In this episode, we explore the critical issue of guiding your kids to become thoughtful, self-aware individuals in the age of social media. Join Scott Schimmel, President and Chief Guide of The YouSchool, as he shares insights and practical advice on how to help your children navigate the digital world wisely.

Key Takeaways:

- Is keeping your kids away from social media the answer?
- The real impact of social media on both adults and children.
- Personal story: How a dream vacation led to an eye-opening realization about FOMO.
- The hidden threats of social media on kids' identity formation.
- Practical steps to cultivate critical thinking and conscious living in your children.
- Introduction to our Tech Healthy Parenting course.

Timestamps:
00:03 - Is keeping kids off social media the answer?
01:00 - Introduction to guiding kids through social media.
02:00 - The distraction and distortion caused by social media.
03:00 - Personal story: Experiencing FOMO on a dream vacation.
04:30 - The impact of social media on adults vs. children.
05:30 - The existential threat of social media's hidden messages.
06:30 - Practical steps for parents to help kids navigate social media.
07:30 - Introduction to the Tech Healthy Parenting course.

Resources Mentioned:

Tech Healthy Parenting Course
Jonathan Haidt's Research
Jean Twenge's Insights

Connect with Us:

Visit our website: theyouschool.com
Follow us on Instagram: @TheYouSchool
Like us on Facebook: The YouSchool

About Scott Schimmel:
Scott Schimmel is the President and Chief Guide of The YouSchool. With over two decades of experience guiding young adults into intentional, conscious living, Scott shares his expertise on helping parents and children navigate the complexities of the modern world.

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Transcript Highlights:

Scott Schimmel (00:03.06): Is keeping your kids away from social media the answer? Absolutely for a while, but eventually they're going to have to operate in this world. The whole point of parenting is to guide your kids to become critical thinkers as they participate in the world through social media so that they're not distracted and their life isn't distorted by the messages that are coming through.

Scott Schimmel (02:00): Advertisers have used scare tactics and scarcity to sell throughout time, and it's really no different in social media. I’m a grown man, and yet I am so distracted by the messages that come through media, particularly social media.

Scott Schimmel (03:00): I remember being in Maui, the absolute vacation of our dreams for my wife and I. One day, I scrolled through social media and saw another family on a trip in Zion National Park. Suddenly, I felt bad that we weren't there instead, even though I was in my favorite place in the world.

Scott Schimmel (04:30): If I, with my achievements and stability, can feel worse because of social media, how much more will this happen to a kid who hasn't formed a life yet?

Scott Schimmel (06:30): Eventually, your kids will have access to social media. The key question is whether they will be mindful and self-aware, able to think critically, or if they will be victims of the false messages telling them they're not enough.

Scott Schimmel (07:30): At The YouSchool, we've designed the Tech Healthy Parenting course to help parents navigate these issues. By consuming media with your kids and discussing the underlying messages, you can guide them to be thoughtful and wise.

Remember to check out our Tech Healthy Parenting course to help you and your kids navigate the digital world effectively!