The Tech-Ready Family (with Chris McKenna)

AI isn’t just helping your kids with homework - it’s shaping who they trust, how they think, and what they feel. In this eye-opening conversation, Dr Justin Coulson sits down with Chris McKenna from Protect Young Eyes to unpack what most parents are missing about screens, social media, and the explosive rise of AI. This isn’t about screen time. It’s about attachment, influence, and a digital world that’s moving faster than families can keep up. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, outpaced, or unsure what actually matters anymore - this episode will change how you parent in a tech-saturated world. KEY POINTS Why focusing on “screen time” is distracting parents from bigger risks The hidden shift from attention to emotional attachment in AI How chatbots are designed to pull kids back in - and keep them there Why government restrictions aren’t enough to keep kids safe The real reason screen battles keep happening at home The two strategies every parent must balance: relational vs technical How building “digital trust” reduces conflict and increases influence Why modelling your own tech habits matters more than rules QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “Social media came for their attention. AI is coming for their affection.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Protect Young Eyes Five Habits of a Tech-Ready Family by Chris McKenna Jonathan Haidt’s After Babel blog ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Shift your focus from screen time to what your child is experiencing and who they’re connecting with Start proactive conversations about AI - don’t wait until there’s a problem Build digital trust through regular, calm, curiosity-led chats Reduce unnecessary devices and access points in your home Clearly define boundaries - and the path to earning more freedom Model healthy tech use consistently (they’re watching more than listening) Balance technical controls (filters, limits) with relational connection See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.