Dr. John shares an important message for parents: If you want to protect your children from developing an addiction to the computer, Internet, smartphone, or other digital influences, you need to have a clear plan of action.

In the previous episode, Dr. John shared how the digital invasion has reduced our capacity to live a "real life" and has robbed us of true meaning, pleasure, and fulfillment. The framework for that conversation came from the book "The Digital Invasion," by Dr. Archibald Hart and Dr. Sylvia Hart Frejd.

This episode will conclude our conversation about digital technology themes found in the book "The Digital Invasion." Parents, today we're going to look at ways you can protect your children from developing an addiction to the computer, Internet, smartphone, or other digital influences, by developing a clear plan of action.

//DID YOU KNOW

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends children ages 2 to 4 should have only one hour a day in front of a screen. Infants should have zero screen time, and those between ages 1 and 2 should rarely be allowed screen time.

//WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT

Dr. John talks about what it means to have a digital protection plan and why it's needed, and he also addresses some of the major fears of parents such as: Age-appropriate content, physical inactivity, addiction, screen time, unbalanced life, socialization, and education.

The World Health Organization isn't the only major organization that has weighed in on overexposure to the digital world. The American Academy of Pediatrics also had a committee address that same issue. Dr. John elaborates on the results of their findings and their advice.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations include: Children ages 0 to 2—no screen time; Children ages 3 to 5—One hour a day; Children ages 6 to 12—No more than 90 minutes per day; and Teenagers 13 to 19—Two hours a day.

The authors of The Digital Invasion lay out a seven-step plan to help parents manage their children's digital usage. Dr. John talks through each step.

STEP ONE, lay a foundation of trust
STEP TWO, stay informed about the digital world
STEP THREE, love enough to set limits on using digital devices
STEP FOUR, protecting your children's social skills
STEP FIVE, set up a digital contract
STEP SIX, keep the internet safe
STEP SEVEN, stay involved in your children's digital lives

//CALL TO ACTION

Download this handy PDF that contains the seven-step plan and also Ten Tough Technology Tips.

Dr. John closes with this passage of Scripture:

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect" (Romans 12:2).