Family Discussion: Big Tech Timeout

The following article is designed to help parents dialogue about a current event with their children. It was written at a 7th grade reading level.

READ

Meta – the company that owns Facebook and Instagram is facing a lawsuit in court. Accusers say Meta is making its apps addictive on purpose (and lying about it), harming youth’s mental health. They also say Meta collects data on kids under 13 without parents’ permission, which is against the law.

Meta said it “strongly disagrees” with the accusations and evidence will show it tries to protect kids.

Earlier this month, Meta lost a similar case in New Mexico. A judge ruled the company failed to warn people about the dangers its apps pose to children. Meta was forced to pay almost $1 billion. This case is an even bigger test. If the company loses, they’ll have to pay between $200 billion and $1.4 trillion. They also might have to change their products. Think: no more likes, no more doomscrolling, and enforcing age restrictions.

Plus, this case is federal. The attorneys general from California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey, and 25 other states are who brought the lawsuit. That means the consequences could affect the whole country, not just one state. The trial is expected to last between six and eight weeks.

As courts discuss the effects of social media, it’s a good time to think about how social media affects our lives, relationships, and heart habits. Whatever tools or tech we use, our goal should be to use them wisely and in ways that grow the fruit of the Spirit.

REFLECT

What do I want to make sure my kids know in light of this story?

Habits shape our hearts. Like eating lots of veggies can train our taste buds to crave carrots over carrot cake, our habits of attention train our hearts toward Christ’s peace… or toward lesser things.

Paul points to this dynamic when he calls believers to “put off” habits that lead to sin and steal our peace (Colossians 3:8) and to “put on” habits that train us to fix our eyes on Christ and experience His love (Colossians 3:12).

Ultimately, the Holy Spirit changes our hearts, but we can build habits that help us catch the Spirit’s wind rather than fight Him.

Ask your kids what they have already heard about this story.

CEOs, lawmakers, and judges end up creating the social media landscape, but teens actually live through it. Before you share your wisdom or talk about guidelines for social media use, pause to ask: “How do you feel about social media in your life?” “How do you see it affecting your friends?” “What do grown-ups get wrong about social media?”

By listening first, you earn credibility to ask the next-level questions: “What would you change about your relationship with social media?” “What do you think would happen if your friends chose to take a break for a week?”

RESPOND

• Try an electronics fast and invite your kids to join you (but do it even if they don’t!). Consider starting with turning off the phone for one hour/day, and one day/week. Chat together about the experience.

• Memorize Colossians 3:12, “Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (CSB).

• Pray for teens navigating life with social media: Prince of Peace, while social media battles are being fought in courtrooms and boardrooms, we pray for those scrolling and strolling through this new world. Where feeds have told people they are less than beloved, reinforce Your love. Where loneliness has increased, build communities of knowing. Where anxiety has grown like a weed, tend the soil so peace can flourish. Amen.

Credit: Decaf (The Pour Over for Families). "Social Media on the Stand." August 20, 2026.