Our world is facing a new addiction: Social Media. The surgeon general warns that too much social media can be harmful to the health of children and teens. According to a survey done by Civic Science, nearly 60% of us support putting a warning label on social media platforms to alert users to the potential dangers of mental health. While good content is always available online, today, children and youth face a high risk of exposure to harmful content. American youth crave contact and spend more than three hours every day on social media. This poses a threat for disrupted sleep, depression, anxiety and other disorders, plus online bullying. Nearly 1 in 5 kids have experienced cyber bullying which can lead to suicide among other risk factors. 92% of parents think social media and the internet is having a negative impact on children.
Here are some stats: It’s estimated 210 million people suffer from internet and social media addiction across our planet. 52% of students said social media made them feel less confident about how they look or how their life lacks interest. Symptoms of loneliness and depression can be significantly reduced by eliminating or drastically limiting the amount of time spent with social media and then choosing positive entertainment.
The internet and social media is rewiring the brains of our children and creating an anxious generation that’s causing an epidemic of mental illness and addiction. The question is: Are we interested in guarding the mental and emotional health of our children? If so, there are ways to combat the current dilemma. One way is to encourage children and teens to listen to LifeTalk Kids. The focus of our programming is not only quality entertainment but also excellent education and encouragement for building strong moral characters. Kids grow better with radio! LifeTalk is nurturing positive mental health globally.
What is attracting your children or grandchildren? Who are the influencers in their lives? Today’s kids are bombarded with content, images and videos that promote evil. Why not help kids choose a better way by spending time with LifeTalk Kids? When kids listen to the positive programs we broadcast, they will become positive. Help your kids avoid the worthless idols of this world and keep them from becoming worthless! Help your children choose Jesus as their number one influencer. Teach them this prayer, “Keep me from paying attention to what is worthless.” Psalm 119:37 GNT
The threat posed by the internet, gaming and social media is very real. This global and national epidemic has caused the surgeon general to recommend adding a warning label, just like is found on packs of cigarettes. You may be asking, “How can I help?” October 10 is the annual World Mental Health Day. Why not commit to participating in the following ways:
1. Encourage children in your family and neighborhood to listen to LifeTalk Kids. You’ll find a large variety of awesome programs and thrilling audio dramas. Check them out at: lifetalkkids.net/programs. And visit the kids program schedule for your time zone at: lifetalkkids.net/program-schedule. Download our free app at: lifetalk.net/connect
2. Use our FREE sharing cards and stickers to make your community aware of LifeTalk Kids. It’s easy to hand out a small sharing card. We have some designed especially for kids and teens. Order a supply of sharing cards by calling: 1-800-775-4673 or visit: lifetalkkids.net/sharing-cards
3. Continue to support LifeTalk monthly to help us provide positive programming for kids and thus protect our children and foster better future generations. Your gifts help LifeTalk expand to reach a wider audience. To give, please call 1-800-775-4673 or donate online at: lifetalk.net/donate
4. Pray! Prayer can make a difference. We encourage you to pray for the children and teens in your community. The darkness and evil of the internet has an insidious way to reach into every home, every family, every bedroom, and every mind. The battle is real. “For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12 NLT. If you have a prayer request, please let us know. We want to pray for you. Share your prayer requests online at: lifetalk.net/prayer. Or call our prayer hotline: 1-800-775-HOPE (4673).
The goal of LifeTalk Radio is to connect people with Christ. The uplifting music and encouraging programs we broadcast are designed to lift souls above the destructive realms of this world. Thank you for helping to make this radio ministry possible. Your continued prayer and support are making a difference in lives around the world.
