3. Lest They Drift Away: A Discussion about Children and Social Media with John Perks

In this episode Leslie and Lisa talk with John Perks about the complexities of social media and its effects on children and families. From his perspective of teaching media literacy in schools over the past 24 years, John describes the evolution of social platforms and its addictive nature. Leslie and Lisa reference the US Surgeon General's Report findings. They explore the pervasive presence of smartphones among teens, the importance of educating children about online dangers, and the necessity of setting boundaries and establishing screen-free rituals at home. John underscores the importance of nurturing spiritual resilience and mindful discernment in teens for navigating the digital age. The episode ends with a conversation about the challenges of balancing the benefits and risks of technology while prioritizing spiritual growth in daily life.