Ep. 144 — Navigating New Tech This Holiday Season: Ensuring Safe, Meaningful, & Savvy Family Screen Use with Paul Asay (Focus on the Family's PluggedIn)

In this insightful weekend edition episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, host Patti Garibay welcomes Paul Asay, a seasoned media reviewer and author of Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family. With the holiday season fast approaching, families are gearing up for the influx of new technology, but how can we ensure that our screen time remains safe and purposeful? 

Patti and Paul dive deep into the pressing question of how to navigate the media-saturated world that our children are growing up in. They discuss the alarming statistics regarding children's screen use, including a study revealing that the average American child receives their first smartphone at just 11.6 years old. With families spending an average of $1,480 annually on electronics, it’s vital to approach these purchases with intention and awareness. 

Paul shares his passion for helping parents create meaningful connections with media. He offers practical strategies for fostering healthy, Christ-centered relationships with technology, emphasizing the importance of open dialogues with children about media trends. Listeners will learn how to set appropriate boundaries and make informed decisions when selecting tech gifts that align with their family values. 

Throughout the episode, Paul also highlights the significance of teaching children discernment in their media choices, especially as they grow older and seek more independence. He addresses potential warning signs that excessive screen time may negatively impact a child’s mental and emotional well-being and provides actionable steps for parents to become more screen savvy this holiday season. 

Join Patti and Paul for a conversation filled with wisdom, encouragement, and essential tips for navigating new tech in a way that honors God and nurtures the hearts of our girls.  

Learn more about Paul's work with PluggedIn, visit pluggedin.com 

Find an American Heritage Girls Troop near you, visit americanheritagegirls.org   

Add even more Biblical wisdom to your parenting quiver, visit raisinggodlygirls.com