Todd opened the discussion by introducing The Postman Pledge, which he learned about from Season 3, Episode 6 of the Doubletake podcast (“A Digital Revolt”). You can also read it here. The pledge was created by a mother concerned about her teenage daughter’s exposure to social media and smartphone use. She realized that even with strong boundaries at home, her daughter was still at risk because so many of her peers had unrestricted access to digital devices and social media. The pledge became a way for parents to collectively commit to delaying smartphone and social media use for their children, reinforcing the idea that widespread parental cooperation is essential in setting healthy boundaries.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Navigating Digital Distractions & Seeking Connection
   • The dads acknowledged that children today seek validation and connection, often fearing missing out.
   • They reflected on their own childhood equivalents—such as the TV shows or cultural moments everyone engaged in—and how the landscape has changed.
   • They emphasized teaching kids to prioritize “the good, the true, and the beautiful” when engaging with technology.
2. Modeling Good Behavior in a Digital Age
   • The fathers discussed practical ways to lead by example, such as reading physical books in public, keeping phones away from the bedside, and reading scripture in analog format instead of on devices.
   • They considered the idea of allowing their children to hold them accountable for their own digital habits.
3. Creating Healthy Boundaries with Technology & Social Life
   • The discussion explored how ubiquitous digital connection and physical distance have made it harder for kids to develop deep, in-person relationships.
   • Parents agreed that they need to work harder to get their children into physical proximity with others and encouraged conversations among parents in their kids’ friend groups about breaking digital barriers.
   • The Postman Pledge was highlighted as a potential tool to unite parents in delaying or limiting smartphone and social media use for their children.
4. Reclaiming Unstructured Free Time
   • The group noted that kids today often lack unstructured time, as many parents over-schedule them to keep them away from digital distractions.
   • They agreed on the importance of encouraging boredom as a way to foster creativity and problem-solving skills.
   • A key takeaway was that global competitiveness in the future will depend more on creativity and relationships than on rote knowledge or technological ability.

The conversation concluded with a reminder that while parents can guide and model, children must ultimately experience and internalize these lessons for themselves. The group ended with prayer, seeking wisdom and strength to raise their children in a way that honors God.