Christ the King Lutheran Church Oct 15, 2025
Navigating technology and social media can feel overwhelming—for both teens and their parents. Join Tony and Kristin Bird as they share real-life insights from raising three teenagers and working with youth in both public schools and Church settings.
Through honest conversation, practical strategies, and breakout sessions for both parents and kids, this event will explore setting healthy boundaries, delaying smartphone and social media access, and keeping open communication about online life. Parents will leave with tools to foster trust and accountability, while teens will have space to reflect, share, and explore what real connection looks like in a digital world.
Additional resources and downloads are available below
Downloadable resources
Monitoring resources
The best monitoring tools are the ones you will use. You will likely need to use a mix of tools depending on your child's age, the expectations you've set up, and the different devices they have access to. Below is the "secret sauce" mix that we have used in our home.
- Start by making sure you have passwords and pin codes to all apps and devices for your child.
- Occasionally do spot checks of their devices.
- Bark Parental Controls (best for monitoring mobile device usage)
- Circle (best for setting limits and monitoring WiFi usage)
- Device Specific Parental Control Features
Note: If you have a child or adult in your home who is actively using pornography, you will likely need additional tools. We recommend Covenant Eyes as an accountability software. In addition, there are some great resources available from Reclaim Sexual Health and Aggie Catholic.
Additional recommended Resources
The Anxious Generation
(Jonathan Haidt)
iGen: Why Today's Super Connected Kids...(Jean Twenge)
10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People (David Yeager)
Smart Thinking Podcast (Ep 333): We Need to Talk to Our Kids about Uncomfortable Stuff
Teen & Family Smartphone Contract (Editable) by Burning Hearts Disciples
The Social Dilemma on Netflix 
Adolescence on Netflix
How to Talk to Your Teens at Life Teen by Kristin Bird 
Parenting in the Digital World at Life Teen by Kristin Bird 
Screenagers Movie Series
If you would like to talk to someone about how to book this talk for your parish, school, or group, please don't hesitate to contact us.
