The DadPod

20 | No Social Media, No Regrets: A Dad’s Perspective on Raising Older Kids

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0:00 | 48:47

Social media isn’t neutral—platforms are designed to keep attention longer than intended, shaping behavior and mindset 

 “What you scroll feeds your soul” — how daily content consumption impacts values, mood, and identity

 Jon shares real-world experience raising older kids without social media and what that actually looks like 

 The importance of intentional media choices, including conversations around music and platforms like Spotify 

 Why parents need to be willing to be the “bad guy”—and how letting kids blame you can actually protect them socially 

 Navigating peer pressure and comparison culture without relying on social media 

 Setting boundaries around sleepovers, church retreats, and time away from home

 Building a strong community of trusted families and friends to reinforce shared values 

 Teaching kids practical safety strategies, including having code words for uncomfortable or unsafe situations 

 Long-term mindset: making decisions now that your kids may not appreciate today—but will thank you for later