faith, and tech wisdom.
Susan’s curated list of resources (some of which are linked below). You can see the full list (attached to this document) as well as get it HERE
Line graph showing the percentage of US kids aged 10-18 with smartphones from 2010 to 2023. The lines for ages 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18 rise over time, with 18-year-olds consistently highest.
The trend to put smartphones in our kids’ hands is very recent and the future not foregone. Let’s take a good look at the ones who are pushing these devices and apps at us and our kids and together make the best decisions going forward.

Show Notes

(Chapters included in the Podcast — New feature)

  • Introduction: Mike introduces the topic of digital wellness and its relevance as the school year approaches.
  • Guest Introduction: Susan Arico shares her background in consulting and writing on digital wellness, particularly focusing on the intersection of faith, culture, and spiritual formation.
  • Impact of Smartphones: Discussion on how smartphones and social media have transformed society and the developmental challenges they pose, especially for children and teens.
  • Parental Guidance: Susan offers advice on delaying smartphone and social media use, setting boundaries, and engaging in proactive conversations with children about technology.
  • Resources: Mention of helpful books and documentaries for parents, including “The Anxious Generation” and “The Tech-Wise Family.”
  • Practical Tips: Suggestions for managing technology use in the household, such as screen time limits, digital Sabbaths, and family discussions on technology’s role in life.
  • Conclusion: Mike and Susan emphasize the importance of parents leading by example and making thoughtful, informed decisions about technology in their families.

Links:

  • The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt: Book and website
  • The Tech-Wise Family by Andy Crouch: Website. A lot of really good thinking with toolkits for adults and in our roles as parents.
  • Axis “Everything Smartphone” Guided Toolkit: GREAT insights and helpful tools for parents to connect with their kids and take positive steps.
  • ScreenAgers–Parent who is a doctor explores smartphone, gaming, and social media and what parents can do. See clip (below) and site.

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