On the Radar: Talking About War, Teen Boy Eating Disorders and ChatGPT’s ‘Adult Mode’

Experts Say Talking to Your Kids About War Can Help Them Process It

What? There are multiple conflicts going on around the world—in Ukraine, Gaza, Iran, Israel and more. When teens are exposed to these events through news reports and social media, it can lead to feelings of fear, sadness, anger or anxiety.

So What? Experts say that when parents avoid the topic, it can lead to kids feeling “lost, alone and scared,” according to AP News. You may not even know that your child is aware of these events, since many might suppress their emotions about it. Moreover, the lack of conversation about war can lead to teens forming their own conclusions—which may or may not line up with your family’s beliefs and values.

Now What? When talking about these events with your kids, be sure to take their age into consideration so as not to overwhelm them with the complexities of war. Ask them what they know about these conflicts and how it makes them feel. Address your own feelings, too. If your child isn’t ready to talk about the subject, that’s OK, experts say. Remain patient and let them know you’re there for them. In the meantime, limit unnecessary exposure to these topics.

More Teen Boys Are Developing Eating Disorders

What? A 2023 study published by the Hospital for Sick Children in Ontario found a 416% increase in eating-disorder hospitalizations among young men from 2000 to 2019. Experts say that these disorders can start in boys as young as 10, becoming more apparent between the ages of 14 and 16.

So What? One expert told Parents the reason for this uptick could be a lack of strong male role models or positive peer groups, a cultural emphasize on physical traits over character or skills, the normalization of body judgment and social media content focused on diets, exercise and personal appearance.

Now What? If you suspect that your son may have an eating disorder, doctors recommend talking to him directly about your concerns. Asking questions such as “Are you trying to lose weight?” or “Have you ever made yourself throw up to lose weight?” could help your son be more honest. It could also open up the conversation to talk about what God says about taking care of our bodies. And, of course, you should still seek help from a trusted professional.

ChatGPT Delays ‘Adult Mode’ to Tweak Product

What? According to Axios, OpenAI has pledged to create an “adult mode” for ChatGPT that will allow erotica and other adult content on the AI chatbot. The release—which had been scheduled for the first quarter of this year—has been delayed, but once it has been implemented, user ages will be verified before they can access “adult mode.”

So What? Unfortunately, tech-savvy teens will probably find ways to bypass those age-verification features. So that’ll be another headache for parents. But even if your child is 18 or older, you should still be talking to them about this.

Now What? OpenAI claims it wants to “treat adults like adults,” hence the shift. But then it should also be honest about how erotica, AI girlfriends and boyfriends and pornography affect our brains and real-life relationships. Studies show those things don’t help us; they hurt us and those around us. So talk to your grown-up (and almost grown-up) kids about these issues so that they’ll be better equipped to make smart decisions about “adult” chatbots.