On the Radar: ‘Carrotmaxxing,’ the Thumb Tack Hack and #BootsOnlySummer
As summer approaches, parents should be aware of the potential hazards of “carrotmaxxing,” studding flip-flops with thumb tacks and wearing soccer cleats off the field.
On the Radar: ‘Nonchalant’ Trend, TikTok Meditation and ‘Senior Assassin’
Teens are taking “nonchalance” to new extremes. Will TikTok’s new meditation feature make a difference in screentime? Water gun-based game “senior assassin” might be more dangerous than you think.
‘Mom, I think I have ADHD. I learned about it on TikTok.’
New studies explore why teens are self-diagnosing mental health conditions through TikTok—and why that can be dangerous.
On the Radar: The ‘Chromebook Challenge,’ ‘Jesus Glow’ and Why AI Companions Pose Unacceptable Risks
Kids are short-circuiting Chromebooks for internet fame. What is the obsession with the “Jesus Glow”? And why is Common Sense Media recommending age restrictions on AI companions?
The New Era of Christian Creativity
Christian art isn’t cringey anymore. From music to movies, a creative revival is here—and it’s turning heads in the mainstream.
On the Radar: ‘Six Seven’, ChatGPT Action Figures and the ‘Caveman Method’ vs. ‘Glazed Donut’
What does “six seven” mean? You might regret jumping on the AI-generated action-figure trend. Which skincare trends should teens be avoiding?
On the Radar: Influencer Shark Attacks, Snapchat Lawsuits and ‘Rejection Cakes’
Influencers Increasing Shark Attacks What? Scientists have noted an increase in shark attacks recently. And social media influencers are a likely cause. These “fin-fluencers,” as they’re sometimes called, post pictures and videos of themselves petting the predators, encouraging their followers to do the same. So What? Although most sharks actually aren’t the “bloodthirsty predators” fictionally […]
On the Radar: Minecraft Food Fights, Grok and Divine Feminine Energy
Teens are trashing theaters during screenings of ‘A Minecraft Movie.’ Grok’s new AI personalities pose dangers to teens. Parents should beware “divine feminine energy.”
Dystopian Dramas Are an Interesting Escape … Until They Aren’t
Dystopian dramas are often read/watched because they provide an escape. But what do we do when they induce anxiety and fear instead?
On the Radar: Zepeto Dangers, the Snapchat Half-Swipe and BeReal Ads
Is Zepeto a safe app? How does the “half-swipe” affect teenage Snapchat users? Will ads make BeReal like every other social media platform?