Technology and Teens: Setting Boundaries in a Digital Age

🎧 Welcome, listeners! In this insightful episode of “Warfare Parenting: Faith-driven strategies for struggling parents of teens and adult children,” host Laine Lawson Craft sits down with Leslie Nunnery to tackle the pressing issues of technology, social media, and how parents can set healthy boundaries in a digital world.

🌐 Resources and Links Mentioned

  • Pick up “Faith That Sticks: Five Real-Life Ways to Disciple Your Preteen Today” by Leslie Nunnery & Tricia Goyer wherever books are sold.
  • Visit Laine’s website: lanelawsoncraft.com for free resources and the first 10 days of her new book, Warfare Parenting, at no cost.

Leslie Nunnery

Leslie Nunnery is a passionate advocate for intentional, biblically grounded parenting. As co-founder of Teach Them Diligently and co-author of “Faith That Sticks: Five Real-Life Ways to Disciple Your Preteen Today,” Leslie has inspired countless families to embrace discipleship at home. A mother of four and now a proud grandmother, Leslie’s real-life experience, combined with deep scriptural insight, enables her to encourage parents to grow strong, faith-filled relationships with their children. Whether addressing everyday struggles or big technology challenges, Leslie equips parents to foster faith that lasts a lifetime and helps families build resilience, hope, and strong connections in today’s constantly evolving world.

📌 Key Talking Points

  • Understanding the rapid brain development and emotional changes in preteens and teens (and how it impacts tech use)
  • The overwhelming influx of digital content and the importance of parental engagement—not avoidance
  • Practical boundaries for social media, phone/computer usage, and modeling intentional habits
  • Helping kids develop self-regulation and providing “ways of escape” from harmful situations online
  • Starting digital safety conversations early—even “as soon as they’re out of your sight”
  • Using positive family time to offset digital distractions
  • The power of explainable rules—helping kids understand the “why” behind tech boundaries
  • Modeling healthy technology habits as parents (phones off during meals, being present, etc.)
  • Building strong relationships through conversation, service, and shared activities—offline!
  • Embracing mistakes, apologizing, and starting fresh in your parenting journey

⏱️ Detailed Time Stamps

00:00 - Intro: Transformations in preteens & parental influence
02:14 - Meet Leslie Nunnery and her parenting journey
04:39 - What parents need to know about preteen brain development
06:18 - The impact of digital content & social media on today’s kids
09:39 - Strategies for setting healthy, effective digital boundaries
13:11 - When and how to start preparing kids for the digital world
15:13 - Practical steps for managing anger & big emotions in preteens
18:05 - The five pillars of faith that sticks: Prayer, Bible, Conversation, Service, Relationships
20:49 - Making scripture relevant & actionable for preteens
22:55 - The difference between hearing and truly listening
25:12 - Modeling intentional tech habits as a family
28:43 - Serving together: Family activities away from screens
30:37 - Navigating concerning friendships and building discernment
32:19 - Encouragement for parents who feel they’ve missed the mark
34:17 - Final encouragements and closing insights
36:06 - Resources and how to connect further

📝 Conclusion

Leslie Nunnery reminds us that technology doesn’t have to rule our homes; with faith, relationship, and intentional boundaries, parents can guide their children to navigate the digital age with wisdom. Show up authentically, model the behaviors you wish to see, and remember—every fresh start counts.

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For more resources, visit lanelawsoncraft.com. Subscribe and leave a review if you found this episode helpful!