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:
- Roblox will now require AI face scanning to estimate age (NY Times). We want kids to have a safer experience. But at what cost to privacy? Third parties that age-verify have been hacked (e.g., Discord). Our take? Maybe we should delete Roblox, instead. But if you allow it, turn off chat (here's how), and be very involved.
- Snapchat is now on Kindle Fire tablets. First, Snap expanded to iPads, and now it's on Kindles. Our take? As holiday time approaches, it's time to ensure your devices are ready with our 5 Layers of Protection.
- House Republicans are pushing an AI moratorium (NBC). Also supported by President Trump, this would nullify state-level bills and destroy efforts to protect children from AI harms. Our take? Many of you responded to our call to action. Thank you! (Our IG post).
- Damning evidence - Meta is (still) lying about child harms (Time). When safety features were suggested, "they were repeatedly blocked by executives who feared that new safety features would hamper teen engagement or user growth." This, according to documents unsealed in court last week. Our take? No one is surprised. It's a company that has repeatedly disregarded the concerns of all of us.
- Algorithms are aware of our kids' ages (ScienceDirect). But companies use the data to exploit rather than protect. This data could be used to remove underage users without compromising their privacy. Our take? Be very careful with YouTube. Be ridiculously involved in what your kids watch if you allow it. Our Ultimate YouTube Guide can help lock it down.
- Australia is now removing all kids under 16 from social media (BBC). Fully enforceable by Dec. 10, platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, and YouTube have started removing child accounts. Malaysia just announced it's going to do the same. Our take? Parents, let's stand firm and make #delayistheway the norm! From pledges to pacts to our Manifesto, collective action works!
- Don't give kids any AI companions (Haidt). "AI chatbots and companions are the next uncontrolled mass experiment that Silicon Valley wants to perform on the world’s children." Our take? We must not underestimate the power of these technologies. Social media caught their attention. AI is coming for their affection, as explained in our deep dive.
What PYE is up to:
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7,100 Students Heard Our Message!
​Azle Public Schools (TX) invited us to speak to all students, K-12. Isaac delivered 26 (!) talks over 4 days, while I spoke with parent groups. High school students invited Isaac to their drama performance! An amazing display of commitment from the Azle Community.
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Preach on Sextortion.
In October, I delivered a message to business and ministry leaders titled In the Case of Sextortion. I had 9 minutes to let them know that they might be part of the problem.
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Collective Action at Lee Scott Academy!
Hundreds of parents gathered to learn our 5 Habits of a Tech-Ready Home, prepare their kids for digital spaces, and create layers of protection. What a powerful night of food, fellowship, and families coming together!
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Upcoming speaking:
(PYE Master Calendar)
- Jan. 9, Faith Church Moms (virtual)
- Jan. 12-13, St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church (MI)
- Jan. 14-15, Jackson Catholic Schools (MI)
- Jan. 19, Detroit Regional Lutheran Educators (PD session)
- Jan. 20-21, Turning Point Christian Academy (FL)
- Jan. 26, Hope Unexpected (MI)
- Jan. 27, Maranatha High School (CA)
​Email Michele to bring us to your community! These Facebook and Instagram posts explain our new talk titles! Updated with the latest AI news and tips for parents.
A note from Chris:
This one is a little longer than usual. However, it's legislative season again, so it's once again time to work on good policy. Whenever I talk about "passing legislation," I receive comments like:
- But Chris, parents should protect their kids, not laws.
- But Chris, keep the government out of our lives.
These are good comments! And I agree with both.
Friends, let me be clear. I’m a God-fearing family man who loves his freedom. I don’t trust the government with my kids, and I believe parents ARE the ones most responsible for their children’s care and protection.
But not all children have caring, informed, involved parents. And even the best of us can’t fully mitigate the digital risks our kids face today.
So yes, I believe some laws are needed to prevent infrequent harms to our privileged children and far more frequent harms to vulnerable children. Responsible laws that balance privacy, freedom, and protection.
I don’t want more government. I do want companies held accountable when they create digital environments that exploit instead of protect; when they allow child sexual abuse content to spread; when they refuse to build systems that identify, report, and disrupt it; and to pay a harsh penalty when they don’t. The technology exists. Silicon Valley just doesn’t like being told what to do.
Any society that does not protect its children, both the privileged and the vulnerable, has lost its way. The last major U.S. federal law that significantly protects kids online was passed over 25 years ago. That's inexcusable.
I have an intense energy for the safety and protection of children. I’ll use it to fight for a few laws that strike a balance between privacy, freedom, and protection. I carry this responsibility with great care for my family and for yours.
In the United States, this week we celebrate Thanksgiving (and, hopefully, a Lions victory!). We're hosting my family on Thursday, and I can't wait to be with them. Wherever you are, I want you to know that I often think about all of you and your families, and I'm deeply thankful for your comments and support.
Parenting with you,
​Chris & PYE​
#delayistheway
P.S. School and ministry leaders - a new feature! If you want to share this newsletter with your parents, please share this direct link.
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