The PYE Download: May 15, 2026

Hello! Every few weeks, we share the latest digital news that impacts your family, update you on what the Protect Young Eyes team is up to, and end with a quick note from Chris.

We hope our research helps you feel informed and confident, and that our work with schools, churches, and non-profits is motivating.

Thank you for reading this!

The latest news:

• 😠 Instagram rolled out a Snapchat-like feature to everyone. It's not really Snapchat, but it feels like it. Instants are a repackaged version of disappearing photos in your direct messages. Our take? You can turn them off! Our post shows you how. I want to ask IG why parents can't lock out this feature.
• 😬 A college commencement speaker was booed when she mentioned AI (People). A fascinating video. She clearly didn't know her audience. College students aren't feeling the benefits. Our take? AI has been shoved down our throats. We've been given a faulty product that's harming kids, causes cognitive atrophy (MIT), and stole everyone's information without permission. It warrants a recall!
• "AI Has No Soul" (USA Today). Pope Leo is expected to issue a treatise today addressing the inherent differences between humans and machines. Our take? My biblical worldview forms my belief that we are created differently, in the Imago Dei. No machine can stand in awe and wonder of God.
• 🔥 Spotify now allows you to remove music videos! In a recent update, Spotify added toggles to remove video content from music. This Reel shows you how! Our take? Most parents don't realize that Spotify is like YouTube and social media combined. And there's explicit content.
• Canvas (for schools) was hacked (WaPo). Hackers compromised student data at over 9,000 schools, exposing huge data protection flaws in education. Our take? Not only is EdTech bad for learning outcomes, but it's ruining lives through data breaches. It's time to roll much of it back.
• 👊🏼 Minnesota is the first state to criminalize deepfake tech (FB). Starting August 1, nudification apps and websites won’t be allowed to operate in Minnesota! This means apps like GrokAI, websites like Movely, and "undress" sites will be subject to penalties. Our take? More of this, please! See my thoughts about deepfakes below.

What PYE is up to:

My audiobook is now ready, too! "Locked in a room, talking to myself for two days." At least that's what my daughter said I was doing! My debut book is ready! It even peaked at #38 OVERALL on Amazon, after an amazing conversation with Pastor Jack Hibbs. Please order and share!

Equipping at Calvary Chapel Chino Hills. In a far-ranging conversation, Pastor Jack Hibbs and I covered 764, child development, brain science, the recent social media trial, and what parents can do to protect their kids from online harm. Watch the Conversation

Supporting families harmed by deepfakes. A group of courageous moms and brave teen survivors organized a powerful gathering of leaders in Pennsylvania to raise awareness of the harm caused by face swap and deepfake AI technology. We're so thankful for Gov. Shapiro's support.

Sharing best practices with educators. In 2026, schools from California to Missouri to Central America have learned our 6 tech standards. Does your school need updated AI policies? We can help! It's time to roll back EdTech in learning! Inquire About Our Work

Upcoming speaking:

(PYE Master Calendar)

• May 19, Fruitport Community, MI (parents)
• May 19, Engedi Church, MI (parents)
• May 20, Academia Británica, El Salvador (parents)
• May 26, Academia Británica, El Salvador (parents)
• June 6, Young Presidents Org, IL (parents, students)
• June 8, Bayaan Academy, FL (students)

​Email Michele to bring us to your community! We just created a new talk for senior citizens about online scams and AI.

A note from Chris:

Last week, I spoke at a deepfakes awareness event in Pennsylvania. Courageous moms (Audrey, Morgan, and others) organized a critical conversation that included the DOJ, FBI, clinicians, Thorn, AG Dave Sunday, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, Heat Initiative, and the Office of Governor Josh Shapiro.

Two brave teen girls also shared their victim testimonies.

• Images of time with friends, fun, and from yearbooks were converted into their worst nightmare. Those memories feel stolen.
• One abandoned sports and dance because of discomfort with her body.
• Forever nervous to go to school.
• Forever wondering who has seen.

🔵 PARENTS:

1. Over 94% of deepfake cases are boys sharing images of girls. Say ridiculously direct things to your sons about this crime BEFORE you need to. Remind them that sharing deepfakes of classmates is sexual abuse. Not that boys can’t be victims, but let’s start with the most significant chunk.
2. Block all nighttime internet use.
3. Block the app stores. Minimally, enable “ask to buy.” (Here's how)
4. Avoid the toxic trio: bedrooms, boredom, and darkness (+ tech)
5. Believe your daughter when she tells you something happened. She must be able to land safely and softly with you.

🔵 SCHOOLS:

1. Digital Discipleship (faith-based) or Citizenship (secular) is a core subject. Please prioritize it.
2. Do you have policies that address this situation? Even outside of school hours, this is a Title IX issue.
3. Is leadership trained on how to respond with a victim-centered approach?

🔵 GOVERNMENTS:

1. Follow Minnesota's lead and please penalize this technology.

Parents: schools and governments move slowly, so we must own what we can control. We need support from all layers in society, but it starts with us! We're here to help if you're stuck.

Parenting with you,
​Chris & PYE​
#delayistheway

P.S. School and ministry leaders! If you want to share this newsletter with your parents, please share this direct link.

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