When our parents were our age, they really only had to worry about how much time was wasted using technology. But these days? These days, technology changes rapidly and so do the dangers. It’s a hard job—keeping our kids safe especially online. We want to help. We’ve partnered with Parent Cue and Matt McKee—author, speaker and SVP at Bark Technologies—to guide us on keeping our kids safe online and offer practical tips on parenting in the digital age. Utilize the tools below to help you be the parent you want to be when it comes to kids and technology.

Parenting in a tech world with matt mckee

In this video you’ll hear from our friends at Parent Cue, featuring Matt McKee from Bark Technologies as he shares three concepts for us to think about. Matt is passionate about keeping kids safe online and in real life. Bark is a technology company that monitors kids’ online activity and alerts parents and guardians of potential threats.

Parenting in a Tech World Course

If you want to continue the discussion and get even more strategies and insights on how to raise kids in a digital age, we’ve partnered with Parent Cue to offer you a discount to their online course.
Use code PIATWC30CAT at checkout to receive 30% off the course. Simply go to the Parent Cue Store, add the course to your cart, and enter your discount code at checkout.

Parenting in a Tech World Facebook Group (additional resource from video speaker, Matt McKee)

This group helps parents navigate the ever-changing landscape of raising kids in the digital age. It provides a much needed space for parents to support each other, get the scoop on apps, trends, online-safety, & all things tech-related.

Table questions

After watching the video, use this list of questions to keep the conversation going.

Technological responsibility phase map

Every phase is a timeframe in a kid’s life when you can leverage distinct opportunities to influence their future. During each phase, there are critical conversations each child needs to have. This map functions as a summary chart to inform you and give an overall picture of the unique characteristics of each phase to help engage kids in this timely conversation. The map helps you see upcoming phases as well as phases they may have already traveled through.

The map is divided into sections by phase with specific strategies, questions, and words you can say to engage your kids in a meaningful, practical, age appropriate way.

The hope is that by identifying your child’s developmental needs, you can parent with more intentionality and confidence.

Bark app — parental controls that build trust (additional resource from video speaker, Matt McKee)

Bark monitors 30+ apps for signs of cyberbullying, depression, online predators, and more. Raising kids in a digital age isn't easy, but Bark can help you protect your child online.

Use the code CHURCH for 20% off for life.

Parent cue’s cell phone agreement

In this Cell Phone Agreement, we’ve put together some expectations for you and your kid to talk through—both for how/when they use their phone, and for how/when you use yours. And even if your kid has had a phone for a while, it’s never too late to talk about what a healthy relationship with their phone looks like. 

Parenting in a Tech World Book (additional resource from video speaker, Matt McKee)

Parenting in a Tech World addresses common tensions surrounding tech, and provides a valuable perspective on how technology can't be ignored, but must be taught to be used responsibly. We break down how to talk to kids about tech, and how to teach them boundaries on social media. With practical tips, real-world advice from fellow parents, and helpful exercises, we walk you through how to nurture a healthy relationship between your kid and technology by the time they leave your house.

Documentary: Childhood 2.0 (additional resource from video speaker, Matt McKee)

Childhood 2.0 is required viewing for anyone who wants to better understand the world their children are navigating as they grow up in the digital age. Featuring actual parents and kids as well as industry-leading experts in child safety and development, this documentary dives into the real-life issues facing kids today — including cyberbullying, online predators, suicidal ideation, and more.