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April 19, 2017


Title: How Much Privacy Should You Give Your Teen?
Topic: Spy On Your Teen
Discussed by Dr. John Thorington
with Focus on the Family www.Family.org

Disclaimer: Use caution when listening to this segment around young children. Issues discussed might be upsetting or hard for little ones to understand.

Dr. John Thorington is a Counselor at Focus on the Family. Today he will be discussing the question that should be on every parent’s mind: How much privacy should I allow my teenager?

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Why is “snooping” the wrong term to use? Dr. Thorington believes the correct terms should be “honesty” and “accountability”.

Is privacy a privilege or a right?

Should parents allow their tween or teen to be online behind closed doors?

Are parental controls a good idea?

Why is it a good idea to “follow” our teens and their friends of Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter?

Should we tell our kids and teens about the “scary stuff” like predators and illegal activity online? Should we make them do research on the subject? NOTE: Issues discussed here may be disturbing to some.

Should grandparents be cautious about letting their grandchildren play on their phones and tablets? If grandparents see their grandchildren frequently, should they follow these same rules?

If you would like FREE advice from a licensed counselor with Focus on the Family, please call 1.800.A.FAMILY.



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June 2, 2016


Title: Are Your Kids a Slave to the Internet?
Topic: Kids and Technology
Discussed by Dr. John Thorington
with Focus on the Family www.Family.org

A new taskmaster is in town, with millions of captives unaware they have a problem. Webster’s dictionary defines addiction as “the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice.” And for many Americans, the internet is ruling over their lives.

One big issue that is arising is “stress anxiety”. New guest Dr. John Thorington, with Focus on the Family, says, “Parents are making a big mistake if they thought this was just an issue for adults, because their kids are facing very real stresses and anxieties just as real as their own.” Dr. Thorington goes on to discuss some of the obvious signs that are present when someone is addicted to the internet or technology. “It really does change the way the brain works,” he adds.

Dr. Thorington also offers some great suggestions for parents to help not only their children and teens, but themselves as well. “Parents can set examples and demonstrate that to their children,” he advises. One of the best ways to limit screen time and encourage family togetherness is the “no cell phones at the dinner table” rule, which we have urged for years. Churches need to more involved, as well. Listen in as he explains how.



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