How old should my child be to experience the Internal Filter™ Workshop?
The current Workshop is geared for young people ages 12 and up. Use it as powerful training for your child before granting them their first phone, or use it to strengthen the internal filter of a child who already has one!
I already have a filter and parental monitoring software in place. Why would my family benefit from the Internal Filter™ Workshop experience?
We believe in the importance of digital filtering. However, to rely solely upon digital protections and barriers to keep bad things at bay assumes that the young person will never step into a “non-filtered” web environment.
Young people in possession of a robust internal filter™ understand the “why” behind disciplined tech use. They learn to reject the takeover of their lives by screens… and relegate those screens to what they are meant to be: tools. They still text and post and “tweet”… but they also live fully and contentedly outside of the digital world. They understand the great good that can be accomplished with tech. They do so, not because they are forced or coerced… but because they choose this kind of a life for their own happiness. This is the way that we prepare our children to thrive in the digital age.
With an emphasis on strengthening the Internal Filter™ of young people, does that mean that Family Tech University does NOT advocate for parental rules or digital filters?
Absolutely not. The Family Tech University platform advocates for a “Driver’s Ed” approach to teaching young people to be wise with tech; thorough and organized learning, coupled with the gradual granting of digital privileges. The Workshop offers a unique focus: that of strengthening the child's beliefs and life vision, providing the ultimate preparation for an unfiltered world.
Digital filters and monitoring are essential... but consider them the "training wheels" of your child's tech use learning!
Is the Internal Filter™ Workshop just for young people?
Healthy tech use is a family affair! No young person is an island. As your child’s most powerful mentor, we can arm you with the knowledge and skills to parent tech with wisdom and fearlessness through our free Powerful Tech Parenting Video Series. And, while the Workshop is designed with the young person in mind, many adults have benefited from experiencing it alongside their children.
The truth is that the tech behaviors of parents may be the single most powerful teacher of all. Ready to be brave? As your family engages with the Internal Filter™ Workshop, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the optional “Look in the Mirror” Module for parents. You'll have the chance to scrutinize your own tech behavior… as observed by your child. The thrilling possibility is that even subtle adjustments in a parent’s tech behavior can yield huge benefits to their children down the road! This is the essence of truly heroic tech parenting.
My child already seems to be addicted to her cell phone. Will the Internal Filter™ Workshop help her? Am I too late?
It is never too late to internalize smart tech use! And, while we strongly advocate for the Workshop as a preemptive approach to a young person’s access to smartphones and other technologies, the Workshop is a powerful experience for young people of all levels of screen access. There is always hope for individual progress and improvement.
It should be noted that we do not operate in the realm of addiction recovery. If you suspect that your child does demonstrate some kind of true addiction, we recommend competent professional help from a licensed professional with expertise in addiction.
I’m a grandparent. Is the Internal Filter™ Workshop applicable to me?
Absolutely! The unconditional love and wisdom of grandparents position them as some of the most potent mentors in the process of helping young people become brilliant, balanced tech users.
All of the resources available in our free “Powerful Tech Parenting Video Series” are potent helps for the concerned grandparent. Looking for a gift that will yield life-long benefits to a family that you love? Consider gifting the Workshop.
How old should my child be to experience the Internal Filter™ Workshop?
The current Workshop is geared for young people ages 12 and up. Use it as powerful training for your child before granting them their first phone, or use it to strengthen the internal filter of a child who already has one!
I already have a filter and parental monitoring software in place. Why would my family benefit from the Internal Filter™ Workshop experience?
We believe in the importance of digital filtering. However, to rely solely upon digital protections and barriers to keep bad things at bay assumes that the young person will never step into a “non-filtered” web environment.
Young people in possession of a robust internal filter™ understand the “why” behind disciplined tech use. They learn to reject the takeover of their lives by screens… and relegate those screens to what they are meant to be: tools. They still text and post and “tweet”… but they also live fully and contentedly outside of the digital world. They understand the great good that can be accomplished with tech. They do so, not because they are forced or coerced… but because they choose this kind of a life for their own happiness. This is the way that we prepare our children to thrive in the digital age.
With an emphasis on strengthening the Internal Filter™ of young people, does that mean that Family Tech University does NOT advocate for parental rules or digital filters?
Absolutely not. The Family Tech University platform advocates for a “Driver’s Ed” approach to teaching young people to be wise with tech; thorough and organized learning, coupled with the gradual granting of digital privileges. The Workshop offers a unique focus: that of strengthening the child's beliefs and life vision, providing the ultimate preparation for an unfiltered world.
Digital filters and monitoring are essential... but consider them the "training wheels" of your child's tech use learning!
Is the Internal Filter™ Workshop just for young people?
Healthy tech use is a family affair! No young person is an island. As your child’s most powerful mentor, we can arm you with the knowledge and skills to parent tech with wisdom and fearlessness through our free Powerful Tech Parenting Video Series. And, while the Workshop is designed with the young person in mind, many adults have benefited from experiencing the Internal Filter™ Workshop themselves.
The painful truth is that the tech behaviors of parents may be the single most powerful teacher of all. Ready to be brave? As your family engages with the Workshop, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the optional “Look in the Mirror” Module for parents. You'll have the chance to scrutinize your own tech behavior… as observed by your child. The thrilling possibility is that even subtle adjustments in a parent’s tech behavior can yield huge benefits to their children down the road! This is the essence of truly heroic tech parenting.
My child already seems to be addicted to her cell phone. Will the Internal Filter™ Workshop help her? Am I too late?
It is never too late to internalize smart tech use! And, while we strongly advocate for the Workshop as a preemptive approach to a young person’s access to smartphones and other technologies, the Workshop is a powerful experience for young people of all levels of screen access. There is always hope for individual progress and improvement.
It should be noted that we do not operate in the realm of addiction recovery. If you suspect that your child does demonstrate some kind of true addiction, we recommend competent professional help from a licensed professional with expertise in addiction.
I’m a grandparent. Is Internal Filter™ Workshop applicable to me?
Absolutely! The unconditional love and wisdom of grandparents position them as some of the most potent mentors in the process of helping young people become brilliant, balanced tech users.
All of the resources available in our free “Powerful Tech Parenting Video Series” are potent helps for the concerned grandparent. Looking for a gift that will yield life-long benefits to a family that you love? Consider gifting the Internal Filter™ Workshop.
How exactly does the Internal Filter™ Workshop work?
Purchase of a 6 month subscription grants access to a "seat" for one family member in the Internal Filter™ Workshop.
Additional seats can be purchased at a reduced price to enable multiple family members to experience the Workshop. This reduced price will be available at any time to families who have already purchased the original 6 month subscription, even if the subscription has expired.
For example! If you have 3 children, you can purchase the Workshop for the oldest child with the assurance that each of your younger children can also experience the Workshop when you see fit, at a greatly reduced cost. For pricing specifics, click here.
The Workshop is a powerful, thorough, go-at-your-own pace, online experience. Your child will experience 8 Modules organized by topic. For a summary of topics and sources included in the Workshop, click here.
As your child progresses through the Workshop, you will be notified via email each time a Module is completed. This email will provide a summary list of any parent-child “chats” that should happen in connection with that Module, as well as a recap of all journaling that they have entered. This is one of the most powerful aspects of the Workshop, providing a means for parents to be intimately involved in the Workshop experience!
What topics are covered by each Workshop Module?
Module 1: Orientation
A “bird’s eye” view on why our choices with tech matter in the grand scheme of life. Includes ideas on how tech can help or hurt the amazing and infinitely tangible experience of REAL LIFE.
Module 2: Tech is AWESOME!
Tech is good! Includes an introduction to email, wise-web surfing principles, and a tour of fabulous sites for young people on the web.
Module 3: Social Media Savvy
Includes surprising video content on how massive tech companies are vying for our long-term attention, and the alarming effects of excessive social media use on mental health and body image. Strong emphasis on the GOOD that we can do with social media!
Module 4: Taming Gaming
Includes warnings on the time-sapping, brain-numbing effects of excessive gaming, and a forum for honest self-assessment of the young person's own gaming habits.
Module 5: Pornography
Includes excellent content from the “Fight the New Drug” movement on the addictive effects of pornography. Prompts discussions with a parent about real love and healthy sexuality. Includes messages of hope through Jesus Christ for young people already struggling with the effects of pornography consumption.
Module 6: Cell Phones 101
Includes materials on cell phone etiquette, stark warnings about texting while driving, and the trends of sexting and sextortion. Also includes a sample cell phone contract to help parents communicate smartphone ownership expectations.
Module 7: Be Still
Includes materials on the value of stillness and meditation in life, and an invitation for the young person to create their own “Be Still Experience.”
Module 8: Story of My Life
The pinnacle experience of the Workshop, during which the young person voice or video-records their most deeply held hopes and dreams for the future regarding their high school experience, marriage, family, career, and who they really want to become. A permanent and potent reminder that today’s choices with tech translate into tomorrow’s reality.
What is the learning pattern behind the Internal Filter™ Workshop?
Each Module follows this pattern of learning:
First, your child will consume strong and convincing materials, curated from online sources. These materials include videos, articles, news stories, online quizzes, scripture, research studies, and spiritual messages all organized by Module Topic.
Second, your child will be invited to further digest these materials through various means, including the pondering of thought-provoking questions, the observation of how technology impacts real people around them, and trying out or practicing various good practices related to technology use. Their opinions will be strengthened through journal writing, and the all-important “chats” with a parent.
A simple process, right? But the result of this process is that the young person begins to form a personal opinion… and when personal opinions are formed, practiced and expressed…truth is being internalized! This “owned truth” becomes part of them, and serves to strengthen the all-powerful internal filter™; their best protection.
What is the nature of the spiritual content of the Internal Filter™ Workshop?
Alongside convincing scientific materials, the Workshop also contains powerful elements of spiritual content highlighting the strength and help that comes through the power and grace of Jesus Christ.
Teachings on the purposes of life and the importance of our relationships with other human beings as taught by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are strong elements of the Workshop experience.
In addition, the Workshop includes writings and materials from people of other backgrounds and faiths (Pope Francis, Deepak Chopra, etc) as well as truths presented by those who may not express any religious convictions (60 Minutes, Fight the New Drug, etc).
We are great admirers of people of many varied religions and backgrounds.
How long will it take for my child to navigate the Internal Filter™ Workshop?
The Workshop is a go-at-your-own pace online experience navigated by the young person, and supported by a parent or other mentor. Because of this, the pace at which it is completed can vary.
If a teen spends around 30 minutes a day on the Workshop experience, they will probably finish the course within 2 to 3 weeks. However, the learning and practicing of these life-changing principles takes time, and a more lengthened approach is also beautifully effective!
Does this mean the parent is sitting at the computer with their child for weeks on end? Absolutely not! This is the young person's learning experience. If you can make yourself available for workshop-prompted chats... listening to that beautiful child of yours... we've done the rest of the work for you!
What is MY role as a parent in the Internal Filter™ Workshop experience?
Feel like you CANNOT take on one more thing? Never fear! This wisdom is your child's responsibility to gain... with you as their support. If you can make yourself available for priceless "chats," as prompted by the Workshop, the rest of the work has been done for you. Your primary responsibility? Listening. Gone are the days of excessive micromanaging, and lecturing.
Once you have purchased your membership to the Workshop, you’ll have full parental access to its content, enabling you to review any portion of it at any time throughout your membership. You will also have access to valuable resources via the Parent Portal.
How exactly does the Internal Filter™ Workshop work?
Purchase of a 6 month subscription grants access to a "seat" for one family member in the Internal Filter™ Workshop.
Additional seats can be purchased at a reduced price to enable multiple family members to experience the Workshop. This reduced price will be available at any time to families who have already purchased the original 6 month subscription, even if the subscription has expired.
For example! If you have 3 children, you can purchase the Workshop for the oldest child with the assurance that each of your younger children can also experience the Workshop when you see fit, at a greatly reduced cost. For pricing specifics, click here.
The Workshop is a powerful, thorough, go-at-your-own pace, online experience. Your child will experience 8 Modules organized by topic. For a summary of topics and sources included in the Workshop, click here.
As your child progresses through the Workshop, you will be notified via email each time a Module is completed. This email will provide a summary list of any parent-child “chats” that should happen in connection with that Module, as well as a recap of all journaling that they have entered. This is one of the most powerful aspects of the Workshop, providing a means for parents to be intimately involved in the Workshop experience!
What topics are covered by each Workshop Module?
Module 1: Orientation
A “bird’s eye” view on why our choices with tech matter in the grand scheme of life. Includes ideas on how tech can help or hurt the amazing and infinitely tangible experience of REAL LIFE.
Module 2: Tech is AWESOME!
Tech is good! Includes an introduction to email, wise-web surfing principles, and a tour of fabulous sites for young people on the web.
Module 3: Social Media Savvy
Includes surprising video content on how massive tech companies are vying for our long-term attention, and the alarming effects of excessive social media use on mental health and body image. Strong emphasis on the GOOD that we can do with social media!
Module 4: Taming Gaming
Includes warnings on the time-sapping, brain-numbing effects of excessive gaming, and a forum for honest self-assessment of the young person's own gaming habits.
Module 5: Pornography
Includes excellent content from the “Fight the New Drug” movement on the addictive effects of pornography. Prompts discussions with a parent about real love and healthy sexuality. Includes messages of hope through Jesus Christ for young people already struggling with the effects of pornography consumption.
Module 6: Cell Phones 101
Includes materials on cell phone etiquette, stark warnings about texting while driving, and the trends of sexting and sextortion. Also includes a sample cell phone contract to help parents communicate smartphone ownership expectations.
Module 7: Be Still
Includes materials on the value of stillness and meditation in life, and an invitation for the young person to create their own “Be Still Experience.”
Module 8: Story of My Life
The pinnacle experience of the Workshop, during which the young person voice or video-records their most deeply held hopes and dreams for the future regarding their high school experience, marriage, family, career, and who they really want to become. A permanent and potent reminder that today’s choices with tech translate into tomorrow’s reality.
What is the learning pattern behind the Internal Filter™ Workshop?
Each Module follows this pattern of learning:
First, your child will consume strong and convincing materials, curated from online sources. These materials include videos, articles, news stories, online quizzes, scripture, research studies, and spiritual messages all organized by Module Topic.
Second, your child will be invited to further digest these materials through various means, including the pondering of thought-provoking questions, the observation of how technology impacts real people around them, and trying out or practicing various good practices related to technology use. Their opinions will be strengthened through journal writing, and the all-important “chats” with a parent.
A simple process, right? But the result of this process is that the young person begins to form a personal opinion… and when personal opinions are formed, practiced and expressed…truth is being internalized! This “owned truth” becomes part of them, and serves to strengthen the all-powerful internal filter™; their best protection.
What is the nature of the spiritual content of the Internal Filter™ Workshop?
Alongside convincing scientific materials, the Workshop also contains powerful elements of spiritual content highlighting the strength and help that comes through the power and grace of Jesus Christ.
Teachings on the purposes of life and the importance of our relationships with other human beings as taught by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are strong elements of the Workshop experience.
In addition, the Workshop includes writings and materials from people of other backgrounds and faiths (Pope Francis, Deepak Chopra, etc) as well as truths presented by those who may not express any religious convictions (60 Minutes, Fight the New Drug, etc).
We are great admirers of people of many varied religions and backgrounds.
How long will it take for my child to navigate the Internal Filter™ Workshop?
The Workshop is a go-at-your-own pace online experience navigated by the young person, and supported by a parent or other mentor. Because of this, the pace at which it is completed can vary.
If a teen spends around 30 minutes a day on the Workshop experience, they will probably finish the course within 2 to 3 weeks. However, the learning and practicing of these life-changing principles takes time, and a more lengthened approach is also beautifully effective!
Does this mean the parent is sitting at the computer with their child for weeks on end? Absolutely not! This is the young person's learning experience. If you can make yourself available for workshop-prompted chats... listening to that beautiful child of yours... we've done the rest of the work for you!
What is MY role as a parent in the Internal Filter™ Workshop experience?
Feel like you CANNOT take on one more thing? Never fear! This wisdom is your child's responsibility to gain... with you as their support. If you can make yourself available for priceless "chats," as prompted by the Workshop, the rest of the work has been done for you. Your primary responsibility? Listening. Gone are the days of excessive micromanaging, and lecturing.
Once you have purchased your membership to the Workshop, you’ll have full parental access to its content, enabling you to review any portion of it at any time throughout your membership. You will also have access to valuable resources via the Parent Portal.
What if my child refuses to participate in the Internal Filter™ Workshop?
Even the prickliest of teens might be surprised by the thought-provoking materials that have been curated for the Workshop! Designed to appeal to a young audience, the Workshop synergizes engaging video, spiritual inspiration, fascinating articles, and eye-opening scientific data on the impact of inappropriate tech use on feelings of well-being.
Naturally, parents can substantially “up their game” in the tech parenting department with our free Powerful Tech Parenting Video Series, regardless of a lack of willingness on the part of their child. This aside, parents should view the Workshop as a sort of “Driver’s Ed for the Smartphone.” Would a wise parent even think of handing over the car keys to a young person who refuses to participate in Driver’s Ed? Not likely. Parents with foresight will hold firmly to the idea that young people need to put in some study and skill-building before owning a smartphone. Not willing to develop the maturity and skills to handle a smartphone? Then, no smartphone. In our family and in many others, the Workshop has served beautifully as a prerequisite to cell phone ownership.
This confident stance demonstrates the BEST kind of parental love. This is not a tug-of-war or a fight. This is rock-star, confident parenting… moving beyond “protection from horrible things” to helping your magnificent child really become someone who can choose goodness. Remember, you are nurturing the internal filter™ of your child… their best protection.
What if my child doesn’t seem to internalize as much as I hoped he would, or say what I want him to say during our “chats” over his Internal Filter™ Workshop experiences?
You are your child’s best mentor during this transformative experience! Resist the urge to pour out your own opinions. Sit back and encourage the learning process. Ask questions, not as an interrogator trying to get them to regurgitate what you want them to say, but as one who respects and believes in that child’s tremendous capacity to embrace truth and choose to live it.
When they really do express their ideas? Validate them. Learn from them. Praise their introspection. And above all? Listen, listen, LISTEN.
This experience is not an exercise in coercion or forced learning. It is an opportunity for a wise parent to encourage a magnificent young person to seek and own true principles. When a person is allowed to freely express their own thoughts and opinions on truth… it becomes theirs. They own it. And personally embraced truth is the single most powerful force in shaping behavior.
If at first you get one-word “grunts” during chats with your child, take heart: they are probably absorbing more than you think they are!
Does the Internal Filter™ Workshop come with a guarantee that my child won’t ever struggle with technology-related problems?
Unfortunately not! Can they choose to make poor choices? Can they choose to set aside the things they have learned? Absolutely. But as parents, it is our opportunity to give them their best shot at good choices by providing inspiring, thorough, unapologetic training.
What is the right age for my child to have a smartphone?
In our experience, caution (not fear!) and organized teaching are crucial. Have you ever met a parent who wished they had granted their child full access to a smartphone earlier?
The organized and thorough approach of the Workshop gives you a clearer sense for where a young person stands on issues surrounding tech. Listen closely during your "chats"... what is your child's posture toward the things they are learning? These observations will help guide your decision as to when your child will be ready for full smartphone access. In our experience, later is better in the granting of web-enabled devices.
We are huge fans of the “talk/text-only phone first” approach. This can serve as a sensible beginning to the responsibility of owning a communication device. With texting capacities, these phones can give you a peek at just how impactful phone-ownership might be for your child, and gradually ease the young person into browser-enabled smartphone ownership when you see fit. Our favorite first phone: Gabb Wireless. (10% off code: TECHU)
In our own family, talk/text-only phone ownership came first just before the high school years, with browser-equipped smartphone ownership coming when our children were well into their high school years. Among other things, we feel that this gives the child time to develop a strong sense of identity before social media dictates that identity for them.
If you are thinking about granting full smartphone ownership to your child, here are some things to consider:
How aware is your child of the potential for pornography to endanger future relationships and happiness?
Does your child value face-to-face interaction enough to put tech away and have real interactions with friends or family?
Does your child demonstrate the capacity to function happily most of the time without a phone nearby?
Does he/she have an appreciation for the value of “stillness” and “being present?... enough to make room for it in a tech-saturated world?
The Internal Filter™ Workshop experience provides exposure to these ideas in appealing and hands-on ways. Experience the Workshop with your child. Get a sense for where your child stands on important matters. Then, trust your gut. You’ve got this!
What if my child refuses to participate in the Internal Filter™ Workshop?
Even the prickliest of teens might be surprised by the thought-provoking materials that have been curated for the Workshop! Designed to appeal to a young audience, the Workshop synergizes engaging video, spiritual inspiration, fascinating articles, and eye-opening scientific data on the impact of inappropriate tech use on feelings of well-being.
Naturally, parents can substantially “up their game” in the tech parenting department with our free Powerful Tech Parenting Video Series, regardless of a lack of willingness on the part of their child. This aside, parents should view the Workshop as a sort of “Driver’s Ed for the Smartphone.” Would a wise parent even think of handing over the car keys to a young person who refuses to participate in Driver’s Ed? Not likely. Parents with foresight will hold firmly to the idea that young people need to put in some study and skill-building before owning a smartphone. Not willing to develop the maturity and skills to handle a smartphone? Then, no smartphone. In our family and in many others, the Workshop has served beautifully as a prerequisite to cell phone ownership.
This confident stance demonstrates the BEST kind of parental love. This is not a tug-of-war or a fight. This is rock-star, confident parenting… moving beyond “protection from horrible things” to helping your magnificent child really become someone who can choose goodness. Remember, you are nurturing the internal filter™ of your child… their best protection.
What if my child doesn’t seem to internalize as much as I hoped he would, or say what I want him to say during our “chats” over his Internal Filter™ Workshop experiences?
You are your child’s best mentor during this transformative experience! Resist the urge to pour out your own opinions. Sit back and encourage the learning process. Ask questions, not as an interrogator trying to get them to regurgitate what you want them to say, but as one who respects and believes in that child’s tremendous capacity to embrace truth and choose to live it.
When they really do express their ideas? Validate them. Learn from them. Praise their introspection. And above all? Listen, listen, LISTEN.
This experience is not an exercise in coercion or forced learning. It is an opportunity for a wise parent to encourage a magnificent young person to seek and own true principles. When a person is allowed to freely express their own thoughts and opinions on truth… it becomes theirs. They own it. And personally embraced truth is the single most powerful force in shaping behavior.
If at first you get one-word “grunts” during chats with your child, take heart: they are probably absorbing more than you think they are!
Does the Internal Filter™ Workshop come with a guarantee that my child won’t ever struggle with technology-related problems?
Unfortunately not! Can they choose to make poor choices? Can they choose to set aside the things they have learned? Absolutely. But as parents, it is our opportunity to give them their best shot at good choices by providing inspiring, thorough, unapologetic training.
What is the right age for my child to have a smartphone?
In our experience, caution (not fear!) and organized teaching are crucial. Have you ever met a parent who wished they had granted their child full access to a smartphone earlier?
The organized and thorough approach of the Internal Filter™ Workshop gives you a clearer sense for where a young person stands on issues surrounding tech. Listen closely during your "chats"... what is your child's posture toward the things they are learning? These observations will help guide your decision as to when your child will be ready for full smartphone access. In our experience, later is better in the granting of web-enabled devices.
We are huge fans of the “talk/text phone-first” approach. This can serve as a sensible beginning to the responsibility of owning a communication device. With texting capacities, these phones can give you a peek at just how impactful phone-ownership might be for your child, and gradually ease the young person into browser-enabled smartphone ownership when you see fit. Our favorite first phone: Gabb Wireless. (10% off code: TECHU)
In our own family, a talk/text-only phone ownership came first just before the high school years, with browser-equipped smartphone ownership coming when our children were well into their high school years. Among other things, we feel that this gives the child time to develop a strong sense of identity before social media dictates that identity for them.
If you are thinking about granting full smartphone ownership to your child, here are some things to consider:
How aware is your child of the potential for pornography to endanger future relationships and happiness?
Does your child value face-to-face interaction enough to put tech away and have real interactions with friends or family?
Does your child demonstrate the capacity to function happily most of the time without a phone nearby?
Does he/she have an appreciation for the value of “stillness” and “being present?... enough to make room for it in a tech-saturated world?
The Workshop experience provides exposure to these ideas in appealing and hands-on ways. Experience the Workshop with your child. Get a sense for where your child stands on important matters. Then, trust your gut. You’ve got this!
Module 1: Orientation
A “bird’s eye” view on why our choices with tech matter in the grand scheme of life. Includes ideas on how tech can help or hurt the amazing and infinitely tangible experience of REAL LIFE.
Module 2: Tech is AWESOME!
Tech is good! Includes an introduction to email, wise-web surfing principles, and a tour of fabulous sites for young people on the web.
Module 3: Social Media Savvy
Includes surprising video content on how massive tech companies are vying for our long-term attention, and the alarming effects of excessive social media use on mental health and body image. Strong emphasis on the GOOD that we can do with social media!
Module 4: Taming Gaming
Includes warnings on the time-sapping, brain-numbing effects of excessive gaming, and a forum for honest self-assessment of the young person's own gaming habits.
Module 5: Pornography
Includes excellent content from the “Fight the New Drug” movement on the addictive effects of pornography. Prompts discussions with a parent about real love and healthy sexuality. Includes messages of hope through Jesus Christ for young people already struggling with the effects of pornography consumption.
Module 6: Cell Phones 101
Includes materials on cell phone etiquette, stark warnings about texting while driving, and the trends of sexting and sextortion. Also includes a sample cell phone contract to help parents communicate smartphone ownership expectations.
Module 7: Be Still
Includes materials on the value of stillness and meditation in life, and an invitation for the young person to create their own “Be Still Experience.”
Module 8: Story of My Life
The pinnacle experience of the Internal Filter™ Workshop, during which the young person voice or video-records their most deeply held hopes and dreams for the future regarding their high school experience, marriage, family, career, and who they really want to become. A permanent and potent reminder that today’s choices with tech translate into tomorrow’s reality.
Module 1: Orientation
A “bird’s eye” view on why our choices with tech matter in the grand scheme of life. Includes ideas on how tech can help or hurt the amazing and infinitely tangible experience of REAL LIFE.
Module 2: Tech is AWESOME!
Tech is good! Includes an introduction to email, wise-web surfing principles, and a tour of fabulous sites for young people on the web.
Module 3: Social Media Savvy
Includes surprising video content on how massive tech companies are vying for our long-term attention, and the alarming effects of excessive social media use on mental health and body image. Strong emphasis on the GOOD that we can do with social media!
Module 4: Taming Gaming
Includes warnings on the time-sapping, brain-numbing effects of excessive gaming, and a forum for honest self-assessment of the young person's own gaming habits.
Module 5: Pornography
Includes excellent content from the “Fight the New Drug” movement on the addictive effects of pornography. Prompts discussions with a parent about real love and healthy sexuality. Includes messages of hope through Jesus Christ for young people already struggling with the effects of pornography consumption.
Module 6: Cell Phones 101
Includes materials on cell phone etiquette, stark warnings about texting while driving, and the trends of sexting and sextortion. Also includes a sample cell phone contract to help parents communicate smartphone ownership expectations.
Module 7: Be Still
Includes materials on the value of stillness and meditation in life, and an invitation for the young person to create their own “Be Still Experience.”
Module 8: Story of My Life
The pinnacle experience of the Internal Filter™ Workshop, during which the young person voice or video-records their most deeply held hopes and dreams for the future regarding their high school experience, marriage, family, career, and who they really want to become. A permanent and potent reminder that today’s choices with tech translate into tomorrow’s reality.
