The yellow school buses are rolling again. I passed my neighbors on the backroad waiting for the bus, their heads down, eyes fixed in the phone zone. Kelly* looked up to say hello, but her sister did not. Shyness has a way of hiding behind a screen—further hindering face-to-face interactions.
This hand-held device in the pocket controls so much of what we do. Most of us can’t imagine going back to mailing letters or a phone on a wall. But suppose you could slow this addictive device down, especially for first-time phone users, or even to correct a young teen who has abused privileges. What if you could take an old iPhone or a new one for that matter and turn it into a “dumb” phone? Did you know this is actually a feature Apple already has and intended for adults who want a simple phone?
This month our tech expert, Chris McKenna from Protect Young Eyes, will walk us through the process, step-by-step with pictures of turning an iPhone into a simple phone. So if you don’t want porn or apps or even colorful distraction, on your son or daughters phone click below. He will explain the steps. Even if you have an Android, you can set up a basic iPhone for your child. Chris still recommends a non-Apple kid phone as the first phone.
If you choose to set up a simple phone, be aware of the apps you choose to leave on the phone. For instance, I had no idea one can access porn through the Bible App. Is that crazy or what? Chris says it’s because there are hidden, in-app browsers in iPhones and iPads. Use only approved websites to stop this.
Referenced in the video are steps to the longer, in-depth version (the 1,2,3 below) of making a dumb phone, all for free. Be sure to pass this along to parents and friends in your circle.
- Initial Screen Time Set-Up
- Fine-Tuning Screen Time
- Making a Kid’s iPhone Less Addictive
There’s More Too
If you remember (those praying along with us) several months ago Chris was asking for prayer about his new book coming out. Well it’s out! I encourage you to order this gem, 5 Habits of The Tech-Ready Family. Congrats to Chris for crossing the finish line. Check it out for all the goodies it has to offer families to keep kids and parents in the know and tech savvy. Woot!
To Sign or Not to Sign
Moms for America® reminds parents they can opt their children out of activities that don’t fit with family values. They will send you information on the “how to” if you fill out a simple form with your name and email. This easy 2 page guide will help you know what you are signing. It covers who can interact with your child? What technology will your child use? What data is collected and shared concerning your child? Who can influence and where out of sight conversations can happen?
There’s a Back-to-school Access sheet featuring good questions to ask so you and your child can be better informed. This helps you be an knowledgeable and confident in how to proceed in relation to your child’s school. What if you have already signed and you now have changed your mind. I encourage you to contact your school and let them know you’d like to revisit that particular permission.
You also can sign a letter to opt your child out of sex education. This is your legal right. Here is an sentence taken from the letter.
My child is not to participate in any instruction, survey, screening, counseling, or activity related to human sexuality education, sexually transmitted diseases/infections, gender identity, or mental/behavioral health without my prior written consent.
You simply print out the letter, sign it, and turn it in to your school.
Moms for America ®
Parental Opt-Out Notice
These are excellent resources to use at the beginning of a new school year. Happy learning!
Prayer
Each day as children and teens donne the backpack to head off to school, we declare your host of angels will surround them. We call on the blood and the name of Jesus to protect our children. All darkness must flee.
God help our kids learn how to focus on what’s important, the one thing needful as Jesus tells Martha in Luke 10:42. For the eyes of children (and parents) to shift from worry and anxiety to choosing you, Jesus, “the good part.” Those who do not know you yet, we pray as they study, they will see you in math, science, biology, and in this world you have created. Let the truth of who you are bubble up within them to produce life.
We pray for teachers and administrators to make wise and timely choices that support the learning process. Help them to serve students well. We cancel any false narratives or agendas that seek to confuse or alter God’s direction for kids.
Bless homeschoolers and those choosing other routes to education. Keep family ties strong. Let moms and dads understand the importance of their role in their child’s education.
Let revival and reformation fall on these schools—all ages. Encounter students, staff and educators. Come Holy Spirit. Do what only you can do in this hour. Amen!
Decrees
This is the generation who seek the face of Jesus! He is their hero.
We declare this is a generation of strong oak trees, who will grow into their full stature, knowing their identity.
*not her real name