Protect Young Eyes: The Toxic Trio, The Digital Pyramid, and The Parenting Fight of Our Time
The digital world isn’t waiting for our kids to grow up. It’s coming for them now.
In this episode, Josh is joined by Chris McKenna, founder of Protect Young Eyes, to uncover the hidden risks kids face online—and the habits every parent needs to put in place to protect what Chris calls “this one precious childhood.”
Chris’s story is powerful. Trained as a CPA, he thought he’d spend his life in business. Instead, his journey led him from accounting to youth ministry, where he saw first-hand what happened when smartphones landed in the hands of middle schoolers. In 2015, long before most parents realized the dangers, Chris launched Protect Young Eyes to shine light on how devices, apps, and algorithms are reshaping childhood—and what we can do about it.
Together, Josh and Chris dig into:
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How smartphones changed childhood overnight—and why the iPhone 5 marked a cultural turning point.
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The Five Habits of Digital Parenting: modeling, connecting, encouraging work & play, delaying addictive tech, and preventing harm.
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The Pyramid of Protection: five layers every parent must know—relationships, routers, devices, locations, and apps.
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The Toxic Trio: why bedrooms, boredom, and darkness are the perfect storm for temptation and digital harm.
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Why video games can be both a danger and a surprising opportunity for father–child connection.
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How predators, porn, and algorithms exploit curiosity and dopamine—and why most apps are far riskier than they appear.
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Why schools, churches, policies, and parents must all take responsibility in this fight.
Chris also shares practical, step-by-step strategies: how to set up your router to prevent early exposure, how to “test drive” apps with the seven-day rule, and how to model calm connection when—not if—your child makes a digital mistake.
As Josh points out, this is the parenting challenge of our generation. And Chris doesn’t leave dads and moms with fear—he gives them a playbook. His message is clear: we can’t eliminate every risk, but with the right layers, habits, and conversations, we can raise kids who thrive in the digital world without being crushed by it.
👉 Explore more resources, guides, and practical tools at ProtectYoungEyes.com.
👉 Follow Protect Young Eyes on Instagram and Protect Young Eyes on Facebook for ongoing updates and tips.
Because our kids only get one childhood. It’s worth protecting.
Chris McKenna
Chris McKenna is the founder of Protect Young Eyes, a leading voice in digital safety and one of the nation’s most trusted advocates for protecting kids online.
A former CPA turned youth pastor, Chris saw first-hand the impact smartphones and unfiltered internet access were having on children and families. In 2015, he launched Protect Young Eyes to give parents, schools, and faith communities a clear playbook for navigating the digital age.
Through his engaging presentations, Chris has equipped hundreds of thousands of parents, educators, and students with practical tools to create safer digital environments. His organization provides step-by-step device guides, digital safety frameworks, and advocacy resources used by families and institutions across the U.S. and internationally.
Chris is a husband, father of four, and a passionate believer that every child deserves to experience “this one precious childhood” free from digital harm. His work has been featured by The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and major national media outlets.
