Raising Digital Natives: Helping Our Kids Thrive with Technology

Dr. Burns shares three simple, powerful ways parents can lead well in a digital age:

• Protect your tables – creating intentional space for connection and conversation
• Take back bedrooms – prioritizing sleep, safety, and shared spaces
• Steward your clocks – being intentional with the limited time you have with your kids

You’ll also hear encouragement rooted in faith, neuroscience, and real-life parenting, reminding us that this conversation is ultimately about connection—not control.

What You'll Learn

• What it means to raise digital natives (Gen Z and Gen Alpha)
• How technology impacts attention, memory, mental health, and identity formation
• Why boredom is actually good for kids’ brains and creativity
• How family meals and shared time build resilience, trust, and emotional health
• Why removing screens from bedrooms can dramatically improve sleep and emotional regulation
• The Nine-Minute Theory for increasing meaningful parent-child connection
• How faith, balance, and intentionality can guide families toward healthy technology habits

Resources Mentioned

• LifeGroup Talk Notes
• Romans 12:2 – Scripture referenced when discussing cultural habits vs. transformation
• Dr. Anne Fishel (Harvard Medical School) – The Benefit of Family Meal Time
• Brian McLaren – Author and theologian; Four Stages of Faith Development
  • Simplicity → Complexity → Perplexity → Harmony
• Axis.org – Life.Church partner focused on lifelong parent-child conversations
• Barna Group – Research on families, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha
• Life.Church Aligning Values – Referenced in closing encouragement
• Screen Time Suggestions:
  • Preschool (2–5):
    • Supervised iPad use OK, up to 1 hour/day.
    • Parent chooses QUALITY content; child doesn’t “drive” device.
    • Keep healthy developmental routines (sleep, outdoor play, undistracted parental connection).
  • Elementary (5–12):
    • Under 2 hours/day, PRIORITIZED AFTER schoolwork/family/chores.
    • Devices should be locked down as much as possible with parental controls.
    • No social media.
    • No devices in bedrooms; shared family spaces only. (Hard with iPads and Gaming)
  • Teens: 
    • Same guidelines for Adults!
    • Focus on Purpose, Benefits, and Balance.
    • Ask: “How much time do I want my kids to remember me on my phone?”
    • Model the same standards: < 2 hours/day, no bedroom screens.

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