The PYE Download: Dec. 7, 2023

Hello! Every two weeks or so, we share the latest digital news that impacts your family, update you on what the Protect Young Eyes team is up to, and end with a quick note from Chris or Doug.

We hope our research helps you feel informed and confident, and that our work with schools, churches, and non-profits is motivating.

The Latest News:

• 18 Countries agree to make AI "secure by design." This is great but where is "safe by design?" It feels like we are at a critical tipping point where in a short time, the harm to children (deepfakes, etc.) will be significant.
• The Strava running app adds messaging! The popular fitness app already had posts, pictures, and friends - but adding messages brings Strava closer to true social media status. If your child uses this app, please check their messaging settings.
• Discord improves its mobile experience. The Discord app now has enhanced messaging. It's still the app most parents don't know! Read our Discord App Review.
• Fortnite is adding a LEGO world (whoa). This is big. Fortnite is expanding its reach into more kid-friendly experiences, starting Thursday, Dec. 7. The "world" will be rated age 10+ and resemble Minecraft, minus the gunplay. Kids will want this, which feels like a sneaky warm-up to full Fortnite (our full Fortnite review here).
• New Zealand's Prime Minister pledges to create phone-free schools. It's part of his 100-day promise. We'll watch the progress (here's our phone-free framework).
• Senate Judiciary Committee set to grill Tech CEOs. The CEOs of Meta, X, TikTok, Snapchat, and Discord will testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Jan. 31, 2024, regarding child protection failings.
• Grand Theft Auto VI trailer goes viral. 105M+ views in a day and the #1 trending video on YouTube. The game doesn't release until 2025 but fans are going wild. GTA is for mature audiences only (extreme violence, sex, drugs, and crime) but plenty of kids still play it. This video will increase interest in the previous versions.

What PYE is Up To:

Legislation/Policy: I'm speaking at a luncheon for Alabama legislators on January 5 about age-based defaults on devices. I will be advocating in favor of the common-sense idea that every device that knows the age of its user should do certain things. Protection should be automatic. Parents should only have to hunt for exploitation.

Calling all teachers! I'm leading a global project that highlights how students have changed in the classroom, due to technology. If you're a teacher anywhere in the world, and you'd like to learn more, please follow this link and leave me your email.

(Sorry, US only) A special deal for PYE: Gryphon Routers has extended its Black Friday sale for PYE followers! 32% off their routers, the most important digital device in your home! Now is the time, before everyone shows up for the holidays. The deal expires on Saturday, at midnight PST and it's only for US-based PYE followers. Reply if you have router questions!

Upcoming Talks!

(PYE Master Calendar)

• Dec. 7, Tupelo Christian Prep, MS
• Dec. 14, Great Start Collab, MI
• Jan. 9, Cincinnati Hills Christian, OH
• Jan. 10, Bellevue Christian, WA
• Jan. 11, Rockford Christian, MI
• Jan. 13-20, World Economic Forum
• Jan. 15, Most Holy Trinity, MI
• Jan. 17, Lynnhaven UMC, VA
• Jan. 19, Orland Park Church, IL
• Jan. 24, Childrey Baptist, VA
• Jan. 25, Ocean Springs Middle, MS
• Jan. 29, St. Valentine, MI
• Jan. 30, Public USD 237, KS
• Jan. 31, Public USD 385, KS
• ​Email Michele to learn more!

A Note from Chris:

Before working in junior high ministry. Before creating Protect Young Eyes.

I spent 12 years with EY, one of the four largest professional services firms in the world. It was an amazing job!

During the final six years of that career, I spent most of my time helping public companies stay out of trouble with the SEC.

I had a good eye for spotting risk, creating a plan to mitigate it, and finding a better way.

Although I left that job in 2009 for full-time ministry, I still tend to make decisions through the lens of risk. Seeking balance. Trying to find a better way.

To some, I'm too conservative. But that mindset shapes the advice we give at PYE today.

• Not every child who uses TikTok will become hooked. But the risk is too high that they will. A mostly analog childhood is a better way.
• Not every child with an iPhone will look at porn. But the risk is too high that they will. A mostly analog childhood is a better way.
• Not every child who plays Roblox will see creepy places and people. But the risk is too high that they will. A mostly analog childhood is a better way.
• Not every child who uses Snapchat will send a nude photo. But the risk is too high that they will. A mostly analog childhood is a better way.

I'm simply not interested in creating unnecessary childhood risks. Instead, God has given me an insane amount of energy directed toward creating safer digital spaces so children experience their best childhood.

And in my experience, most of the "better" things for children - relationally, emotionally, neurologically, and spiritually - are mostly analog. #delayistheway

Parenting with you,
​Chris & PYE

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